We both chuckled as he tried to sound out what he meant, syllable by syllable; however, despite the laughter, it was one of the most horrifying moments of my life. After several minutes of verbal charades, I finally understood what he was trying to say, ?I need some help getting up the stairs.? The stark reality of my grandfather?s multiple sclerosis was finally sinking in, and it was terrifying. His ability to walk had greatly deteriorated over the last few years, and it appeared that his vocal abilities would meet the same fate. To think that I would never be able to speak to my grandfather again, to confide in him as I used to, had me in tears. As time went on, however, we adapted. In the finals years of my grandfather?s life he never spoke a single word to me, however, our relationship was stronger than it ever had been by the time he passed on. Often the inability to speak is mistaken as the inability to communicate interpersonally; where verbal communication is not feasible, written communication, physical communication, and emotional communication can be effective substitutes.
Written communication is capable of conveying the same points as can be expressed verbally, but it permits the use of visual aids. In addition, writing allows all participants to converse at a pace that is comfortable to them. As my grandfather?s vocal capacity deteriorated, we began to utilize writing as a communication tool. Writing permitted my grandfather to communicate at a comfortable speed, as opposed to the much faster pace that verbal communication entails. Furthermore, in cases where verbal or written descriptions were unable to convey a point, a picture could be used as a communication tool. Writing is a vital alternative to speaking when communicating interpersonally, as verbal communication is not always ideal, or feasible.
While written communication can be a valuable interpersonal communication tool, it can prove to be ineffective when language or comprehension barriers are present. Where both written and verbal communication are not practical, physical communication (which includes both body language and hand gestures) can be an effective substitute. In my grandfather?s case, the most devastating effect of multiple sclerosis was the aphasia; aphasia impairs an individual?s ability to produce or comprehend language. Consequently, my grandfather was often unable to articulate what he was trying to express, but could successfully communicate it by using body language and hand gestures. Physical communication, while limited in its breadth of expression, can be useful in transcending barriers which prevent written and verbal communication from being utilized.
Emotional communication, while not as versatile as written and verbal communication, is an effective method of expressing one?s feelings. Emotional communication is similar to body language in its expression; however, it is less calculated and originates on a more subconscious level. Despite increasing difficulties in communicating with my grandfather due to the progression of his multiple sclerosis, the most comforting communication with him was emotional. Even in times where he found it difficult to communicate with others, his warm smile reassured us that he was still ?himself?. Although it is difficult to communicate using emotional communication exclusively, it can be useful in expressing what would otherwise be difficult to articulate. Happiness, sadness, love, and hate are all effectively conveyed through emotional communication.
Clearly, then, though losing the ability to speak is unfortunate, it does not greatly hinder an individual's ability to communicate. In the absence of verbal communication, one should utilize written communication, physical communication, and emotional communication as alternatives. For much of this paper I have focused on the importance of the vocally impaired embracing alternative communicative methods; however, those of us who are able to communicate verbally have a responsibility to accommodate those who can not. We (those able to speak) too must readily embrace alternative communication methods to ease the difficulties of the verbally impaired. By doing so, we allow them to live happier and more fulfilling lives, in spite of their ?disability?.
Written communication is capable of conveying the same points as can be expressed verbally, but it permits the use of visual aids. In addition, writing allows all participants to converse at a pace that is comfortable to them. As my grandfather?s vocal capacity deteriorated, we began to utilize writing as a communication tool. Writing permitted my grandfather to communicate at a comfortable speed, as opposed to the much faster pace that verbal communication entails. Furthermore, in cases where verbal or written descriptions were unable to convey a point, a picture could be used as a communication tool. Writing is a vital alternative to speaking when communicating interpersonally, as verbal communication is not always ideal, or feasible.
While written communication can be a valuable interpersonal communication tool, it can prove to be ineffective when language or comprehension barriers are present. Where both written and verbal communication are not practical, physical communication (which includes both body language and hand gestures) can be an effective substitute. In my grandfather?s case, the most devastating effect of multiple sclerosis was the aphasia; aphasia impairs an individual?s ability to produce or comprehend language. Consequently, my grandfather was often unable to articulate what he was trying to express, but could successfully communicate it by using body language and hand gestures. Physical communication, while limited in its breadth of expression, can be useful in transcending barriers which prevent written and verbal communication from being utilized.
Emotional communication, while not as versatile as written and verbal communication, is an effective method of expressing one?s feelings. Emotional communication is similar to body language in its expression; however, it is less calculated and originates on a more subconscious level. Despite increasing difficulties in communicating with my grandfather due to the progression of his multiple sclerosis, the most comforting communication with him was emotional. Even in times where he found it difficult to communicate with others, his warm smile reassured us that he was still ?himself?. Although it is difficult to communicate using emotional communication exclusively, it can be useful in expressing what would otherwise be difficult to articulate. Happiness, sadness, love, and hate are all effectively conveyed through emotional communication.
Clearly, then, though losing the ability to speak is unfortunate, it does not greatly hinder an individual's ability to communicate. In the absence of verbal communication, one should utilize written communication, physical communication, and emotional communication as alternatives. For much of this paper I have focused on the importance of the vocally impaired embracing alternative communicative methods; however, those of us who are able to communicate verbally have a responsibility to accommodate those who can not. We (those able to speak) too must readily embrace alternative communication methods to ease the difficulties of the verbally impaired. By doing so, we allow them to live happier and more fulfilling lives, in spite of their ?disability?.
