The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Communication access is required by public law and policy and addresses the rights of people with diverse communication disabilities. Communication access is defined as having the means, supports, and opportunities to communicate effectively, meaningfully, accurately and authentically in order to get equal, uncompromised access to goods and services. Communication access may include face-to-face interactions between two people or in group situations (both expression and comprehension); telephone communication; reading and handling text and print materials; use of the Internet, e-communications and social media, and written communication. Goods are items that can be seen and touched, such as a book, a pen, a wheelchair. Services are provided by other people, such as a doctor, a police officer, a clinician, or a bus driver.

The needs of people with speech and language challenges, including those with autism and those who may rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), are often overlooked or ignored. Historically, attention to "communication access" issues has been largely limited to individuals who are deaf/hearing impaired and/or blind/visually impaired.

This session will discuss laws/policies that address communication access and will share information about current practices that continue to limit access to criminal justice systems, organizations, businesses, emergency services, education, employment, recreation, and healthcare across the life span. Barriers continue to be faced daily by people with speech and language challenges. They face challenges engaging in phone conversations, during appointments with doctors, therapists, social workers, etc., and during interactions with storekeepers, police, emergency services workers, and so on.

In addition, limited information is available to help people with diverse communication impairments learn about their rights to communication or develop skills in advocating for communication access. Also, limited information / training is provided to business owners, community workers, healthcare providers, etc. about how to provide appropriate accommodations so they can comply with public laws and policies.

Presenters will share resources and strategies that can assist families, persons with communication difficulties, professionals and organizations to collaborate and advocate harder for the rights of all people to communicate.

Participants will:

1. Become familiar with current law/public policy that supports the right to communication access for ALL in the United States (and other countries).
2. Be able to identify and access resources that can help individuals/groups/organizations advocate for more inclusive communication access to healthcare, education, employment, businesses, emergency services, the judicial services, etc.
3. Develop an action plan to advocate for better communication access for oneself, a family member, a client, an organization (e.g., USSAAC, Autism Society).