Signs, badges and information boards

Signs can help new participants find their way around whether they are new to a location or regularly attend but find orientation and recognising places difficult. Door signs can re-enforce location, provide reassurance, increase independence and reduce anxiety.

Photos of the room the door enters into can be more concrete than symbols. Written words underneath the photo or symbol should be in clear text with a good contrasting background. Avoid word only signs.

Photos should be clear and not include anything not usually found in the room.

Keep the signs free from un-necessary elements (e.g. logos) as these can be distracting.

Signs can be used for rooms, storage, information boards, menus etc.

Use Braille writing slates and the Braille translator to create Braille signs.

Name Badges

Introducing yourself is important in any situation where people may be anxious around unfamiliar people and where a good rapport is needed quickly.

As an example:

“A young girl with autism had come to a Sailability group for a few years and enjoyed it. A new volunteer went up to her and said “hello Rebecca, are you ready to sail”. This made Rebecca extremely anxious, as a ‘stranger’ knew her name and she didn’t know his name. She did not come back again”.

A name badge can be an important part of introducing yourself. Saying ‘hello, my names is’ only takes a second but can make the world of difference.

The ‘Hello, My Name is ...’ campaign was adopted by the NHS in 2013 after a doctor receiving treatment was surprised with the number of staff who failed to introduce themselves before treating her.

Ensure any badges and signs are clear and easy to read. Bright yellow background and large black writing is a good place to start.

Photo boards

If you want to get across information about all those who may be involved in delivering an activity create a photo board and have staff / volunteer photos on your website.

Include names under photos, and perhaps roles, with clear, easy to read text.

Resources

https://www.hellomynameis.org.uk/downloads/

Further reading

My Asperger’s Child -   Place-blindness in children with Asperger’s and High Functioning Autism

Aspie writer – Place Blindness in People with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome

https://www.nlg.nhs.uk/news/new-yellow-name-badges/