Communication folders

Where do I start?

With your child's key motivators!  Imagine being given a load of symbols about daily tasks that you HAVE to do but really have no interest in such as shopping, going to the toilet or hoovering...would you be enthused and WANT to engage with these?

Whilst routine words are important to support with daily activities, they probably won't do much to promote communication for your child.

Motivators can be anything at all... foods, people, places YouTube channels just anything that you think that they will WANT to communicate for.

Photos or Symbols?

If your child has never used communication cards, I would suggest starting with photographs of objects that they recognise.  If they are more confident,  symbols are best as it will support them in recognising things in a wider context. You can use a mix of photos or symbols in your folder and even send me specific ones of people etc.

How many symbols should I order?

Symbols come in sets of 8 but how many you order is entirely up to you.  I suggest making a list of words before placing the order. Take your time with this and speak to other family members to get their input too.

Try and be specific as this will make communicating much easier for your young person.  For example rather than 'book' if your child has favourites, include those as choices.  For crisps, let me know what type and I can change the colours to match i.e. red for ready salted etc or even use specific photos.

I will want to order more symbols in the future - what should I do?

You can order more symbols as time goes on without any problems.  If you are certain before ordering that you will be ordering more, you can choose the higher amount and order extras as you need them (in sets of 8 minimum).  With this option, you only pay one set of postage  in the initial cost.

I am really unsure about how to use communication cards and folders - can you help?

Yes!  As a valued customer, you can message me for advice and support throughout your communication journey!  My expertise is part of the package.

How do I order a folder?

Make your list of words and then head over to:

  Shop (readysteadycommunicate.co.uk) 

• Choose the folder that you want - the most popular and best option is the 3rd option which includes all of the extras such as a now / next board, sentence strips and requesting symbols.
• If you already have symbols, you will need to check which Velcro is on the back of them
• Choose the number of symbols you require 
• If you want to send me specific photos please send them via email to ready_steady_communicate@outlook.com or via one of my social media platforms

What happens once my order has been placed?

Prior to printing your folder content, I will email you a PDF to check and edit.  Once you have confirmed that it is okay I will print and make the folder and send you a video of it completed prior to posting.  Please include a phone number in your order so that I can WhatsApp you this.

How long do folders take to arrive?

Due to the amount of time and attention given to these products to get them just right for your young person, bespoke folders,  can take between 7 - 10 days to make and dispatch as they are fully personalised.

I hope that this has been helpful, if you have anymore questions then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Becca