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Tips to start the conversation

Everyone has the right to communicate but it can be more difficult for some people. Thousands of Queenslanders have a communication disability. Many people with communication disability experience regular challenges when trying to access information.

We spoke to people with disability, and they told us they want people to start a conversation with them and to understand their needs.

Duration 00:01:01

Audio-described transcript

Dr Talitha Kingsmill (00:00):

Audio description: A smiling woman with brown hair that is tied back. She has a black and white jacket on, over a black shirt. She is standing in front of glass windows. Trees are in the background.

Transcript: It is about having a conversation and saying what would make this easier for you as an experience and then listen and find out and be informed because it’s different for everyone.

Peter Tully (00:12):

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: Just begin a conversation and see where the conversation goes. It’s amazing what we can all learn from one another just by starting the conversation and seeing where it leads.

Andrew Pope (00:24):

Audio description: A man with short brown hair, a black button up shirt and black and purple checked tie. He is standing in a foyer with trees in the background.

Transcript: That is true inclusion when we start with the conversation of ‘what can we, not I, do together’. We need the space to bring people along on the journey to make that ‘what we can do together’ possible. So part of that is recognising that people have a right to communicate and communicate in different manners.

You can make a big difference in the lives of people with disability by:

  • being welcoming and friendly
  • treating everyone with dignity and respect
  • using age-appropriate language—treat adults like adults
  • looking at people and talking directly to them (not their carer, parent, partner or anyone else)
  • giving people the time they need to share their message with you
  • listening to what they have to say
  • being willing to use alternative methods of communicating (including interpreters)
  • understanding people may have more than one way they like to communicate
  • making sure your information is accessible.

Accurate, clear and accessible information benefits everyone and there are things you can do to make sure the information you want to share is accessible to everyone.

Things to consider:

  • talking about disability and asking for accommodations can be hard for people. If someone comes forward it is important to believe them and listen to their requests.
  • people have different preferences when it comes to disability language. Some people prefer to use person first language —like a person who uses a wheelchair. Other people prefer language which acknowledges disability as part of their identity—like Deaf or Autistic.
  • think about accessible communication in advance and be prepared to offer alternative formats—like large print or easy read versions
  • ensure people know they can access services such as certified interpreters and translators to provide information in other languages including sign languages
  • don’t assume what people need—it’s important to ask.

How to ask someone about their accessibility needs

  • When you ask, be open and curious. Questions like ‘How can we make this easy for you to access? What options work best for you?
  • Give people time to answer. If you don’t understand the answer, say so. It’s ok to ask for more information.
  • Tell people about what options are available immediately and what can be done later or on request.
  • Ask if there is anything they need that hasn’t been mentioned.
  • Ask if there are any support requirements—which could be people, tools or technology that would help.
  • Tell people what you can and can’t do so they can decide for themselves if they want to participate.

If you cannot meet an accessibility request

  • Communicate early if you cannot provide a requested accommodation using the persons preferred communication method.
  • Explain why you cannot provide what the participant asked for.
  • Offer options you know you can provide.
  • Ask if they would still like to attend, even if no accommodations can be provided.
  • Offer future opportunities that are accessible for the participant.

If you can’t meet the needs of a participants:

  • thank them for their time and interest
  • apologise and acknowledge the shortcomings of the activity
  • offer opportunities to participate in the future
  • consider how you can meet accessibility needs in the future.

Find out more about communicating with people with different communication disabilities on the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations website.

More information

Last updated:
7 November 2024
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