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Communicating in an Emergency: Communication Passport
What is a communication passport? 
A communication passport is information that an AAC user wants to share about
him or herself with a person who does not know them. The passport gives
the person some information about the AAC user, how the AAC user communicates
and what to do in cases of emergency.
Why are communication passports useful
for AAC users?
Participants in the Reducing the Risk Project, told us that they had challenges communicating with people they do not know in the community.
In cases of emergency, AAC users may be around unfamiliar people and it is important to be able to tell someone how he/she communicates and what that person can do to assist.
Where do you keep a communication passport?
Communication passports can be made on cards, or as brochures. They can
be kept in a wallet or purse, in a communication display or folded and
held in a pocket on the side of a device. Passports should be communicationized
and easy to read.
It is important that the AAC user is able to direct the person either
by pointing or looking towards the passport.
What information should be put on a communication passport?
Communication passports contain information that an AAC user wants to
provide to people in order to make communication easier.
A communication passport might contain:
- Biographical Information
- How the person communicates
- Important things to know about communicating with the passport holder
- Instructions for providing assistance on most frequent requests.
- What to do when there is a problem with a wheelchair and / or communication
device
- Transportation and Appointment plans
- Essential and frequently requested health information (for clinic
visits). Due to the confidential nature of this information it should
be kept on a separate card.
For security reasons passports should not contain any security
information that could potentially be used to exploit the AAC user.
Samples
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