Creating communicatively accessible environments

Best Practice Statement

This statement has been developed by the NHMRC CCRE in Aphasia Rehabilitation in accordance with the most up to date research and expert opinion.

 

Communicatively accessible environments should be provided for people with aphasia.

Reference: N/A
NHMRC level of Evidence: GPP

Rationale: Environmental barriers exist at the system, service and policy level and efforts to reduce these barriers are likely to improve communicative access for people with aphasia (Duchan, Jennings, Barratt, & Butler, 2006; Kagan & LeBlanc, 2002; Parr, Pound, & Hewitt, 2006). These peer-reviewed articles describe the clinical experiences of creating communicatively accessible health care and community services for people with aphasia and other communication disabilities (Duchan et al., 2006; Kagan & LeBlanc, 2002; Parr et al., 2006). It is recommended consideration be given to:

1. Establishing an advisory group that includes multiple perspectives and expertise.
2. Involving people with aphasia at every step.
3. Drawing on relevant legislation, organisational values and research evidence and implementation science to motivate for change.

 RESOURCES:

1. The  Scope  website asks the question "Are you communication accessible?" - Visit their site for more information. 

References:

1. Duchan, J., Jennings, M., Barratt, R., & Butler, B. (2006). Communication access to the arts. Topics in Language Disorders, 26, 210-220. 
2. Kagan, A., & LeBlanc, K. (2002). Motivating for infrastructure change: toward a communicatively accessible, participation-based stroke care system for all those affected by aphasia. Journal of Communication Disorders, 35(2). doi: 10.1016/s0021-9924(02)00062-x
3. Parr, S., Pound, C., & Hewitt, A. (2006). Communication access to health and social care services. Topics in Language Disorders,, 26, 189–198.