Communication Boards: a video series with Becca

Getting started with Communication Boards

Communication Boards come in all shapes, sizes, and styles – whether big or small, detailed or simplified, colourful or neutral. Some are designed for quick, everyday interactions, while others offer a broader vocabulary for more complex communication.

They can be tailored for different settings, from classrooms and therapy sessions to home and community use. No matter their design, the goal remains the same: to make communication easier, more accessible, and more inclusive for everyone.

In this first video, Becca introduces Communication Boards, explaining what they are and how they can support different communication needs. Keep sliding to watch more.

Create your own Communication Board in Widgit Online

This video walks you through two ways to create a Communication Board in Widgit Online. You can use the Communication Board ready-made template for a quick, structured design or build one from scratch with the Custom Flashcards template.

Each option provides flexibility to create a board that fits different communication needs.

This is a quick preview, but you can watch the full HD video here. Keep sliding to find out Becca's top tips when designing Communication Boards.

Designing Communication Boards

A Communication Board works best when it feels personal and engaging – something users are excited to interact with rather than simply required to use. The design can significantly impact how motivating and enjoyable communication feels, whether through the activities included or how choices are presented.

In this video, Becca offers practical advice on how to personalise Communication Boards to make them genuinely engaging for users. Check out the next video to see how you can create a personalised board using Widgit Online's features.

Create a personalised Communication Board in Widgit Online

Widgit Online's features allow you to create boards that reflect personal interests, preferences, and the unique communication needs of every user.

Learn how to add your own photos, match symbol colours to real-world objects, and make use of the Web Image Library.

If you want a more detailed look, we also have a high-resolution video available to watch.

Vocabulary on Communication Boards

When creating Communication Boards, the vocabulary you choose plays a key role in how effective and engaging the board is. Becca shares helpful tips on selecting the right words to make your boards more interactive and easier to use.

Core vocabulary includes simple, everyday words like "want," "go," or "help," which can be used in a variety of situations.

Fringe vocabulary consists of more specific words, such as "apple" or "orange," tied to particular topics or scenarios.

Becca also demonstrates how balancing these types of vocabulary can enhance Communication Boards and make them more engaging for the user.

Communication tools: single cards or boards?

Communication tools can be adapted in many ways to meet the unique needs of each individual user. Let's take a closer look at two specific formats – single communication cards and boards – and how each can support different communication goals:

Single communication cards are ideal for quick responses, helping individuals express feelings or needs with individual symbols.

Communication Boards provide a structured framework, making it easier to model sentences and support language development over time.

Ultimately, the most effective communication tool is the one that best aligns with the user's individual needs, preferences, and goals.

Using a Communication Board – 'bubble time' activity

We’ve talked a lot about how Communication Boards support interaction – now let’s see it in action.

In this Bubble Time activity, Becca and Sue (playing the child’s role) demonstrate how engagement develops naturally. At first, Sue doesn’t interact much, but as Becca models the words and makes the activity fun, Sue gradually starts to respond.

Keep sliding for another great example.

Using a Communication Board – ordering a drink

This video, filmed at Evergreen School’s Book Café, shows the school’s Speech and Language Therapist supporting a student as he practises ordering a drink using the Communication Board. You’ll see Becca’s tips in action – consistent modelling, board interaction, and sensory engagement, like encouraging the student to smell his chosen drink.