What is accessible communication?

Duration 00:01:22

Audio-described transcript

Dr Sharon Boyce (00:00):

Audio description: Woman in a bright orange and pink stripey dress is sitting in a wheelchair. She is sitting in a foyer, with green trees behind her in the background.

Transcript: I think if we really can look at what good communication is, it is about giving everybody an equal seat at the table and being able to communicate in the way that suits them best. We don’t all communicate in words and speech, but everybody should have a chance to be able to communicate.

Peter Tully (00:20):

Audio description: A man, wearing glasses, wears a button up blue shirt and is in a wheelchair. He is holding an orange folder and is in a foyer at a function.

Transcript: Having accessible communication is so important both verbally as we talk day to day and in the digital space, online world because that way we can have more people engaging.

Fiona Lawton (00:35):

Audio description: A woman with dark hair, blue eyes and a red, orange and black dress. She is standing in a foyer with trees in the background.

Transcript: A lot of people feel a little bit anxious about communicating with someone who may have a communication disability because it feels a bit different but the most important thing we can do is to try. Because communication isn’t just about having our needs met – it’s about connection, it’s about being involved and included, it’s about being seen and understood. It’s being part of community and it’s also having your rights met.

Dr Sharon Boyce (01:10):

Transcript: It’s about being able to share ideas, share life, share ah I guess a common goal.

Accessible communication means everyone can access information, whatever their needs.

Step one is to ask how people want or need to receive information.

Some people prefer to speak face-to-face, others on the phone, or they may like to read information online or in print. Some people with disability may need information in certain ways. This includes Easy Read or large print documents or text formatted for screen readers. People with a disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds may have additional translation and interpreter requirements.

Step two is knowing how to meet those needs. This can be as easy as using plain language, choosing the right font and font size, or including an image description that describes pictures. Check out our page on types of communication for more information.

By providing accessible information – whether it is on social media, at events, for your business or community engagement – you can make it possible for everyone to take part.

Find out how to start the conversation about a person’s communication needs and preferences.

Find out more