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ACQ
Volume 11, Number 2 2009
ACQ
uiring knowledge in speech, language and hearing
International obligations, human
rights and responsibilities
The Convention on the Rights of People with Disability 2006,
which came into effect in May 2008, is reported to be one of
the fastest treaties ever negotiated. Australia is a signatory to
this convention. While the convention comprehensively refers
to all of the human rights related to persons with disability,
there are five articles (out of the first 30) which are specifically
relevant for people who have severe communication
difficulties. Three articles are described below.
Article 2, Definitions
Article 2 describes a broad range of modes and methods of
communication: “Communication includes languages, display
of text, Braille, tactile communication, large print, accessible
multimedia as well as written, audio, plain-language, human
reader and augmentative and alternative modes, means and
formats of communication, including accessible information
and communication technology” (UN, 2006, p. 5).
Article 9, Accessibility
Article 9 addresses communication access as well as
“access to the physical environment, transportation,
information and other facilities and services open or provided
to the public in urban and rural areas.” For example, Article 9
specifies the need for states (governments) to provide public
signage in Braille and in other forms that are easy to read
and understand. Also, it acknowledges that some people
with disabilities require “live assistants and intermediaries,
including guides, readers and professional sign language
interpreters to ensure access to information, buildings and
other facilities open to the public” (UN, 2006, p. 9).
Article 9 requires countries to identify and eliminate
existing barriers and to take steps to ensure that people with
disabilities gain access to their communities. The importance
of article 9 is that it defines access broadly and extends
accessibility issues well beyond physical access and access
to information. It specifies communication access to other
services (such as electronic services, emergency services
and the Internet), as rights. It recognises, but does not
specify, that providing communication access to persons
with limited or no speech is needed for them to participate
equally in society, and that they too require a full range of
accommodations (e.g., technologies, strategies, techniques
as well as human supports).
Article 21, Freedom of expression, and
opinion and access to Information
Article 21affirms that people with disabilities should have the
“freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas
on an equal basis with others through all forms of
communication of their choice”. It further states this
information needs to be presented at the same time as all
other information.
Article 21 specifies that signatories promote access to
information as well as freedom of expression and opinion by:
•
providing information intended for the general public in
accessible formats and technologies,
•
facilitating the use of Braille, sign language, and other
forms of communication (e.g., picture/symbol modes,
means and formats),
•
encouraging media and internet providers to make online
information available in accessible formats.
Importantly, Article 21 states that alternative methods are
legitimate ways to communicate during official interactions.
functional in a variety of contexts, including health literacy,
legal literacy, financial literacy, and work literacy. These are
discussed, in turn, below.
Health literacy
Health literacy is the ability to use written health information
meaningfully. As we move towards a more self-managed
health environment, health literacy becomes critical. There is
clear evidence that people with limited functional health
literacy have poorer health outcomes. Examples include:
•
incorrectly reading tablet bottles/medication dosages,
•
missing specialist appointments,
•
not knowing about health promotion and educational
opportunities, or
•
not understanding medical terms in documentation.
The statistics identify that people who may have functional
literacy skills in a range of media and topics often have less
functional literacy when health literacy is involved.
Legal literacy
Legal literacy is the ability to access information in the legal
environment. It also includes the need to recognise when or
if the situation is one in which a legal right or responsibility is
being compromised. Examples of legal literacy needs and
opportunities include:
•
understanding complaints, or rights and responsibilities
information from organisations,
•
completing and signing forms providing consent or
releasing information to other people,
•
reading brochures given by police or courts about how
the system works,
•
reading or writing a statement taken from police, or
•
locating appointment times in letters from lawyers,
government departments or courts.
Financial literacy
How many people really understand their superannuation
documentation, or all their rights in their insurance policy?
Financial literacy is also the ability to interpret banking
information, sales information, mortgages, loans, bills and
invoices and other everyday financial details. A lot of financial
information is contained in lengthy, complex and legal prose.
Work literacy
Every work environment has its individual language. Who has
walked into a new work environment and thought there was
a new language being spoken? Rather than a new language,
it is often the acronyms and short-hand discussion that is
going on between familiar team members. Workforce literacy
is more than the ability to read, write, add and subtract. It is
a continuum of skills that are vital to effective performance in
the workplace. Workplace literacy includes the ability to:
•
communicate ideas and opinions,
•
use information and maths skills,
•
make decisions and solve problems, and
•
use information systems, technology and tools.
Literacy demands in the workplace have increased as a
result of more computerised processes and self-managing
teams. There is also a greater need for critical thinking,
problem-solving and compliance. Even those in less-skilled
roles need higher levels of literacy. Technological change
makes communication and information processing more
sophisticated and immediate, with constant innovations in
communication networks, online ordering and stock control
management.