Barriers to services

People who have disabilities that affect their communication, report that they can experience a range of barriers when using services. For example:

Being ignored
Having their competence underestimated
Having decisions deferred to other people
Not having their messages understood
Not being given the time to communicate
Not having the supports they need to understand what others are saying
Not getting written information in ways they can use and understand
Not being given forms in ways they can access
Not having accessible websites and social media
Not having alternate arrangements to telephone services to set up appointments and use services
Not having the supports they need to communicate at pubic forums and meetings

In critical situations:

Not having procedures in place to ensure they can give informed consent (healthcare, legal situations)
Not having the supports they may need to disclose and testify about abuse and crimes (police and justice situations)
Not having access to trusted people to support them in decision-making and complex service negotiations