How to communicate with a volunteer with a learning disability
Our volunteers are all unique and like to communicate in different ways.
Some suggestions on ways that can be particularly helpful for volunteers are:
Makaton
Makaton is a type of sign language which is often used by adults with learning disabilities to communicate.
Makaton uses signs alongside spoken language and sometimes pictures. It can be used as a main method of communication or to support speech.
Pictures
Pictures can be used to explain a whole range of concepts.
Using pictures on instructions, role descriptions or enrolment forms can provide an alternative explanation of the points you are aiming to get across.
They are also beneficial for volunteers who have difficulty reading.
Easy Read
Easy Read is a version of a document that is easier for someone with a learning disability to understand.
To achieve this, simple words in short sentences are used alongside pictures to help explain the words.
For more information see: How to produce an Easy Read document (add link).
Talking
Verbally explaining instructions can be beneficial for volunteers with learning disabilities.
You can ask them questions to check their understanding. Do not be afraid to try explaining things in a few different ways to help get your point across.
Ask the volunteer
A mixture of communication and resources is often good.
The best thing you can do is to ask the volunteer or their support network which way is best for the volunteer.
Positive language
It is also important to use positive language. This helps your volunteer to feel more positive about themselves.
For example, asking ‘would you like support with that?‘ is better than ‘you are doing that wrong, do you need help?‘.
Volunteering should be about improving confidence and being included in the community.
Asking the volunteer if they would like support is not a good or a bad thing. Sometimes it is needed to ensure the volunteer can contribute fully.
