Communication Rights

Communication is a fundamental human right. Every person, regardless of disability, has the right to express themselves, to be understood, and to participate fully in all aspects of life. For individuals with communication support needs this right must be actively protected, supported, and implemented through inclusive practices, accessible communication tools, and societal attitudes that value all forms of communication.

Our Core Belief

DPOV affirms that the ability to communicate—by any means—is intrinsic to human dignity, autonomy, and equality. Communication is more than speech. It includes gestures, facial expressions, symbols, writing, sign languages, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, and other personalized methods. Each individual’s chosen means of communication must be recognized, respected, and supported.

Our Position

  1. Right to Communication Access
    • Everyone has the right to access the communication supports, technology, and environments that allow them to express themselves and understand others.
    • Governments and service systems must ensure access to AAC devices, interpreters, accessible materials, and communication-friendly environments as a matter of equity and inclusion.
  2. Right to Be Heard and Understood
    • People with communication support needs must be actively listened to, not spoken for or ignored.
    • Supporters, families, professionals, and communities have a shared responsibility to learn, honour, and respond to individual communication methods and preferences.
  3. Right to Participation and Decision-Making
    • Communication support needs must never be used as a reason to exclude individuals from decision-making about their lives.
    • Inclusive communication practices must ensure that all individuals can participate in education, healthcare, employment, civic engagement, and social relationships on an equal basis.
  4. Right to Education and Support
    • Inclusive education systems must prioritize communication development and access to AAC for all learners who need it.
    • Ongoing training for educators, families, and professionals is essential to promote communication competence and reduce barriers.
  5. Right to Representation and Visibility
    • People with communication support needs must be represented in media, policy debates, and leadership roles within the disability community.
    • Their voices—expressed through any medium—are vital to shaping inclusive policies and social change.
  6. Responsibility to Foster an Inclusive Society
    • Society must shift from viewing speech as the only valid form of communication to embracing communication diversity.
    • Creating inclusive systems, attitudes, and technologies benefits everyone and strengthens human connection.

DPOV asks the Victorian Government to:

  1. Embed communication rights explicitly within the Disability and Inclusion Reform, Education State, and School Policy and Advisory Guide.
  2. Mandate inclusive communication practices under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act.
  3. Mandate training for teachers, aides, and principals on:
    1. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    2. Communication accessibility
    3. Inclusive classroom strategies
  4. Fund communication aids and technologies, including iPads, AAC devices, symbol boards, and supportive software.
  5. Ensure speech pathology services are available across all schools, particularly in regional and rural areas.
  6. Create a central hub of resources and guidelines on communication support for students.
  7. Promote communication-inclusive environments, where every student — verbal, non-verbal, or using AAC — is respected and understood.

Conclusion

We call on policymakers, educators, service providers, and communities to uphold and promote communication rights as a cornerstone of inclusion and equality. Ensuring every individual can communicate in their preferred way is a matter of justice and human rights.