AAC: Defending your rights

Human rights apply to all human beings everywhere and refer to the basic standards, which people need to live with dignity.  They include things such as the right to life, freedom of thought, food, shelter and communication.  Ignoring someone’s human rights involves denying him or her of these basic standards.

At some time throughout our lives we may feel that our rights have been ignored by another individual or by an organisation. For people who have complex communication needs this may occur because they need a capable communication partner to be able to communicate effectively.  When a person who uses AAC thinks that his or her rights have been ignored they may seek help.

Advocacy is the process of defending someone’s rights. CAUS Inc. Communication Rights Australia (formerly known as the Communication Aid Users’ Society) can provide advocacy services for people who identify themselves as having communication or speech difficulties.  They may either provide individuals with information to allow them to become self-advocates, or provide them with an advocate to defend rights on their behalf.

Click here to visit the CAUS Australia website or for more information contact: info@caus.com.au.

CAUS are also involved in programs that aim to defend the rights of large groups of people who use AAC.  For example, in the past there have been many reports of limited communication opportunities in hospitals.  CAUS have addressed this issue by developing AAC flip-cards for use by people with complex communication needs in hospitals.  CAUS also provide information to communities about rights, programs and services relating to disabilities.

Links to other advocacy and legal services websites:

Disability Justice Advocacy 
Association for Children with a Disability
Villamanta Legal Service
Disability Discrimination Legal Service