Claire’s Card

Launched during our very first Facial Palsy Awareness Week in 2015, ‘Claire’s card’ is essentially a small information card about facial palsy and the different ways it can affect a person. It is credit card size (85 x 55mm) and printed on lightweight card. People can tick and complete parts that are appropriate to them.

The need for this card became apparent when a young woman (Claire) was thrown out of a nightclub because security staff had not seen facial palsy before, they thought she was drunk. They did not understand how facial palsy can affect speech and someone’s appearance.

Sadly this was not the first time we’d heard a story like this.

With the launch of Claire’s card we hope that people will be able to show a card without having to justify why they look or speak a certain way. It can also be used to raise awareness. After this incident we did speak to the Security Industry Authority (SIA) who are responsible for security staff training and they assured us they have now added information to their training to prevent future incidents of this kind.

There are two versions of Claire’s card, both versions have the same front but a different reverse side, see below:

Cards can be ordered by filling in this form: request a Claire’s card here.

In order to keep costs down please consider making a small donation to cover postage.

Or you can print your own (remember to choose a paper type that you can write on). Download the artwork for the printer by clicking the links below:

Claire’s Card Version A – Artwork

Claire’s Card Version B – Artwork

Since the Claire’s Card, we have also developed a ‘Photograph Card’. Photographs can be challenging for many individuals with facial palsy, especially in today’s age of selfies, camera phones and social media. Our ‘photograph card’ can be given directly to the photographer in a discreet way enabling you to share information about your condition, so you don’t have to explain your facial palsy verbally.

These would be handy for any situation with a photographer or group photographs e.g. school photographs, wedding guests, etc. You could even share it with a group of friends before going out.

You can download the card here to print at home: photograph card

Alternatively, you can request to receive one through the post: photograph request form