Communication and Connection Poster Series
These posters support inclusive communication, dignity, and connection for people who communicate in many different ways. They are designed for classrooms, therapy spaces, and homes to help create environments where every voice can be heard.
Bill of Rights
Jump to posterPartner Responsibilities
Jump to posterPresume Competence
Jump to posterHow to Use These Posters
Print them, share them, and display them anywhere communication happens. These posters are designed to be conversation starters that help build understanding and connection.
Which Right Is This?
Read each scenario and tap the communication right you think is being affected. This isn't a test, it's a way to build awareness.
"During an IEP meeting, everyone discusses the student's goals without ever asking the student what they think or want."
Which right is being missed?
"A teacher takes away a child's AAC device during lunch because 'they should be socializing, not playing with their tablet.'"
Which right is being missed?
"A parent finishes their child's sentences every time, and answers questions directed at the child before the child has a chance to respond."
Which right is being missed?
"A child uses a picture board to say they're upset, but the aide says 'you're fine' and redirects them to an activity."
Which right is being missed?
"A student who uses sign language is told to 'just try to talk' instead of being allowed to sign during class."
Which right is being missed?
Beautifully done.
Every right you recognized is one more voice you'll protect.
Communication Is a Human Right
A Communication Bill of Rights for Every Voice
Inspired by the Communication Bill of Rights developed by the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities.
Every person deserves the opportunity to communicate.
People express themselves in many different ways. Communication may happen through speech, gestures, writing, sign language, symbols, eye gaze, communication boards, or assistive communication devices.
All forms of communication are valid.
When we presume competence, listen with patience, and support communication tools, we create environments where every voice can be heard.
I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect when I communicate.
Speaking directly to me, not over me. Using my name. Waiting for my response instead of finishing my sentence.
Tap to learn moreI have the right to be listened to and responded to.
Making eye contact, pausing to hear my full message, and responding to what I said — not just moving on.
Tap to learn moreI have the right to use the communication methods that work best for me.
Whether I use sign language, a picture board, an AAC device, gestures, or typing — my method is valid.
Tap to learn moreI have the right to access my communication tools whenever I need them.
My AAC device stays with me at lunch, recess, and assemblies — not locked in a closet or left in the classroom.
Tap to learn moreI have the right to take the time I need to communicate.
Waiting 10 full seconds after asking a question before prompting again. My processing time is not silence — it's thinking.
Tap to learn moreI have the right to express my feelings, ideas, and opinions.
Including disagreement, frustration, and joy — not just the feelings others are comfortable hearing.
Tap to learn moreI have the right to ask questions and receive answers I can understand.
Explanations given in ways I can process — with visuals, simplified language, or repeated as many times as I need.
Tap to learn moreI have the right to say yes, say no, and make choices about my own life.
Being offered real choices — not just compliance. "Do you want the red or blue?" is a choice. "Do it now" is not.
Tap to learn moreI have the right to be included in conversations that affect me.
IEP meetings, family discussions, medical appointments — decisions about my life should include my voice.
Tap to learn moreI have the right to be supported as I grow and develop as a communicator.
Learning new vocabulary, trying new tools, making mistakes — communication is a skill that grows with practice and patience.
Tap to learn moreWhen communication is supported with patience, curiosity, and respect, every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
And when people feel heard, connection and understanding can grow.
Supporting communication, connection, and nervous system safety for every learner.
Created by Rooted Minds · rootedmindsproject.org
Every person deserves the right to communicate in the ways that work for them. This resource can be shared with classrooms, families, and communities to support inclusive communication and ensure that every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
Supporting Communication
A companion poster about the role communication partners play in creating supportive, inclusive environments.
Supporting Communication
Communication Partner Responsibilities
How we can support every voice to be heard
Communication is a shared experience.
When someone communicates using speech, gestures, symbols, writing, sign language, or assistive communication devices, the people around them play an important role in supporting that communication.
By creating supportive environments and responding with patience and curiosity, we help ensure that every person has the opportunity to express themselves and be understood.
Listen with patience and attention.
Put down your phone. Face the person. Let them finish before you respond — even if it takes longer than expected.
Tap to learn morePresume that every person has meaningful thoughts to share.
Talk to them, not about them. Ask their opinion. Assume understanding even when expression is still developing.
Tap to learn moreRespect all forms of communication, including gestures, AAC devices, symbols, and emerging communication.
A child pointing at a picture is communicating just as meaningfully as a child using words. Honor both equally.
Tap to learn moreAllow time for communication without rushing or interrupting.
Count to 10 silently after asking. Resist the urge to rephrase, answer for them, or move on too quickly.
Tap to learn moreRespond to communication attempts, even when they are not yet clear.
"I can see you're trying to tell me something. Let me help you show me." Every attempt deserves acknowledgment.
Tap to learn moreEnsure communication tools and supports are available.
Charge the device. Keep the picture board accessible. Make sure tools travel with the person — not stored away.
Tap to learn moreInclude individuals in conversations that affect them.
At IEP meetings, doctor visits, and family discussions — direct questions to them, not just the adults in the room.
Tap to learn moreOffer choices and opportunities for self expression.
Present options visually. Let them choose activities, foods, and preferences — autonomy builds communication confidence.
Tap to learn moreSupport communication growth and learning.
Model new vocabulary on their device. Celebrate small wins. Growth happens in safe, supported environments.
Tap to learn moreCreate environments where communication feels safe and valued.
No rushing, no shaming, no ignoring. A space where every attempt to communicate is met with warmth.
Tap to learn moreWhen communication partners listen with curiosity, patience, and respect, communication becomes more accessible for everyone.
Supporting communication helps build connection, confidence, and belonging.
Supporting communication, connection, and nervous system safety for every learner.
Created by Rooted Minds · rootedmindsproject.org
Presume Competence
A third poster in the set, honoring the belief that every mind is capable of learning, communicating, and growing.
Presume Competence
Every mind is capable of learning, communicating, and growing.
Presuming competence means believing that every person has thoughts, ideas, and experiences worth sharing.
Some individuals communicate in ways that may be unfamiliar or emerging, but this does not mean their understanding or potential is limited.
When we presume competence, we create environments where people are supported to learn, express themselves, and participate fully in their communities.
Believe that every person has meaningful thoughts and ideas.
Even when someone can't speak yet, they are thinking, feeling, and understanding more than we may realize.
Tap to learn moreRecognize that communication can take many forms.
A look, a gesture, a vocalization, a behavior — all of these are communication. Look for meaning everywhere.
Tap to learn moreProvide opportunities for learning and participation.
Include them in the lesson, the game, the conversation. Don't wait for "readiness" — create it through access.
Tap to learn moreOffer support without limiting expectations.
Scaffold, don't simplify. Help them reach the goal — don't lower the goal because you assume they can't.
Tap to learn moreListen with curiosity and patience.
Ask "what are you trying to tell me?" instead of deciding for them. Curiosity keeps the door open.
Tap to learn moreAllow time for communication and response.
Silence after a question isn't failure — it's processing. Wait. The answer may come in a way you didn't expect.
Tap to learn moreEncourage expression in all forms.
Celebrate the pointing, the drawing, the typing, the signing. Every form of expression is worth amplifying.
Tap to learn moreValue effort and progress.
Celebrate the attempt, not just the outcome. "You worked so hard to tell me that" matters more than perfection.
Tap to learn moreCreate environments where individuals feel safe to try.
No wrong answers. No public correction. A space where mistakes are part of learning, not sources of shame.
Tap to learn moreFocus on strengths and potential.
Start with what they can do. Build from there. Strengths are the foundation — not the deficits.
Tap to learn moreWhen we presume competence, we open the door for communication, learning, and connection.
Every person deserves the opportunity to grow, express themselves, and be understood.
Supporting communication, connection, and nervous system safety for every learner.
Created by Rooted Minds · rootedmindsproject.org