Transcript Finding-the-persons-voice-Handout

Finding the person’s voice
Some important principles
1. It is their voice that counts, not yours
2. Everybody can say things, with or
without words
3. What is important to someone may be
different from what is important for them
Tools for finding the person’s
voice
Decision making triangle
Person makes choices
themselves
Should always be
heading this way
Autonomous
decision-making
Supported
decision-making
Substitute decision-making
Person is involved
but has help to
make choices
Others
make choice
for the
person
Important to and important for
Important to:
Dreams, desires
Hobbies, activities
Friends, family
What makes me happy
Possessions I treasure
Important for:
Things that keep me safe
Things that keep me healthy
Support 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 communication
Use all of the senses – Touch, familiar smell etc.
Sign language/ makaton
Pictures and symbols, colours, photos
Written word
Eye contact
Facial expressions
Body language
Behaviours/actions
Multi media
Objects of reference
Tone/volume/cadence
1. Must have confidence to take a risk and use
an unconventional form of communication.
2. Avoid questions that need only yes/no
answers or have a built in answer
3. Use open questions
4. Don’t pretend to understand if you don’t
Relationship circle
Doctor
Julie
Mary
mum
Nan
Jon-Support
worker