Communicating without speaking
Everyday, we all use images, symbols, objects and pictures to communicate without speaking. For some people, images, symbols, objects or pictures are their main way to communicate. They may use them with speaking or instead of speaking.
Some people ‘speak’ with their hands! Sign language is often used by people who are hard of hearing or deaf.
In Australia, the sign language of the Deaf community is called Auslan. Another form of sign communication used in Australia is Key Word Sign. This involves speaking and using an Auslan hand sign for the key meaningful words.
Writing is another way to communicate without speaking. For some people, written words are easier to use and understand than spoken words.
Another way to communicate without speaking is body language: gestures, facial expressions, touch, body posture, behaviours, eye gaze, or how physically close to a person we are.
For people with limited speech, body language can be even more important.
Meet some people who communicate with an aid or support instead of speaking or with speaking.