A useful assessment gives the person a way to explain their own experience. Communication support should be discussed before the appointment wherever possible.
Everyone deserves time to be heard. Planning communication support can make an important conversation feel less daunting.
Understand the question
Someone who communicates slowly may still have clear preferences. Ask how the assessment will avoid speaking over them and how choices will be recorded accurately.
Make it practical
Note how the person expresses a choice, understands information and shows when something is uncomfortable. Include useful practical details such as a preferred name, hearing or visual aids, language and time needed to respond. Ask how those preferences would be made available to the relevant team.
Your checklist
- Ask what format of information helps
- Mention hearing, vision or language needs
- Allow time for answers
- Identify a familiar supporter if the person wants one
What to do next
Confirm how communication preferences would be passed to the wider team. If a specialist or interpreter is needed, ask who will arrange that support and what can be agreed.
Make a short note of the answer you need, who will help and anything to confirm before you make plans. You can bring that question to a conversation with the team.