Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC) is thrilled to announce we have added 56 new communication intermediaries to our roster. Over 200 intermediaries are now available across Canada to assist people communicating in legal and justice situations. Check out the roster.
More highlights from the past few weeks…
Our Latest Resource:
Communication Access Now (CAN) has added a new resource, outlining communication access barriers and recommendations for educational services for students with speech and language disabilities from kindergarten through post-secondary education and lifelong learning.
Nationally:
While on vacation in Dublin, Executive Director Barbara Collier presented the Communication Access Now message to 55 Speech Language Therapists. Citizens can expect to see communication access symbols around Dublin and increased initiatives to improve accessibility to goods and services for people with communication disabilities.
Barbara Collier and CAN Ambassador Colin Phillips had a productive meeting with Councillor Wong-Tam. She is committed to including communication access as part of all public services run by the City of Toronto. Keep an eye out for the communication access symbol and for communication assistance at city run public meetings.
On the West Coast:
Regional Coordinator Lois Turner and Social Media Coordinator Glenda Watson Hyatt shared the need for communication access and how people can get involved with Communication Access Now with a packed workshop of 50 people hosted by ConnecTra, an agency linking people with disabilities to activities and programs to become more active and involved in community life. http://www.connectra.org
In Ontario:
Regional Coordinator Tracy Shepherd shared the need for communication access with the Kingston Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee and members of the Customer Service department.
Attendees were excited to learn great tips to use when communicating with the citizens who have speech and language disabilities, including individuals with a smile, talking directly to them rather than a person with them, and asking what you should do when communicating with them.
The Accessibility Compliance Project Manager stated that they will display the symbol in customer service areas and that they are already starting to incorporate the symbol in documentation. In addition, members noted that they will use the resources and e-learning modules to train staff.
In Atlantic Canada:
Colleagues of Regional Coordinator Debbie Maud are reporting they are using the CAN materials in their communities.
To have someone speak to your city, business or organization about communication access, please contact your regional coordinator.
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