Communication Checklist

Written communication

• Is text colour contrasted with background
• Is typeface sans serif
• Is text large enough for most people to see (Are community languages in large print)
• Is layout clear and easy to follow – avoiding columns and box inserts – (although some people with dyslexia prefer columns)
• Do the graphics help to explain what it is about
• Is the title/subject easy to gauge/understand
• Is there an audio tape version
• Is there a signed video version
• Is there a large print version
• Is it in the present tense
• Are there any unnecessary adverbs or adjectives
• Are there any acronyms, are they explained
• Is there any jargon/in-house language which could be avoided
• Is there a named or titled person to contact, and a variety of ways to contact him/her

Verbal Communication

• Are you aware of how and where to get a sign language interpreter
• Ensure you look at people when talking to them
• Try speaking as clearly as possible
• Keep your hands away from your lips when speaking
• Ensure you are easy to understand (Plain English)
• Explain things until person understands
• Offer to help
• Being friendly aids communication
• If a person has a problem, can you offer alternatives

Signage

• Is it easy to notice
• Is signage logically placed and used
• Is signage unified
• Do the signs make sense to a stranger
• Have you considered the height, typeface and use of pictures
• Have you also considered colour contrasting, colour coding, tactile/Braille information