Printable Communication cards for non-verbal

204 printable communication cards · Everyday, school, sensory, health, safety & hospital support · Blank template included · A4 PDF

A comprehensive communication set for times when speaking is difficult, unavailable or not the person's preferred way to communicate.

These 204 printable communication cards give children, teens and adults practical words and phrases they can point to, show or use alongside other forms of communication. The expanded set covers everyday needs, emotions, school, sensory needs, health, safety and emergency requests, hospital care and more.

Use only the cards that are relevant to the individual and setting. They can be kept as individual cards, organised into a communication board or attached to a keyring or lanyard for portable access.

• ✓ 204 ready-to-print communication cards
• ✓ Broad coverage for everyday life, school, healthcare & support settings
• ✓ Includes sensory, safety and emergency communication
• ✓ Suitable for children, teens and adults
• ✓ Blank template for personalised words or messages
• ✓ Instant A4 PDF download

What the cards cover

Everyday needs & choices
Examples include yes, no, help, bathroom, hungry, thirsty, tired, I need a break, I need extra time, I want to go home and I need a moment.

Feelings & emotions
Includes ways to communicate feeling happy, sad, upset, excited, worried, frustrated, lonely, overwhelmed, anxious, angry and more.

Sensory needs & personal space
Examples include it's too loud, it's too bright, I need it to be quiet, I need my headphones, I need my fidget toy, I need space, I need to be alone and don't touch me.

School & learning
Includes practical school requests such as needing a pencil, pen, paper, glue, scissors, sharpener or eraser, as well as homework-related phrases and requests for help.

Health & medication
Includes cards for pain, headache, tummy ache, dizziness, fever, feeling unwell, medication and prescriptions, alongside phrases that can help someone communicate relevant health information.

Safety & emergency communication
Includes important phrases such as I don't feel safe, I feel safe, stop, call an ambulance, call the police, I need to leave and requests to see a doctor or nurse.

Hospital & care needs
Includes requests relating to bed position, water, blankets, curtains, the nurse call button, toileting, washing and changing, medication, sitting up and other practical care needs.

Everyday activities & social communication
Includes greetings, asking someone to speak slowly, making calls, listening to music, drawing, painting, reading, watching TV, going outside, walking, bathing, showering and other everyday activities.

Who may find them useful

These are flexible communication supports rather than a resource for one diagnosis. They may be useful for people who are non-speaking, communicate differently, experience selective mutism or anxiety around speaking, are autistic or otherwise neurodivergent, are recovering from illness or stroke, are in hospital, or temporarily find speech difficult.

Communication can include pointing, showing a card, writing, typing, gestures, AAC and speech. There is no requirement to progress towards spoken communication.

What's included

• 204 printable communication cards
• 1 blank template sheet for creating personalised cards
• A4 digital PDF

Create a portable communication set

1. Download the PDF and print the pages you need.
2. Cut out the selected cards.
3. Laminate them if you want them to be more durable.
4. Hole-punch selected cards and attach them to a keyring or lanyard, or use them individually or as part of a communication board.

There is no need to use all 204 cards at once. A smaller personalised selection can make it easier for someone to find the message they need.

Digital product details

• Digital download only — no physical item will be posted
• A4 PDF format
• Print at home, school, work or through a professional printing service
• Colours may vary slightly between screens and printed results

Please note

These cards are educational and supportive communication resources. They are not intended as medical advice and do not replace individual medical, speech and language, occupational therapy or other professional advice. Communication needs vary from person to person, so adapt the selection and use of the cards to the individual.