Understanding and addressing the communication needs of individuals with aphasia is essential. The Stroke Association’s Accessible Information Guidelines offers practical tools and strategies to create clear, effective communication materials tailored for people affected by aphasia—a condition that impairs speech, reading, and writing, often following a stroke.
The guidelines centre on five key steps to improve communication. These include crafting short messages, using clear and concise sentences, choosing everyday words, ensuring a user-friendly layout with ample white space and simple borders, and organising messages into consistent, manageable sets.
Design and layout are crucial aspects of accessibility. Recommendations include using sans serif fonts like Arial in sizes between 14 and 18 points, incorporating meaningful and adult-appropriate images that match the text, and applying colour effectively to emphasise headings and provide organisational clarity.
The guidelines have broad applications, from adapting medical information and service details to improving personal communication. Practical advice on using tools like Microsoft Word ensures that anyone can create materials that are accessible and effective.
This guide empowers healthcare professionals, caregivers, and others working with people with aphasia to produce resources that enhance understanding and independence. By following these principles, we can support better communication and a higher quality of care for individuals living with aphasia.
For more details, visit the Stroke Association at stroke.org.uk or call their helpline at 0303 3033 100.