Supporting Communication
Every person communicates in their own way and helping them express themselves and connect with others is a key part of everyday life. These OCALI resources are designed to give families simple, practical tools to support communication that works for their loved one - whether it’s through words, gestures, pictures, or other methods - across home, school, and community settings.
Here, you will find ideas to:
- Use different methods of communication, helping loved ones share thoughts, feelings, and needs in ways that make sense to them.
- Share strategies with family, friends, and educational teams, creating consistent support wherever your loved one goes.
- Notice and observe, taking a moment to understand what is being communicated and how best to respond.
- Support processing and understanding, helping loved ones feel confident and independent in everyday routines.
Many of these resources are part of larger collections, but this page offers a starting point for communication supports. Resources will be added as they become available, giving families ongoing ideas to help their loved ones connect, express themselves, and thrive.
Click on any resource below to get started.
Looking to explore additional topics? Navigate back to the Family Resource Hub.