The power of visual illustration: From ancient cave art to modern communication tools
By Liz Tucker, Learning Disability Improvement Manager

As International Day of Education is celebrated around the world, it feels the perfect time to share with you how our Learning Disability programme has brought visual learning to life.
Visual illustration has deep roots in human history, from ancient cave paintings to modern digital media. Its relevance today extends beyond mere art; it serves as a crucial tool for communication, particularly for individuals with a learning disability, but with relevance for us all.
I’m a teacher with over 30 years of experience and a passion for inclusion. Since becoming an Improvement Manager for the Learning Disability Team at Improvement Cymru, I’ve worked to ensure that information is accessible to everyone. I’ve developed my skills as a live illustrator, using creativity to present ideas in engaging and inclusive ways. Supporting diverse learning needs is at the heart of everything I do. I am committed to making a positive impact.
Social stories, ‘Easy Read’ documents, and communication boards are examples of how illustration aids comprehension and expression. Insights from Betty Edwards’ book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (1. Edwards, 2012), reveal how visual illustration can enhance cognitive processes and communication skills. Let’s draw some more thoughts on that…
Why visual illustration matters to us and our stakeholders

Communication is fundamental to our connections with others. However, for people with a learning disability, conveying thoughts and understanding complex information can be challenging. During three decades of experience as a classroom practitioner in specialist settings, I’ve seen how visual tools bridge communication gaps. Illustration, as a universal language, transcends cognitive and linguistic barriers, enabling people of varying abilities to participate more fully in learning and social environments.
Ancient cave paintings date as far back as 51,200 years. They reveal humans’ early inclination toward using images to share information about daily life and culture, well before spoken language existed. This history reflects our inherent tendency to communicate through images, a practice that remains essential today. Illustrations don’t merely add aesthetic value; they enhance understanding and accessibility, particularly for individuals who process visual information more readily than written or spoken language.
Our approach: Using visual illustration to enhance communication

In my role as a visual illustrator at various events across Wales and the UK, I’ve observed how audiences engage with live illustration on multiple levels. Seeing stories reflected in drawings, attendees often find visual representation to be a meaningful complement to spoken content. Marcia-Brissett Bailey, the prominent dyslexic author, highlighted this effect and expressed that my illustration of her presentation added: “immense value to spoken word by making it more inclusive and accessible to different learning styles.” For her, drawings brought her words to life, reflecting her experience as a visual learner who sees images before words.
At the annual Bell House Dyslexia Fair in Dulwich, I illustrated presentations live, capturing key themes and insights in real-time. Suzanne Jesel, from the organising team, shared how the live visual representation helped her retain information from one talk vividly, while other presentations had faded from memory. This process not only aids comprehension but also serves as a reflective tool, helping attendees consolidate and retain key messages.
The achievements and unexpected benefits of visual illustration

Visual illustration provides several benefits, both anticipated and surprising. By distilling complex information into simple visuals, illustrations reduce cognitive overload and help people retain information. The visual elements act as memory aids, making abstract concepts more concrete and digestible. For individuals with a learning disability, this can be especially impactful.
Rachel Heycock, Senior Improvement Manager at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, noted at their launch event how illustrated highlights from discussions resonated deeply with attendees. The visuals captured insights from a unique, listener-focused perspective, which enriched the event beyond what a written summary could provide.
Key takeaways and next steps
Visual illustration is more than just a communication tool; it’s a powerful means of enhancing inclusion and engagement, especially for those who benefit from non-verbal forms of communication. As we strive to make co-production more accessible, visual illustration offers an empowering way for all voices to be heard and understood.
If you’re interested in exploring visual communication techniques, here are some helpful resources to get started:
- Scriberia’s Sketchnotes
- Your Visual Journal’s Guide to Sketchnoting
- The Noun Project
- Sketchnote Army
- Domestika: Courses on Visual Storytelling
These resources offer insights and tools to help you begin incorporating visual communication in meaningful ways, whether in professional settings or personal projects. Let’s continue to harness the power of visual illustration to break down barriers and foster connection.
References
Edwards, B. (2013) Drawing on the right side of the brain a course in enhancing creativity and artistic confidence: Definitive 4th edition. London: Profile.