Communication access rights

People who have disabilities that affect their communication have the right to the supports they need in order to:

• Understand what a person is saying to them.
• Communicate their messages to another person.
• Use the communication method(s) that work best for them and that are understood by the person with whom they are communicating.
• Connect with an organization using the telephone or alternatives to a telephone, such as email, text, relay services or authorized communication assistant.
• Communicate effectively at meetings and public events.
• Read or understand the organization’s written materials.
• Use an organization’s website and social media.
• Complete an organization’s forms, take notes and sign documents.

In critical situations, they have a right to:

• Procedures, policies and communication supports to ensure they can give informed consent in critical contexts such as healthcare and legal situations.
• A communication intermediary to assist them communicating in police, legal and justice situations.
• Appoint a person they trust to support them in decision-making and complex service negotiations.