Communication Access
How We’re Reducing Communication Barriers
It’s hard to imagine now, but 30 years ago, millions of Americans with physical disabilities couldn’t access public spaces and other facilities – stairs instead of ramps, signs without Braille or tones for the deaf. Then, thanks to the advocacy of thousands, physical barriers were broken down with the passage of the Americans with Disability Act.
The Life Participation Approach to Aphasia is not only influencing how speech-language pathologists deliver reimbursable aphasia treatment, the LPAA is positively changing the patient-provider communication experience for all people who know more than they can say. From the 911 call, to acute and rehabilitation care, to on-going aphasia programs and integration back into the community, communication access should be as commonplace as a wheelchair ramp for those with physical challenges.
Communication Access in Healthcare
Healthcare services are often delivered in a way that people with communication barriers cannot understand – barriers for vulnerable populations including non-English speakers, people with hearing loss, and individuals with communication disorders such as aphasia. Frontline staff, nurses, doctors, and leadership across the continuum of care will continue to fall short without training in adaptive communication strategies including essential environmental adjustments in acute, rehabilitation, and on-going care.
Communication Access in Communities
Communication barriers create further marginalization and incorrect assumptions about an individual’s competence and ability to participate in any interaction. If workers in public transportation, businesses and public spaces remain untrained in communication access adaptations, every interaction, all relationships and future independence will lead to devastating consequences for large populations of people.
Today, we can make communication access within healthcare, community and family life a reality. Aphasia Access’ mission is to reduce communication barriers by bringing the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia to people with aphasia, the clinicians treating them, and community services and businesses everywhere.
Communication Access: The Fundamental Techniques
The State of Aphasia in North America
Communication access statistics plus incentives and mandates from leading U.S., Canadian, and International governmental, professional, ethical and statutory organizations.