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Communication Board

For anyone who can't talk right now — a panic attack, shutdown or dissociation, selective mutism, or just feeling unsafe. Tap a card and your device reads it aloud. Hold the screen up so someone else can see and hear it too.

If you or someone near you is in immediate physical danger, call 000 now. This board is a communication aid, not an emergency service.

Get help now

Call 000 Lifeline 13 11 14 112 (overseas visitor?)

Last said

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Tap a card below

Works offline. Nothing you tap or add here is saved anywhere except your own device — and only your own device's storage, never sent to us or anyone else.

Sources & References

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) principles — low-tech, tap/point-based boards are a standard first-line aid for temporary or situational non-verbal communication, widely used in speech pathology practice.
Selective mutism and shutdown during acute anxiety or panic are recognised, time-limited presentations — communication aids reduce distress while the person is unable to speak, without requiring a diagnosis.
1800RESPECT and other family-violence services note that a person at risk may be unable to speak safely — a silent, tappable way to signal "I don't feel safe" is a recognised safety-communication approach.
112 as an international mobile emergency fallback — part of the GSM mobile standard, so it reaches 000 on virtually all Australian mobile networks. Not universally guaranteed on every network worldwide (e.g. carrier-dependent in the US) — see Wikipedia: 112 (emergency telephone number).

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Screening Tools: All screening tools on this site (including DASS-21, K10, ASRS, and Burnout Assessment) are validated instruments provided for self-assessment purposes only. They are not diagnostic tests. Results should be discussed with a qualified health professional. Scores may not reflect your full clinical picture.

Helpline Information: Find Help was last checked on 10 October 2026; other listings may be older. Confirm with the service. If a number does not connect, try an alternative service or call 000 in an emergency. We are not affiliated with any helpline or service listed on this site.

Privacy: Your screening results, journal entries, and safety plan are stored in your browser only and never sent to any server. This site uses Google Analytics and may display advertisements. See our Privacy Policy for details.

v9.24

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About this tool

Technique

Tap-to-speak communication board

Based on

Augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) principles

Good for

Panic, shutdown, selective mutism, feeling unsafe

Time needed

Instant

Data stored

Custom cards only, on your device — nothing sent anywhere

Diagnostic?

No — a communication aid, not an emergency service

Common Questions About the Communication Board

Who is this for?

Anyone temporarily unable to speak or finding it hard to speak — during a panic attack, dissociation or shutdown, selective mutism, acute distress, or a situation where speaking out loud doesn't feel safe. It's also meant for a family member, friend, or support worker helping someone through one of these moments.

How does it work?

Tap a card and your device reads it aloud using its built-in text-to-speech. You can hold the screen up so someone else can read it too. Add your own cards for anything not already covered — they're saved only on your device.

What if I'm in immediate danger?

Call 000 first. This board is a communication aid for distress and non-verbal moments, not a replacement for emergency services. Tapping a card marked urgent also shows quick links to call 000 or Lifeline (13 11 14).

Medical disclaimer: This site provides general health information and verified helpline numbers only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For mental health crisis support, call Lifeline 13 11 14. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Helpline numbers verified June 2026. No AI-generated content is used on this site.

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Communication Board

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Sources & References

About this tool

Common Questions About the Communication Board