Communication is a basic human right.
Over the past several years, the world has been grappling with a pandemic, and political and social justice issues. Our pivots from crisis to crisis have spotlighted the depth and scope of inequities that continue to impact minoritized people. We have far to go. Yet there is a change in public awareness of equity for under-represented populations. The disabilities community is an historically marginalized group. Many disabled people have communication challenges or communicate in alternative ways. NWACS believes that communication is a basic human right. We envision a world in which people’s voices are heard and valued equitably. A world of true inclusion. But how do we get there?
In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document stated basic human rights that are to be universally protected. Communication is included as a basic human right (Article 19).
In 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This document sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of all children, regardless of their abilities. Communication is included as a basic right for all children (Article 13). Article 30 proclaims children’s right to use their own language, culture, and religion.
In 2006, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It reaffirms the human rights and freedoms of all people with all types of disabilities. Communication is included as a human right (Article 21).
Public schools in the United States have federal law requirements to meet the communication needs of students:
- students must be provided an education tailored to their individual needs (including communication needs)
- students must receive communication that is as effective as the communication their non-disabled peers receive (through appropriate aids and services)
In 1995, the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities (NJC) published the first Communication Bill of Rights. It was later revised in 2016, and again in 2024. It ensures the basic rights of people with disabilities to use communication to take part in managing their own lives.
Our Why
At first glance, the Communication Bill of Rights may seem so obvious. Yet it is rarely discussed or referred to in the daily work of implementing and supporting AAC. If we take a closer look, the rights reveal areas that are often overlooked – or even unknown. Taking 2022 to examine these rights and reflect on how we can expand our AAC users’ power of communication was worthwhile.
The Communication Bill of Rights breaks down communication into a list of specific skills and rights. It serves as a guidepost for professionals, families, and others in an AAC user’s support network. This list highlights all the amazing aspects of communication and connection that ALL people deserve to experience. Several of the rights address issues we face today, like:
- the right to be treated with dignity and respect
- the right to have culturally and linguistically appropriate communications
In addition, each right guides us to foster environments that allow full participation, in all daily interactions and interventions, by people with disabilities. Some common themes that appear among the rights are:
- Opportunities for building and respecting autonomy are realized when respecting these Rights.
- It is critical to ensure access to a variety of relevant vocabulary for a variety of communication interactions in AAC users’ systems.
- Honoring multiple means of communication is important and needed.
- Communication partner coaching is an essential part of ensuring AAC users’ communication rights are respected.
- Making sure AAC users are aware of their Communication Rights.
- Teach, teach, teach, teach, teach!
- Give time. AAC users need time and patience from their communication partners so they can relay their intended message. We are used to a conversational pace that moves quickly. This can be prohibitive to an AAC user to say the things they want to say.
The Communication Bill of Rights provides our AAC users with protection. Protection regarding what they are entitled to and are working toward. It assures AAC users that they will receive quality intervention. It assures AAC users that they will be regarded as having the potential and ability to develop these communication skills. It is a clear reminder that communication is more than requesting. It empowers AAC users.
How can you use the Communication Bill of Rights?
- to help AAC users with self-advocacy
- to guide SLPs, OTs, teachers, and other professionals in creating environments that foster AAC users’ rights
- for families to understand and advocate for the rights of their AAC users
- to display in schools, medical settings, and more
- to ensure we are treating people with disabilities and differences equitably
The Communication Bill of Rights is a reminder that at the center of every conversation involving an AAC user, should be the AAC user. Their communication has power. Their communication is valid. Their communication is important. Their communication is valuable. Their communication matters. Their communication is their communication.
Why did we choose the Communication Bill of Rights as our theme for 2022? Because many stakeholders are not aware of this document. At the time, it was rarely discussed. It helps us (parents and professionals) guide our work and provide rationale for services for our AAC users. It serves as a reminder of our why. It outlines the goal of AAC – and that deserves our focus and interpretation then and now.
Let’s explore each right further.
References
- Brady, Nancy & Bruce, Susan & Goldman, Amy & Erickson, Karen & Mineo, Beth & Ogletree, Billy & Paul, Diane & Romski, MaryAnn & Sevcik, Rose & Siegel, Ellin & Schoonover, Judith & Snell, Marti & Sylvester, Lorraine & Wilkinson, Krista. (2016). Communication Services and Supports for Individuals With Severe Disabilities: Guidance for Assessment and Intervention. American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilities. 121. 121-138. 10.1352/1944-7558-121.2.121.
- National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. (2024). NJC Communication Bill of Rights (3rd ed.). https://www.asha.org/njc
- NJC Documents and Position Statements
- UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities
- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Unicef)
- UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- United States Disability Law (Communications Access)
- Wrightslaw on Assistive Technology
Share your comments or questions.