Accessibility Rights

When accessing a service, you have the right to any supports and accommodations you may need in order to:

• Understand spoken and written information.
• Have the person with whom you are communicating, understand your messages.
• Get the time you need to communicate effectively.
• Use the communication method(s) of your choice and/or have someone assist you with communication.
• Connect with an organization using the telephone or alternatives to a telephone, such as email or text.
• Effectively communicate at meetings, conferences, online events and public consultations.
• Read and/or understand the organization’s written materials.
• Access an organization’s website and social media.
• Complete an organization’s forms, take notes and sign documents.

In critical situations, you have a right to expect an organization to:

• Have specific communication access procedures, policies, safeguards and communication supports to ensure you have effective communication to give and receive information, and provide informed consent and / or make decisions in critical contexts such as healthcare and legal situations.
• Procedures to appoint a trusted communication assistant to assist with communication and/ or a person to support you in difficult decision-making situations.
• Find and hire a qualified Communication Intermediary to assist you communicating in police, legal and justice situations.