Communication starters
Plain-language prompts for saying what is happening, what support is needed, what has already been tried and what would make communication easier.
Community Communication Toolkit
What’s included in the free toolkit.
The Community Communication Toolkit brings together practical, accessible resources to help people explain their needs, prepare for conversations, ask for support and take part in community life.
Toolkit components
These content areas can be adapted for individuals, families, support workers, educators and community organisations.
Explaining needs
Templates for describing access needs, sensory preferences, communication preferences, disability supports and reasonable adjustments.
Service access support
Checklists for preparing for appointments, contacting organisations, keeping track of referrals and understanding what needs to happen next.
Self-advocacy tools
Sentence stems, planning pages and reflection prompts to help people ask questions, state preferences, set boundaries and request help.
Safe communication prompts
Guidance for identifying trusted people, checking consent, sharing information safely and knowing when to ask someone for support.
Accessible formats
Options may include Easy Read, plain-language, screen-reader friendly, symbol-supported and Auslan-ready versions depending on availability and request needs.
Who it can support
The toolkit is built for real-world use across community, learning, family and service settings.
- Neurodivergent, autistic, disabled and learning-diverse people.
- Young people, families, carers and trusted supporters.
- Support workers, educators and community organisations helping someone prepare to communicate.
- People who prefer plain language, visual support, supported decision-making or step-by-step preparation.
How people might use it
The toolkit is not a one-size-fits-all program. It is a flexible set of resources that can be used before, during or after important communication moments.
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Prepare for a conversation
Use prompts to work out what to say, what support is needed and what questions to ask.
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Take notes and track next steps
Record what happened, who is responsible and what needs to happen next.
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Share access needs clearly
Use the templates to explain communication preferences, reasonable adjustments and support needs.
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Use it with a trusted supporter
A family member, support worker, educator or advocate can help complete the resources with the person’s consent.