No Travel Required: Using a Communication Passport to Ease Interactions

By Natsumi Asanuma, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist, Susan Mast ALS Foundation

Much like how a passport identifies key information about travelers across borders, a communication passport can be a great tool for sharing information about your unique communication needs to others. Learn what a communication passport is, what to include, and free templates for making your own. 

What is a communication passport? 
A communication passport is a quick way for someone with a complex communication needs to share their needs and preferences for how to best communicate. Many people with ALS (pALS) experience communication challenges, ranging from fatigue and weak voice/speech when tired to utilizing a communication device or system to replace speech. A communication passport takes the burden off of the pALS to explain their best communication methods to new communication partners and can hold commonly needed information that is often repeated. The communication passport can be an actual notebook or pamphlet, a digital note, a business card, or signs posted on your communication device, living area, or wheelchair, and should be easily accessible to share with others. 

What to include in a communication passport 
Your communication passport should reflect who you are and what your needs are at this time, and should be updated as needed. It can be written in a straightforward style or can incorporate humor. The following are some examples of things you may choose to include: 

• Personal information: The basics such as name, birth date, contact information 
• ​Emergency information: Emergency contacts, allergies, medical diagnoses, hospital and doctor contacts, clinic information 
• People: Names, contact information and relationship to family members, friends, and/or other important people. 
• ​About ALS: A brief explanation of ALS and how it affects your communication. It may be helpful to include a statement about how ALS does not affect your hearing or understanding, even if speech is reduced. The ALS Association’s Medical Information Packet has good information included in it.  
• Communication:  
  • Your best method for communication: Examples may include speech, communication boards, communication device (you can describe further, e.g. “I use a computer controlled with my eyes to speak”), writing, or with my caregiver (specify the person). You may also want to include information on how to set up your communication system (e.g. “Please make sure I have access to my notebook and pen when talking” or “Please make sure my iPad is switched on and on my lap”). 
  • ​Yes/No Signals: How do you signal yes or no? 
  • Communication preferences & tips: What do you need your communication partner to understand about communicating with you? Examples may include, “Please give me extra time to type my message,” “Let’s talk in a quiet area,” “I will let you know I’m getting tired by...” or “Please include ___ in all important discussions.” The Boston Children’s Hospital ALS Program has a great list of communication partner tips compiled from feedback from pALS.  
  • Basic communication boards: Including an alphabet board or other quick access tools. The Boston Children’s Hospital ALS program has a great free download here. 
• Make it personal: Include information about you. What are your likes/dislikes? What do you like to talk about? Including information about favorite sports, memories, movies/TV, books, and interests can help others to get to know you. 

Examples of Communication Passports 
Communication passports are used by people with complex communication needs arising from any diagnosis or age range. The following are some examples online of communication passports, but note that they are not all specific to ALS: 

• The ALS Association: 
  • Medical Information Tools: A compilation of free downloads and digital apps. You can also request printed copies from ALSA. 
  • Medical Information Packet: This tool goes beyond communication and provides places to organize your medical information. 
• The University of Edinburgh Powerpoint Template: A free downloadable template for an adult communication passport. 
• Inclusion Communication Essex Communication Passport Templates: Free downloadable templates in Word format 

Conclusion 
A communication passport should be a “living document” that is edited to adapt to your current needs to ease the burden of repeating commonly shared information about how to best communicate with you. It is flexible in size and scope, so you may choose to start with jotting down a few key points to share with others and build the passport from there. Consider recruiting a family member or friend to work on this together, and talk to your speech language pathologist for further information about communication supports such as these. Find out more about communication support for West Michigan ALS families through the Jim’s Voice Program. 


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