Communication access
Supported decision-making
Compliance & risk management
Communication Access and Supported Decision-Making
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We recognise and promote accessibility and inclusion for people with communication disabilities. We support organisations to promote meaningful interchanges between their staff and people with communication disabilities.
While people with communication disabilities are stakeholders in all industries, some industries, (e.g. aged care, health care, justice, emergency services) have increased responsibility to ensure clear and effective communication processes. Organisations in such industries must be able to demonstrate they are meeting their obligations and mitigate any adverse consequences. We assist organisations to fulfil their obligations to manage their responsibilities and associated risks.
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We do this by:
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analysing and reviewing against best practice protocols and procedures
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providing information, training and education to staff
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consulting to community sectors, policy makers, accessibility committees
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developing communication support networks.
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Our team includes speech pathologists who have expertise in: ​
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identifying communication disabilities and barriers to communication (see our brochure)
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communication optimisation
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successive and inclusive strategies and resources
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augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
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We partner with people with communication difficulties.
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See our brochures about
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In the aged care sector
As of 1 July 2019, Aged Care Quality Standards were applicable to all aged care services including residential aged care, home care, flexible care and services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
The foundation standard (Standard 1 - Consumer Dignity and Choice) requires organisations to effectively communicate information, taking into account health status, cognitive or sensory ability (hearing, seeing) and language. Consumers are to be supported to exercise choice and independence. This includes communicating their decisions.
Of those residents who receive care within aged care accommodation, 95% have at least one type of communication impairment. This means that 95% of consumers in aged care accommodation have barriers to understanding their care options as described to them, and exercising their right to express their choices.
We assist organisations to meet their obligations to people with communication impairments under the new standards, so that consumers receive patient-centred care.
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We offer:
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organisational communication audits - including risk assessments​
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the development, implementation and review of communication rights, access and inclusion programs, including
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metrics
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staff training and education
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development of policies, protocols and practices
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Supported decision-making
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In the 2014 report, Equal Before the Law: Towards Disability Justice Strategies, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) identified that:
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communication is essential to personal autonomy and decision-making, and
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securing effective and appropriate communication as a right should be the cornerstone of any Disability Justice Strategy.
The recently concluded Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation of People with Disability found that people with disability are disproportionately subjected to substituted decision-making (such as guardianship and administration orders) and restrictive practices (such as seclusion and physical or chemical restraints). The Final Report of the Royal Commission proposed reforms to promote supported decision-making and reduce restrictive practices by recommending how to improve laws, policies, structures and practices to ensure a more inclusive and just society. Recommendations for enabling autonomy and access for people with disability on an equal basis to others were published in Volume 6, Enabling autonomy and access.
We provide training and education to staff from disability, legal and justice sectors to increase:
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equity before the law for people with communication disabilities and
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supported decision-making as recommended by the Royal Commission for people with disability.
​Our team includes speech pathologists and lawyers who have experience in applying human rights legislation.
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We provide communication access and inclusion strategies that support people with disability effectively communicate their knowledge, understanding, intentions and decisions.