DIY Communication Boards: How to Make Your Own for Free

Caregiver and a person with aphasia using a homemade laminated communication board and a tablet at a kitchen table, practicing communication together.

Homemade communication boards are simple, free tools that help people living with aphasia express needs, practice speech, and stay connected after a stroke or brain injury. This article explains why these boards work, which materials and core vocabulary to choose, provides step-by-step construction guidance, suggests practical home activities, and answers common questions, enabling caregivers and survivors to start low-cost, effective communication practice today.

Why communication boards matter after aphasia

Aphasia can feel like being trapped behind a wall of glass. You know exactly what you want to communicate, but the words just won’t come out. This language disorder, often caused by a stroke or brain injury, doesn’t affect intelligence, but it can disrupt the ability to speak, understand, write, and read. The challenges vary widely. For some, it’s a constant struggle to find the right word, a frustrating tip-of-the-tongue feeling that never resolves. For others, forming a complete sentence is impossible. Even a simple “yes” or “no” can become unreliable, and the mental effort required to communicate can lead to profound fatigue. This is where a communication board becomes more than just a tool; it becomes a bridge back to connection.

Communication boards are a form of augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC. This is a clinical term for the tools and strategies used to supplement or replace speech. Leading professional organizations, such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), along with major stroke and aphasia charities, recognize low-tech AAC like communication boards as a best practice in aphasia rehabilitation. The benefits are immediate and powerful. They can dramatically reduce the frustration that comes from being misunderstood, giving a person a reliable way to express their basic wants and needs. This simple act of being understood can restore a sense of control and participation in life.

Imagine a few common scenarios. At mealtime, instead of a caregiver guessing what’s needed, a person with aphasia can simply point to a picture of “water,” “salt,” or the phrase “I’m finished.” During a medical appointment, a board with a body diagram, a pain scale from 1 to 10, and words like “dizzy” or “nauseous” can transform a stressful guessing game into a clear exchange of vital information. For social visits, a board with photos of family members and friends allows the person to identify who they are talking about, share a thought, or simply acknowledge a loved one by pointing to their picture.

Beyond immediate needs, communication boards support the brain’s recovery process. They act as a form of conversational scaffolding. When a person sees a picture of a telephone next to the written word “telephone,” it provides a powerful visual cue that can help them retrieve the spoken word. The board holds the topic in place, freeing up cognitive energy to focus on speaking. It’s not a crutch that creates dependence; it’s a practice tool that builds confidence and reinforces language pathways.

It’s helpful to understand the difference between low-tech and high-tech AAC. Low-tech boards are what this guide is all about: simple, non-electronic tools made from paper, photos, or drawings. High-tech AAC involves electronic devices like tablets with specialized apps or dedicated speech-generating devices that produce a synthesized voice. While high-tech options are powerful, they can be expensive, complex, and require significant training. Low-tech boards are the perfect place to start. They are free, can be made instantly, and require no technical skill, making them ideal for use in the early days after a stroke and for anyone who finds technology overwhelming. Many people use a combination of both, relying on a simple laminated sheet in the bathroom and a tablet app in the living room.

Why make your own board?
The primary reason is personalization. A generic board might have a picture of “juice,” but a homemade board can have a picture of the specific brand of orange juice the person loves. You can include photos of their actual family members, their pet, their doctor, and words related to their unique hobbies and interests. This personal connection makes the board more meaningful and effective.

Who benefits most?
Anyone with aphasia who experiences frustration with verbal communication can benefit. It is particularly helpful for individuals with moderate to severe expressive aphasia or apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder that makes it hard to coordinate the muscle movements for speech. A board provides a reliable output when speech is effortful or unavailable.

How boards fit into home practice routines.
A communication board is an active rehabilitation tool. It seamlessly integrates practice into daily life. A care partner can point to a picture of the “remote control” and ask, “What do you need?” This turns a simple request into a low-pressure therapy exercise. You can use the board to talk about the day’s schedule, choose a TV show, or comment on the weather, creating dozens of natural opportunities to practice language and communication.

Using these tools must always be grounded in respect for the individual. This means ensuring consent, dignity, and privacy. The person with aphasia should always have a say in whether they want to use a board and what is on it. The content should be age-appropriate and respectful, using clear photos and adult-oriented icons, not childish cartoons. Finally, because a board can contain personal information, it should be handled with the same privacy you would afford a private conversation.

A communication board is a powerful statement. It says, “I have something to say, and I will find a way to say it.” It empowers the person with aphasia and educates communication partners, building a more patient and supportive environment for everyone.

To get started, identify just one moment in your daily routine this week, perhaps asking for a morning coffee or choosing a snack, and think about how a simple board with two or three choices could make that interaction a little bit easier.

Materials design principles and core vocabulary to include

Creating a communication board that is genuinely helpful starts with understanding the building blocks, from the materials you choose to the words you include. A well-designed board is more than just pictures on a page; it’s a carefully crafted tool that can reduce frustration and open up conversation. This guide covers the essential principles for designing a board that is effective, personal, and easy to use.

DIY Communication Board Materials: What You’ll Need

You don’t need expensive equipment to get started. Most of the necessary supplies are low-cost and available at any office supply or craft store. The goal is to create something durable enough for daily use.

  • Base Materials: Start with a sturdy base like cardstock or poster board. These are thicker than regular paper and hold up better to repeated pointing. For a multi-page system, a simple three-ring binder with clear sheet protectors is an excellent choice.
  • Protection: To make your board last, you’ll need to protect it from spills and wear. A thermal laminator is a great investment, but clear self-adhesive contact paper or wide packing tape works just as well for a no-heat option.
  • Fasteners: Velcro dots or strips are perfect for creating interactive boards where symbols can be moved to build a sentence or make a choice. Magnets are another great option for boards that will live on a refrigerator or a magnetic whiteboard.
  • Portable Options: For on-the-go communication, consider using index cards held together with a binder ring or a lanyard with a few key symbols attached. Clear pockets, like those used for photos, can also be repurposed to hold interchangeable pictures.

Finding Free Aphasia Resources for Pictures and Symbols

The visual elements of your board are crucial. The images need to be clear and easily recognizable. Fortunately, you have many free options. Your smartphone is your best friend here; take clear, simple photos of important people, objects, and places. For more generic symbols, numerous websites offer free, printable picture communication symbols. Resources like Avaz Inc. and EatSpeakThink.com provide excellent, professionally designed boards you can download and print for free.

Key Design Principles for Clarity and Ease of Use

How a board looks is just as important as what’s on it. A cluttered or confusing layout can be more frustrating than helpful. Follow these visual design rules to maximize usability.

Layout and Visuals
Keep it simple. Use a large, easy-to-read font (like Arial or Helvetica) for any text labels. Aim for high-contrast color combinations, such as black text on a white or yellow background, to make words and symbols stand out. Ensure there is plenty of space between each picture or “button” to avoid accidental selections. Icons and photos should be simple, without distracting backgrounds. Consistency is key; keep the layout and symbol style the same across all pages.

Accessibility Features
For individuals with motor impairments, consider adding tactile markers. A small dot of puffy paint or a self-adhesive foam dot in the corner of each button can help guide a finger to the right spot. For those with visual impairments, make the buttons larger. A minimum active area of 2 to 3 centimeters per button is a good starting point for anyone with limited fine motor control. Color-coding can also be a powerful organizational tool. For example, you could make all “people” words yellow, “action” words green, and “feeling” words blue. This creates a visual shortcut that helps the user find words more quickly.

Choosing the Right Words: Core Vocabulary for Aphasia

The words you choose will determine how useful the board is. The most effective approach is to focus on a small set of powerful “core” words that can be used in many different situations.

Core vs. Fringe Vocabulary Explained

Core vocabulary consists of the 200-400 most frequently used words in a language. These are words like “I,” “you,” “want,” “go,” “more,” and “not.” They are versatile and make up about 80% of what we say. Fringe vocabulary, on the other hand, is made up of thousands of specific nouns, verbs, and adjectives that are unique to a person, topic, or environment. Words like “stethoscope,” “gardening,” or “sourdough” are fringe words. A good communication board has a strong foundation of core words, with a smaller set of personalized fringe words.

Sample Core Word Lists for Different Needs

The right vocabulary depends on the individual’s ability level and personal needs. Here are some examples:

  • For Severe Aphasia: Start with the absolute essentials. This board might only have 8-12 items.
    • Words: Yes, No, I, You, Want, Finished, More, Help.
    • Concepts: Pictures for pain, toilet, drink, food, and key family members.
  • For Moderate Aphasia: Expand to include more verbs, feelings, and basic questions.
    • Words: Eat, Sleep, Go, Stop, Like, Good, Bad, What, Where.
    • Phrases: “I feel…” (with pictures for happy, sad, tired, sick), “I want…” (with common choices).
  • For Mild Aphasia: The board can be used for word-finding support and constructing more complex sentences.
    • Words: Add pronouns (he, she, they), prepositions (in, on, out), and descriptive words (hot, cold, big, little).
    • Phrases: “Can you say that again?”, “I need a minute,” “How are you?”.

A sample fringe list for someone who enjoys gardening might include: flowers, water, sun, dirt, outside, plant.

Organizing Your Board for Practical Communication

The physical arrangement of your board matters. A logical structure makes it easier to navigate. For grid-based boards, consider the user’s motor and visual skills. A 2×2 grid with very large buttons may be necessary for someone with significant impairments, while an individual with better control might use a 5×5 grid.

Different organizational strategies work for different people.

  • Topic Pages: Create single pages dedicated to a specific activity, like a “Mealtime Board” or a “Doctor’s Visit Board.”
  • Tabbed Binders: Use a binder with tabbed dividers for different categories (e.g., Feelings, People, Food, Questions). This keeps a large vocabulary organized.
  • Portable Pocket Cards: A small set of index cards on a ring can hold essential words for outings.
  • Visual Scene Displays: Instead of a grid, use a meaningful photograph, like a picture of the kitchen. You can then place “hotspots” on the photo that, when pointed to, communicate something about that object (e.g., pointing to the refrigerator means “I’m hungry/thirsty”).

Putting It All Together: Cost, Time, and Portability

A basic, single-page laminated communication board can be made in under an hour for less than $10. A more comprehensive binder system might take a few hours to assemble and cost around $20-30 for the binder, sheet protectors, and printing.

For durability and portability, consider mounting your board on a sturdy clipboard or a lightweight lap board. Use magnets to attach a board to the fridge for easy access in the kitchen. A small, laminated flip book is an excellent, durable option that can be easily tucked into a bag for appointments or social visits.

Step by step how to build and use your own communication board at home

Building your first communication board is a powerful step, and it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Think of it as a starting point, a flexible tool that will grow and change over time. This guide will walk you through creating a functional board using items you likely already have at home.

Preparation Checklist: Your First Three Steps

Before you cut or print anything, a little planning goes a long way. This ensures the board you make is truly useful from day one.

  • Assess Needs: Spend a day observing and listening. What does the person with aphasia try to communicate most often? What are their essential daily needs and wants? Jot down recurring themes like asking for a drink, needing the bathroom, expressing pain, or wanting to watch a specific TV show. This isn’t about guessing every word they’ll ever need, but about capturing the 20-40 most immediate and powerful messages. Start with core words like yes, no, I want, help, finished, more, and pain. Then add personal “fringe” vocabulary: names of family members, pets, favorite foods, and key activities.
  • Gather Photos and Symbols: The most effective images are often the most personal. Use your smartphone to take clear, simple photos of important people, pets, objects (like their favorite mug or the TV remote), and places in the house (the bathroom, the kitchen). For more abstract concepts, you can find free, simple icons online. A quick search for “free AAC symbols” will give you plenty of options. The key is clarity; a picture of their actual bed is better than a generic drawing of a bed.
  • Choose a Grid Size: Based on the principles we discussed earlier, decide on a layout. For someone with significant motor or visual challenges, start with a simple 2×2 or 2×3 grid (4-6 large pictures). If they have more precise pointing skills, a 4×5 or 5×6 grid (20-30 pictures) might be appropriate. It’s always better to start simpler and add more later.

Creating and Assembling Your Board

Now for the hands-on part. You can create a durable, effective board in under an hour.

Step 1: Prepare Your Icons
Use your smartphone to take photos against a plain background, like a white wall or a piece of paper. This helps the subject of the photo stand out. Open the photo in your phone’s basic editing app and use the crop tool to frame the object or person, removing distracting backgrounds. Aim for a square shape. You can print these directly from your phone or email them to yourself to print from a computer.

Step 2: Find a Template
You don’t need to start from scratch. Websites like EatSpeakThink.com and Avaz Inc. offer free, printable communication board templates in various grid layouts. You can print one of these and paste your photos onto it, or use a simple word processor to create a table and insert your digital images into the cells before printing.

Step 3: Assemble the Board
The simplest method is to print your grid on heavy cardstock. For durability, “laminate” it at home by covering both sides with clear packing tape or self-adhesive laminating sheets, found at any office supply store. For a more organized system, place different topic pages (like “Feelings,” “Food,” “People”) in clear sheet protectors within a 3-ring binder. Use tab dividers to make pages easy to find.

Step 4: Make It Portable and Interactive
For a portable option, print a small grid of essential words, laminate it, punch a hole in the corner, and attach it to a lanyard. For an interactive board, attach small pieces of Velcro to the back of your laminated icons and to the squares on a poster board. This allows the user to pull off icons to build a sentence or carry a single message. You can also use magnetic tape and a cookie sheet for a sturdy, low-cost magnetic board.

Simple Digital Alternatives

If you prefer a screen, you don’t need expensive software. You can create a basic digital board for free.

  • Google Slides: Open a new presentation in Google Slides (it’s free with a Google account). Create a new slide and go to Insert > Table to create your grid. Click inside each cell and use Insert > Image to add your photos. You can then open the presentation on a tablet or smartphone for a simple, tappable communication board.
  • Free AAC Apps: App stores have introductory AAC apps that offer basic functionality for free. Look for apps with simple grid layouts and the ability to import your own photos. This can be a great way to see if a digital solution is a good fit before exploring more advanced options.

Home Practice Activities to Get Started

A board is only useful if it’s used. Integrate it into your daily routine with short, positive practice sessions. Keep sessions brief (2-10 minutes) to avoid fatigue.

  1. Choice Questions
    Goal: To practice making independent choices.
    Prompt: Hold up two options (e.g., an apple and a banana) and ask, “What do you want?” while pointing to the corresponding pictures on the board.
    Time: 2 minutes.
    Progress: Log how many times they make a choice by pointing to the board independently versus with a physical prompt.
  2. Script Practice
    Goal: To build confidence in social interactions.
    Prompt: “Let’s practice what to say when your daughter calls.” Model pointing to “Hello,” then “I’m good,” then “I love you.”
    Time: 5 minutes.
    Progress: Note if they can complete the sequence with fewer verbal or physical cues over time.
  3. Sentence Building with Core Words
    Goal: To combine two or more ideas.
    Prompt: “You look thirsty. Let’s say what you want.” Model pointing to “I want” and then “water.” Encourage them to do the same.
    Time: 5 minutes.
    Progress: Count the number of two-icon combinations they create during the activity.

Troubleshooting Common Hurdles

It’s normal to hit a few bumps in the road. Here’s how to navigate them.

  • If the person seems resistant or ignores the board: Resistance is common and often stems from frustration or grief over lost abilities. Don’t pressure them or turn it into a test. The most powerful tool is modeling: use the board yourself when you talk to them. Point to “drink” when you ask if they want water. Your consistent use shows its value without creating pressure. Acknowledge their feelings by saying, “I know this is hard. We can try again later.”
  • If they have motor trouble pointing: Make the icons larger. Use a foam-tipped stylus or a pencil with an eraser to make pointing more precise. You can also prop the board up on a book stand or easel to make it easier to see and touch.
  • If they prefer gestures: That’s great! Gestures are a valid and important form of communication. The board is a supplement, not a replacement. Encourage them to pair a gesture with a point on the board. For example, if they make a drinking motion, you can say, “Great, you’re showing me you want a drink,” while pointing to the “drink” icon.
  • If the board seems too crowded or overwhelming: Use a technique called “masking.” Take a blank piece of paper and cut a window in it to reveal only a few choices at a time. This reduces visual clutter and helps the user focus.
  • If you use movable pieces: To avoid losing icons from an interactive board, attach a small envelope or zip-top bag to the back of the board for storage.
  • When to simplify or expand: If the user seems overwhelmed or consistently points to the wrong icon, the board may be too complex. Try reducing the number of choices. If they are quickly and accurately using all the icons, it’s time to add more vocabulary or create a new topic page in their binder.
  • When to consult a professional: This DIY guide is a fantastic starting point. However, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) specializing in AAC can provide a formal evaluation, recommend specific strategies, and help you design a communication system that is perfectly tailored to the user’s unique skills and needs. If you feel stuck or believe a more advanced device is needed, an SLP is your best resource.

Frequently asked questions about DIY communication boards

As you start making and using your own communication boards, questions are bound to come up. It’s a new process for everyone involved. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from families and individuals living with aphasia. Think of this as your go-to guide for the “what ifs” and “how to’s” that pop up along the way.

1. What about privacy and safety, especially for medical appointments or personal topics?
This is a very important consideration. Create boards that are context-specific. For a doctor’s visit, make a dedicated board with a pain scale, body parts, common symptoms, and questions you anticipate. When using personal photos, be mindful of who is in them and get their permission if you plan to share the board widely. For sensitive topics, you can use generic symbols instead of personal photos. A communication binder with different tabs for “Home,” “Medical,” and “Social” can help keep private information organized and accessible only when needed. Next step: Create a single page for the binder titled “My Health” with essential medical information and a pain scale.

2. When is the right time to think about moving from a low-tech board to a high-tech device?
Move to high-tech when the person is using their low-tech board successfully but is hitting its limits. Signs include trying to combine symbols to make sentences, showing frustration with the limited vocabulary, or demonstrating the cognitive and physical ability to navigate a more complex system. High-tech options, like dedicated devices or apps on a tablet, offer voice output and vast vocabularies. They are not necessarily “better,” just different, and the best tool is the one that gets used. Next step: Ask your speech-language pathologist about the possibility of an evaluation for a high-tech AAC device.

3. How do I involve a speech-language pathologist (SLP)? What should I expect?
An SLP is your most valuable guide in this process. You can get a referral from a primary care doctor, neurologist, or rehabilitation facility. The SLP will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the person’s specific strengths and challenges with language, cognition, and motor skills. Based on this, they can provide expert recommendations for the most appropriate communication tools, help you customize vocabulary, and train both the person with aphasia and the family on how to use the board effectively. Next step: Call your doctor’s office today and ask for a referral to an SLP who specializes in adult neurogenic disorders.

4. Can insurance or therapy services help pay for communication devices?
For low-tech DIY boards, the costs are minimal and typically paid out-of-pocket. However, for high-tech Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs), insurance coverage is often available. Medicare and many private insurance plans may cover a dedicated device if an SLP has determined it is medically necessary. They usually do not cover the cost of a tablet like an iPad, but sometimes the communication app itself can be funded. The SLP’s evaluation report is the critical piece of documentation needed to pursue funding. Next step: If you are considering a high-tech option, ask the device manufacturer about their funding support services.

Key takeaways next steps and resources

You have journeyed through the why and how of creating your own communication tools. Now is the time to put that knowledge into action. This final chapter is about moving forward, building momentum, and connecting with a wider community of support. The path after aphasia is one of small, consistent steps, and the tools you build are powerful companions on that journey. Remember that starting with a simple, low-tech DIY board is not just a cost-saving measure; it is an immediate, empowering step you can take today. It bypasses wait times for technology and provides a tangible way to re-open lines of communication right now. The most effective tools are often the simplest ones, tailored with care to the individual.

As you begin, hold onto three foundational design principles that will make your board truly effective. First, prioritize core vocabulary. These are the high-frequency words like “I,” “you,” “want,” “help,” “more,” and “finished” that form the backbone of most conversations. They provide the power to express needs, feelings, and basic ideas quickly. Second, insist on high contrast. Use dark, bold text on a light background, or vice versa. This is critical for individuals who may have visual processing difficulties after a stroke or brain injury. Clear, easy-to-see symbols and words reduce cognitive load and make communication less frustrating. Third, create an accessible layout. Place the most important and frequently used words in the easiest-to-reach spots. Consider the person’s dominant hand and any physical limitations. The goal is effortless access that makes communication feel fluid, not like a chore.

A board is only as good as the practice that supports it. Integrating it into daily life is what builds confidence and skill. Aim for short, frequent, and low-pressure practice sessions every day.

  • Mealtime Choices.
    Use the board to make simple choices about food and drink. Start with two options. “Do you want coffee or tea?” Point to the words on the board as you say them. This models its use and creates an immediate, rewarding outcome.
  • Sharing Opinions.
    While watching TV, reading a book, or listening to music, use the board to express simple opinions. Point to words like “good,” “bad,” “like,” or “don’t like.” This turns a passive activity into an interactive, communicative one.
  • Expressing Needs.
    Keep the board within reach at all times. Model pointing to words like “pain,” “tired,” “bathroom,” or “drink” to encourage its use for expressing essential needs. This builds trust in the tool as a reliable way to get help.

Feeling ready to start? Here is a simple, prioritized checklist to guide your next actions.

  1. Make a Simple Board Today.
    Do not wait for the perfect template or symbol set. Grab a piece of paper and a marker. Write down 5 to 10 core words. Start with “yes,” “no,” “eat,” “drink,” and “help.” This simple act is a powerful first step.
  2. Practice Two Activities Daily.
    Choose two of the home practice ideas mentioned above and commit to trying them every day for a week. Consistency is more important than duration. Five minutes of focused practice is better than an hour of stressful drilling.
  3. Log Your Progress.
    Keep a small notebook. Jot down what works, what doesn’t, and any new words that are needed. Note the small victories, like the first time a need is expressed successfully with the board. This log will be invaluable for making improvements.
  4. Consult a Professional.
    If you feel stuck, encounter resistance, or have questions about vocabulary selection, schedule a consultation with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). They can provide expert guidance tailored to your specific situation.

You are not alone on this path. A wealth of resources exists to support you. Seek out connections and tools that can make your work easier and more effective.

  • Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs).
    A local SLP is your most valuable resource. They can perform a formal assessment, help you design a personalized communication system, and provide structured therapy to improve its use.
  • Stroke and Aphasia Support Groups.
    Connecting with others who understand the experience is incredibly powerful. These groups offer emotional support, practical tips, and a sense of community for both the person with aphasia and their caregivers.
  • Printable Template Banks.
    Websites like Avaz Inc. and The Aphasia Library offer free, downloadable communication boards that you can print and use immediately or customize to fit your needs.
  • Symbol Libraries.
    For creating custom boards, online symbol libraries provide thousands of free images. These are perfect for representing specific people, places, and favorite things that make a board truly personal.
  • Free AAC Apps.
    As you progress, you might explore free or low-cost Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps on a tablet. These can offer voice output and larger vocabularies, serving as a great next step from a low-tech board.

Embrace the idea of iterative improvement. Your first communication board will not be your last. It is a living document that should evolve. Observe how it is being used. Are some words ignored? Are others needed constantly? Do not be afraid to revise. Cross out words, add new ones, or create a completely new version. Simplify it if it seems overwhelming, or expand it as communication skills grow. Every small adjustment is a step toward a more effective tool. Most importantly, celebrate every single communication win. A pointed finger, a shared laugh over a chosen picture, a need met without frustration; these are monumental victories.

Finally, consider sharing what you create. If you design a template that works well, share it with your local support group or an online aphasia community. By contributing your work, you help others who are just starting out and strengthen the network of support that makes this journey manageable. You have the power to build not just a communication board, but a bridge to connection. Start building today.

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