Updated June 14, 2025
Communicating Using AAC Takes Time
“Any consideration of quality of life must take into account the degree to which individuals can effectively communicate with, and thus be full participants in, the community in which they live.”
(Brady, et al., 2016)
This month we are highlighting the communication right to ask for and give information.
An AAC user recently reached out to NWACS. They asked about their rights related to the time it takes to communicate using AAC.
Can an AAC user be given a “time limit” to communicate?
Resources That Inform Us
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Article 21
Article 21 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (adopted by the United Nations in 2006) is:
Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information.
In part, it reads:
“…take all appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise the right to freedom of expression and opinion, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas on an equal basis with others and through all forms of communication of their choice…”
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes effective communication rules. These ensure that people with vision, hearing, or speech disabilities can
- communicate with,
- receive information from, and
- convey information to,
covered entities. [Covered entities include state and local government services, public accommodations, and commercial facilities.]
United States Department of Justice
The document ADA Requirements: Effective Communication from The US Department of Justice states:
“For people who have speech disabilities, this may include…just taking more time to communicate with someone who uses a communication board…simply allowing more time to communicate with someone who uses a communication board or device may provide effective communication.” [Auxiliary Aids and Services section]
Washington Administrative Code
The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) includes Effective communication for people with disabilities. (WAC 284-43-59650) In part, it reads:
“(1) Take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications with others with respect to benefits and services, in accordance with the standards found at 28 C.F.R. 35.160 through 35.164.”
And,
“(5) Make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, or procedures when such modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the issuer can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the health program or activity. Reasonable modifications must be interpreted consistent with the term as set forth in the ADA Title II regulation at 28 C.F.R. Sec. 35.230(b)(7).”
NJC Communication Bill of Rights
The first sentence of the Communication Bill of Rights reads:
“People have a fundamental right to communication in all parts of their lives.”
It goes on to break down 12 specific fundamental communication rights, including:
1. The right to dignity and respect in all interactions
5. The right to participate across setting as full communication partners
7. The right to be given – and to understand – information about objects, actions, events, and people
9. The right to express personal preferences and feelings, make comments, and share opinions
These sources all include:
- the right to convey, impart or give information
- the right to not be discriminated against because of one’s disability
- the right to communication comparable to that of others
- the right to communicate in the way one chooses to communicate
- the right to be involved in and make decisions about anything that is about oneself
- the right to full participation
Conclusion:
People with communication disabilities must be given accommodations of time to communicate.
An AAC User’s Perspective
“I need time. This is about accessibility.” This blog post by Mel at Cussin’ and Discussin’ offers a great first-person perspective on the accommodation of time.
References
- Article 21 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, United Nations (2006)
- 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.
- Disability Rights Washington: Six Self Advocacy Steps for Meetings
- RCW 71A.26.030 Client rights—Notification.
(4) The client has the right to participate in the administration’s service planning. This includes the client’s right to:
(a) Be present and provide input on the client’s service plans written by the administration and providers;
(b) Have meaningful opportunities to lead planning processes;
(c) Have the client’s visions for a meaningful life and the client’s goals for education, employment, housing, relationships, and recreation included in the planning process;
(d) Choose an advocate to attend the planning processes with the client; and
(e) Have access to current and accurate information about recreation, education, and employment opportunities available in the client’s community.
- ADA Requirements: Effective Communication, U.S. Department of Justice (2010)
- WAC 284-43-5965 Effective communication for people with disabilities.
Share your comments or questions.