​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​There are a few things you can do to​ make it easier to communicate with healthcare providers.​​​​

• Carry a communication access card (see Figure 1) to show to the receptionist or healthcare provider. You can ask them to make a copy and keep it in your file.
• Get vocabulary ready in your device or on a communication display if you have time to plan your hospital visit. Your speech-language pathologist (SLP) or alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) clinician can help you with this.
• Bring a communication assistant with you if you think you might need assistance. Think about who you want to have with you and when If needed, ask your healthca​re provider to find someone to assist you.

​​	I understand everything you are saying and I make my own decisions. I use a letter board to spell out what I want to say. ​
Accessibility includes communication. Here are some things you can do so that we can communicate when I am using your services.   Thank you ​	​Here is how you can help: Make sure I have my letter board at all times when we are communicating. It’s OK to ask me Yes and No questions but also ask me if I want to compose my own messages on my board. Read my instructions on what to do when I use my communication board. Make sure I can reach and use the call bell before you leave my bedside.

Figure 1: Sample Communication Acc​ess Card

Credits: Adapted from Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC)​