CommunicationFIRST Hospital Toolkit

For People with Communication Disabilities in the Hospital

CommunicationFIRST is a wonderful nonprofit organization that supports people who cannot rely on speech. They created a hospital communication toolkit during COVID-19. It is still useful today.

This toolkit helps:

• People with aphasia or other communication disabilities
• Family members and caregivers
• Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff

It includes:

• A short form to explain the person’s communication needs
• Tips for medical staff on how to communicate clearly
• A medical rights card
• Printable tools with pictures and words

You can:

• Fill out and print the form before a hospital visit
• Bring it in case of an emergency; put it in your emergency binder
• Use it to help doctors understand how best to support the person with aphasia