The third person in the room
Author: Avril Nicoll
Magazine issue: Winter 08
Page numbers: E1-E4
Date: 30 November 2008
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Talking Mats is a low tech communication framework designed to help people with communication difficulties express their views. Speech & Language Therapist Joan Murphy developed the idea in 1998 and now a team of researchers, therapists and other professionals is involved in rolling it out across the world. Speech & Language Therapy in Practice editor Avril Nicoll reports on a Symposium held to celebrate the first 10 years of Talking Mats. Talking Mats can be used with a variety of client groups (including people with learning disabilities, aphasia or dementia and children with special needs) for purposes including getting to know someone, reflecting, setting goals, establishing consent, making decisions and comparing views over time. Participants explained why Talking Mats may be particularly helpful where sensitive or difficult issues such as sexual abuse are involved. Two careers guidance officers use Talking Mats with people who do not have communication difficulties and find it introduces a helpful ‘third person in the room’ element. Speakers included Joan Murphy, Lois Cameron, Mary Turnbull, Charmaine Gordon, Alex Gillespie, Tracey Oliver, Maria Venditozzi, Pam Crawford, Elaine Watson and Laura Coakes.
