Belief Statement

We believe that people with speech and language disabilities have a right to equal access to goods and services.

This means that a person must be provided with supports they may require to:

Understand what others are saying
Have others understand their messages
Have extra time and opportunities to communicate
Use their preferred methods of communication
Communicate in face-to-face interactions, over the telephone, at meetings and at public events
Read and understand written materials
Sign documents, take notes and complete forms

We believe that:

The accessibility requirements of people with speech and language disabilities must be acknowledged in accessibility legislation
Communication is about receiving and giving information in face-to-face interactions, over the telephone, at meetings and public events, as well as reading and writing
Training in accessibility must include information on how to communicate with people who have speech and language disabilities
Essential services such as healthcare, emergency services, police, legal and justice services must have specific policies and practices to ensure effective communication with people who have speech and language disabilities
In critical communication situations, a trained communication intermediary may be required to assist people with speech and language disabilities to convey their messages as accurately and authentically as possible.

Please note CDAC is solely responsible for all aspects of its work.

Click here to see a list of organizations that support this belief statement.