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SUNSHINE COAST CITIZEN ADVOCACY PROGRAMME INC.

POLICY FOR COMMUNICATING IN LANGUAGE

THAT IS EASILY UNDERSTOOD

Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy recognises the principle that people with disabilities have a right to make decisions that affect their lives and that, to exercise that right, they must be given information in such a manner that they can understand it; and they must have the opportunity to express their views by the best means of communication which they can manage.

People with an intellectual disability may have difficulty with comprehension and communication.  None of Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy endeavours are valid or have meaning for people with a disability unless members of the Board, the staff and advocates can make themselves understood and can understand the people with whom and for whom they are working.

Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy will write its policies and any other matter that must be brought to the attention of a person with a disability in language that is easily understood.  Specialised language and jargon will be avoided. If necessary, documents which need to be brought to the attention of a person with a disability and which may not, because of the language used, be readily understood, will be translated or otherwise explained in language that is easily understood, or explained by any other means of communication.

Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy recognises that, where information is written in the English Language, people from non-English speaking backgrounds have a right to receive and to give information. Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy will, whenever necessary, use the services of an interpreter.

Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy recognises that some people cannot communicate by the spoken word alone.  Where a person is not able to communicate by the spoken word, an interpreter conversant with the sign language of the deaf may be used, or the communication with the person may be by writing if that is sufficient and appropriate, or it may be by gestures or by any other endeavours.

Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy recognises that some people with a disability require someone who knows them well and who is able to interpret their gestures or words. Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy will ensure that, whenever this is required, a person able to interpret will be available.

Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy realises that those who cannot read and write, and that those who cannot use the telephone, may be neglected.  Hence, Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy recognises the importance of face-to-face communication.

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