Finding the person’s Finding the person’s voicevoice

Some important principlesSome important principles

1.1. It is their voice that counts, not yoursIt is their voice that counts, not yours

2.2. Everybody can say things, with or Everybody can say things, with or without wordswithout words

3.3. What is important What is important toto someone may be someone may be different from what is important different from what is important for for themthem

Tools for finding the person’s Tools for finding the person’s voicevoice

Autonomousdecision-making

Supported decision-making

Substitute decision-making

Person makes choices themselves

Person is involved but has help to make choices

Others make choice for the person

Decision making triangleDecision making triangle

Should always be heading this way

Important Important toto::

Dreams, desiresDreams, desires

Hobbies, activitiesHobbies, activities

Friends, familyFriends, family

What makes me happyWhat makes me happy

Possessions I treasurePossessions I treasure

Important Important to to and importantand important for for

Important Important forfor::

Things that keep me safeThings that keep me safe

Things that keep me healthyThings that keep me healthy

Support I need to do thingsSupport I need to do things

We need a balance between what is important for and what is important to us.

Advocates need to check that things are happening in partner’s life because they reflect what is important to them not just for them.

Total communicationTotal communication

Use all of the senses – Touch, familiar smell etc.Sign language/ makatonPictures and symbols, colours, photosWritten wordEye contactFacial expressionsBody languageBehaviours/actionsMulti mediaObjects of referenceTone/volume/cadence

1.1. Must have confidence to take a risk and use Must have confidence to take a risk and use an unconventional form of communication.an unconventional form of communication.

2.2. Avoid questions that need only yes/no Avoid questions that need only yes/no answers or have a built in answeranswers or have a built in answer

3.3. Use open questionsUse open questions

4.4. Don’t pretend to understand if you don’tDon’t pretend to understand if you don’t

Relationship circleRelationship circle

Marymum

Jon-Support worker

Nan

Julie

Doctor