Specialist badges developed to help people with invisible disabilities on public transport

Inspired by the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, Dr Timothy Neate and Humphrey Curtis from KCL worked with patient groups and charity Aphasia Re-connect to design ‘InkTalker’ and ‘WalkieTalkie’, discreet and wearable electronic badges that act as a conversation aids for people living with complex communication needs (CCNs).

InkTalker displays a series of pre-loaded phrases for conversational use, while WalkieTalkie presents an easy-to-use platform displaying customisable text.

CCNs refer to a broad range of impairments that can result in difficulties speaking, reading and writing, making everyday conversations with strangers and social navigation more challenging.

These can be caused conditions such as dementia or aphasia, a language impairment often caused by stroke, and have been shown to lead to increased risk of depression, psychological stress and poor quality of life.

There are however tools to help people living with aphasia to ‘communicate in the moment,’ such as TfL’s “Please Offer Me a Seat” badges, or cards which say, “I have had a stroke” and provide further information about how to communicate.