Say What You Mean
Use fictional examples. Leave out diagnoses, medical information, names, passwords and contact details.
Learning goal: Practice direct, respectful clarification and boundary messages.
Clear messages can reduce guessing. Direct communication can be kind. You can request clarification, explain a preference or set a boundary without copying someone else’s style.
- Choose a real or made-up learning situation. Leave out names, diagnoses and private details.
- Explore the three activities. Choose supports that fit you; skip any that do not.
- Write, type, draw, point, sign, use AAC or ask someone to scribe your own ideas.
- Choose one next step and an adult who can help make it possible.
Grades 3–5 support: Use the prompts and examples, or explain your ideas in your own way. Ask for words, a scribe or one direction at a time.
Make an unclear request clearer
A teammate says, “Fix that part.” Ask which part and what needs to change.
My clarification question
A more specific request the teammate could give
Say What You Mean
State a boundary
A classmate wants to borrow a tool you are using. Practice a respectful boundary and an option, if you want one.
Example, not an answer to copy: I am using this now. You can ask again when I finish this step.
My boundary message
An optional alternative
Optional deeper thinking · Grades 6–8
Create a disagreement protocol that distinguishes boundaries, preferences and evidence-based decisions.
Say What You Mean
Resolve an ideas clash
Two people want different designs. Propose a way to compare ideas without deciding who is better.
My fair comparison plan
How each person can communicate their reason
My next step
What will I try, and who can support it? Write, draw, dictate, sign or use AAC.
Say What You Mean
Accessibility & alternative responses
Offer sentence starters, AAC phrases, signing, typed messages or adult-supported role play.
Teacher facilitation
Do not require softening every direct message or performing eye contact. Practice consent, clarification and shared problem-solving; never require friendship or personal disclosure.
Family-use suggestion
Invite the learner to choose what to share. Try one support together, ask what helped, and change the plan with their permission. Do not turn this sheet into a test or require private information.
Specialist formats
These printouts are not Braille. Embossed Braille and specialist tactile materials need qualified, technically validated production. The accessible digital version supplies structured text, not a specialist-format substitute.