Communication Access - Introducing the newest access symbol

Did you know that 1 in 500 people in Victoria have communication difficulties?

Imagine having to communicate and get your message across without being able to speak?

People with communication difficulties have identified many barriers that exist in our communities which prevent them from fully participating in community life.

They would like to engage with communities and services where:

• People communicate directly with them
• They can be understood
• They are given time to get their message across
• They can use the method of communicating that is suitable for them

These are the type of things that would make communities communication accessible.

Scope’s Communication Resource Centre, in partnership with peak bodies, key organisations, the Communication Access Network and people with communication difficulties are promoting the concept of ‘communication access’.

The symbol above has been identified through a Victoria wide survey to represent communication access.

Seeing this symbol displayed will enable people to know that the service they are using is communication accessible. The symbol will be launched in November 2011.

We are working towards making communities aware that we all have a role to play in creating communication accessible communities. View the website regularly to hear more about:

• Information sessions offered by people with communication difficulties
• Communication access auditing checklists
• Information packs to help you become communication accessible

We believe in a world in which everyone can communicate.

For further information on Communication Access contact Scope’s Communication Resource Centre: 03 9843 2000 or crc@scopevic.org.au