Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Lesson 4

Communication Access Rights

AAC Self Study Course

CDAC

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Communication Access

In this lesson you will learn about:

  • Communication access rights
  • Tips for communicating with businesses and organizations in the community
  • Some of the slides in this section are about Canadian laws. However, many countries have laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities to use community businesses and organizations. The suggestions in this section are universal.
AAC in the Community

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Equality

Equality and full participation are human rights.

All persons are entitled to equal access to the basic rights and fundamental freedoms that most people take for granted, e.g. health care, employment, education, participation in cultural activities.

People who use AAC can face many barriers and challenges when communicating that make it difficult to participate in society.

AAC in the Community

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Canadian Laws

In Canada, people with disabilities, including those who use AAC have the right to self-determination, equality, dignity, respect, integration, participation and independent living.

Their rights are protected by:

  • Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
  • Canadian Human Rights Act

These laws ensure that you cannot be discriminated against because you have a disability.

AAC in the Community

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Provincial Laws

Some Canadian provinces have laws to ensure that people with disabilities have full and equal access to all services in their communities.

AAC in the Community

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Accessibility Laws

Accessibility laws tell organizations what they must do to make goods and services accessible to everyone so that they can:

  • Get into their buildings and rooms
  • Use their services
  • Communicate with their staff
  • Read their text materials
  • Use their websites
  • Complete their forms
  • Sign their documents
AAC in the Community

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Accessibility Laws

People who use AAC have the right to expect businesses and organizations to make their goods and services accessible to them. However, most people don't know how to make their organization accessible for people who use AAC.

In fact, have you ever noticed that there is no access symbol for people who use AAC?

That is until 2014 when CDAC introduced the communication access symbol.

AAC in the Community

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

The Communication Access Symbol

The Communication Access Symbol

The communication access symbol is about what businesses and organizations can do to effectively communicate with us.

This will be different for everyone as we have our own unique communication styles and needs.

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

The Communication Access Symbol

The Communication Access Symbol

Communication access is about what people in businesses and organizations can do so that we can:

  • understand what they are saying
  • have them understand our messages
  • use the communication methods that work best for us
  • communicate at meetings, public events and over the telephone
  • read and understand their written materials
  • sign documents and complete forms in ways that are accessible for us

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

The Communication Access Symbol

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

You have the right to respect

People should speak directly to you in a normal tone and volume.

They should take your opinions, decisions and feelings seriously.

They should not underestimate your abilities.

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Tips on respect

You might be asked what to do when people are disrespectful.

You could suggest telling the person how they can show respect.

For example:

  • Talk directly to the person who uses AAC
  • Talk in a normal tone and volume
  • Talk in an age appropriate manner
  • Do not underestimate the person's abilities
Here are some useful phrases about respect:

"I'm sure you don't mean it, but please talk directly to me."

"Excuse me. I need some service."

"I don't have a hearing loss, so please don't shout."

"I appreciate your opinion but, I can make my own decisions."

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

You have the right to use the communication
methods that work best for you.

You may choose the communication methods that work best for you.

You can choose to use your speech, writing, gestures, sign language, a communication display, or a device.

You can also have someone who knows you well and who can help you communicate.

Learn more about using different ways of communicating

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Tips on communicating with AAC

You might be asked how to help others communicate with a person who uses AAC.

You could suggest:

  • Having communication instructions ready to share
  • Testing out instructions to make sure they work well
  • Explaining what the speaking person can do to make communication go smoothly
It is useful to have some of this information ready for people:

• How you communicate yes and no

• How you use your communication board or device

• What people should do when communicating with you

• What people should do if they don't understand your message

• Whether you want people to guess what you are communicating or wait for you to finish

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

You have the right to get time to communicate

People need to be patient and not rush you when you are communicating.

You can ask for extra time when you are making an appointment because it takes longer for you to communicate.

Learn more about asking for time to communicate

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Tips to get more time

You might be asked how to get more time during an appointment.

You could suggest:

  • Having phrases ready to tell people you need extra time
  • Prepare some messages ahead of time
  • Ask for longer appointments or at end of the day
Useful phrases about time:

"It takes me longer to communicate, please be patient and give me extra time."

"I need more time to communicate what I want to say."

"Can you extend our appointment an extra 10 minutes?"

"I'd like an end of day appointment as it may take me more time to communicate."

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

You have the right to be understood

People should tell you if they don't understand your message.

They should try to reduce noise and distractions, and let you repeat or communicate your message in other ways.

In some situations, you may want someone to assist you with communication.

Useful things to say and do when not understood:

"Tell me when you don't understand my message."

"I will repeat what I said, or say it in another way."

"I'll spell it for you."

"Ask me questions so I can answer yes or no."

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

You have the right to understand
what others are saying

People should use everyday language when speaking with you.

They should not assume that you cannot understand what they are saying.

You may bring someone with you to give instructions about what others can do to make it easier for you to understand.

Useful things to say when you don't understand:

"I don't understand."

"What do you mean?"

"Please say that using everyday language."

"Please show me what you are talking about."

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

You have a right to communication assistance

You can have someone assist you communicating with another person.

You should always be able to choose the person who assists you.

If you don't have someone who can assist you communicating in services such as a hospital, police or legal situation, you can ask the organization to help you find and pay for a communication assistant.

Learn more about communication assistants

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Tips for using an assistant

You might be asked about directing someone to help with communication.

You could suggest:

  • Telling the person what they should do when helping you to communicate. For example, they should only say what they are directed to communicate
  • Have phrases ready for an emergency situation to tell people who to contact if you need help communicating
Useful phrases about using an assistant:

"This is my communication assistant. He will help you understand my messages. He will say only what I direct him to say. You can talk directly to me as I hear and understand you."

"I want someone to assist with our communication. Please call (name and number)."

"I need someone to help us communicate. I don't have anyone who can do this. Please call the local hospital, rehab centre or speech language pathology service or CDAC to provide this support."

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

You have the right to telephone communication

You can chose how you communicate over the telephone. You can use speech, a device, a communication assistant, someone to communicate on your behalf, relay services, or a TTY.

You can also request an alternative to the telephone, such as using email, fax, text, or arranging a face-to-face meeting.

Learn more about making phone calls

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Tips for the phone

You might be asked for suggestions about how to communicate over the telephone.

You might suggest:

  • Having some phrases in your device to tell people how you communicate
  • Using email, text or Skype instead of the phone
  • Using relay or TTY services
Useful phrases about communicating over the phone or other ways:

"I have a disability. I use this device to talk. Please don't hang up."

"For access reasons, I prefer to email, text or fax you."

"Do you have a TTY number?"

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

You have the right to written information
in ways you can read and understand

An organization's website must be accessible so that you can use it. You can ask to have documents in different size font or emailed to you.

You may also ask for someone to assist you to read and understand a document.

Learn more about getting reading materials in accessible ways

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Tips for reading and getting information

You might be asked what people can do to get information in ways they can read, understand and handle.

You might suggest:

  • Asking someone to read and explain a document to you
  • Asking for text documents in large font, electronic copies or in ways that work with your screen reader
  • Asking for paper documents without staples or having someone hold the papers as you read them
Useful phrases about reading materials:

"Please read and explain this to me."

"Please give me this document in __________"
     • electronic format
     • plain language
     • large font
     • without staples
     • in a binding that
       stays open
     • in a format that
        works with my
        screen reader

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

You have the right to sign documents
and complete forms

You can ask for documents (forms, surveys, ballots) in accessible formats that you can use independently.

You can ask for assistance to complete writing tasks, take notes and sign documents.

AAC in the Community

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

Tips for writing

You might be asked how organizations can make their forms and signature requirements more accessible for people who use AAC.

You might encourage people to:

  • Ask a service provider to fill in the form as directed by them using their AAC communication
  • Give you forms in ways you can use such as an email copy
  • Use a stamp, an X, a thumb mark or electronic signature to sign documents
  • Witness your assistant signing on your behalf
Useful phrases about writing:

"I use a stamp / an X / a thumb print / an electronic signature to sign documents."

"I authorize (person's name) to sign on my behalf in my presence."

"You can witness my signature process."

Lesson 4: Communication Access Rights

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