The 'How It Is' resource has been developed by the NSPCC and Triangle. It includes images designed specifically for disabled children to express their concerns about abuse. Research has suggested that disabled children are more than three times more likely to suffer from abuse or neglect than the non-disabled.
The vocabulary consists of 384 images, with around half developed especially for the 'How It Is' project by a symbol designer, and then tested on children and young people aged between 20 months and 20 years from a range of experiences, ethnic backgrounds and abilities. They were also tested with parents, carers and experienced professionals.
Ruth Marchant, who led the project with her Triangle colleague Merry Cross, said they built the vocabulary by asking children 'what they most wanted to communicate about'. She said, 'We listened to the language of young children and looked at books popular with them. We included phrases such as "No! It's mine", "Go away", "It's not fair" and "I can do it myself", as well as feelings such as happy, sad, angry, excited, jealous, and actions such as cuddle, hug, tickle, giggle, smack and kick. Bottoms, willies, wee and poo were also high on the list.'
The images can be introduced into children's communication boards, computers or books in conjunction with a trusted parent, carer or professional.
The NSPCC and Triangle said the set of images - some of private body parts, sexual activity and physical abuse - can help police, social workers and other professionals to understand disabled children's concerns about child abuse.
A set of images and guidance notes can be downloaded free from www.nspcc.org.uk/inform/ howitis or www.howitis.org.uk.The booklet and CD-Rom costs 8 (inc p&p) from NSPCC Publications Unit, Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH (020 7825 2500).