Speaking out Being heard

Many of the families we have worked with during the Speaking Out Being Heard

project told us that personal care and body parts vocabulary were crucial for their

son or daughter. We created a short list based on feedback at the end of the training

course so that we could include these signs in our training. Families told us what

signs they needed, particularly for their teenagers who were experiencing changes

to their bodies.

There were challenges to finding the right images, which had to be obvious rather

than oblique; in order to be clear what we were referring to. Luckily Boardmaker has

some symbols which are clear. Sometimes, if we are honest, these images can be a

bit blatant or make us feel slightly uncomfortable.

My time spent working as a Registered Intermediary, working alongside the police

has taught me to feel passionate about teaching this vocabulary. Not everyone will

need the vocabulary in a harrowing situation in a police interview, however the

people we support may need to know the names of body parts, body functions as a

means of keeping themselves safe. Some of the people I worked with, in that role,

did not know the names of genitalia and instead we had to go with the family name

for that part or sometimes a slang word, if that was the word they used. On occasion,

people had to show you what they were trying to say , using wooden dolls or body

maps, rather than tell you verbally.

If we are serious about speaking up and being heard, we must include these vital

words and we must get over our own discomfort in talking about, in signing and in

showing the images.

So, it’s not just dominoes you’re playing, it’s teaching safeguarding vocabulary.

This could make all the difference to someone in the future and could be prevent

abuse, provide someone with dignity, and give them choice and control over

their bodies.

Here's the link on our website to download our 'Personal Care and Body Parts' resource:

Downloads

Alison Matthews