A rehabilitation specialist at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Grand Rapids, Mich., has developed a special ID card that will make it easier for people with speech impairments to notify others of their condition.

Available statewide, the new Communication Impairment Alert Card was created to help those with communication impairments clearly identify their condition during an emergency or routine activities like shopping or banking. It was developed by Linda Wells, MA, CCC-SLP, a speech language pathologist at Mary Free Bed.

"The idea for the card came after a patient shared with me his story of being pulled over for a minor traffic violation and how difficult the experience was because of his communication impairment," Wells says. "He had a brain injury which left him with slurred speech leading the officer to believe he was intoxicated."

The alert card consists of two components: a pocket/wallet card and a notification that can be attached to a car's visor. The cards identify the person's condition and the best method of communication (e.g., writing, speaking slowly, asking "yes" or "no" questions).

"The card should eliminate some of the frustration that occurs when an individual who is slow to answer or sounds slightly different needs to interact with someone for the first time," Wells says.

The alert card has been endorsed by all Michigan law enforcement agencies. Cards can only be obtained through a physician or speech pathologist.

For more information about the Communication Impairment Alert Card, please contact Linda Wells at 616-242-0425 or visit www.maryfreebed.com.

Source: Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital