Uniting Communities has expanded its support for people with communication challenges, helping them to access services and connect with support more effectively.

As one of only four organisations in South Australia to have achieved Communication Access accreditation, Uniting Communities has worked tirelessly since achieving their first accreditations at U City in 2021, rolling out accessible communication training and tools across many of their other sites.

The accreditation recognises that an organisation is welcoming of people with communication challenges. It also means their teams have the skills and confidence to communicate with people with a communication disability and have the resources to interact with people who have communication difficulties. It also involves the production of bespoke communication tools, including Easy English guides to facilitate access and understanding of services on offer.

Accreditation partner, Two Way Street congratulated Uniting Communities for their ongoing commitment to creating accessible and inclusive environments.

“Uniting Communities is leading the way in South Australia in creating communication accessible services. Their clients and the general public can be confident that when they attend an accredited location, their voice will be heard, they can communicate in their preferred method, and that resources are available to ensure a respectful and successful interaction. This opportunity for self-advocacy is critical to providing equitable and inclusive services,” said Two Way Street General Manager, Michaela Banks.

With over 50 staff across 11 major sites fully trained, accredited and equipped with communication tools at their front counters, Uniting Communities are ensuring services are more accessible for everyone who seeks assistance. These include Uniting Communities Family Relationship Centre and Law Centre, headspace in Mount Gambier and Streetlink and New ROADS at U City.

Around 1 in 7 Australians will have difficulties with speaking or understanding speech at some stage in their life, 45% have difficulties reading basic signs and completing forms and 65% have difficulties using email and navigating more than one step on a website.

“These numbers are much higher for clients who access our community services and aged care services,” said Simon Schrapel AM, Uniting Communities Chief Executive. 

“It is vital that we provide universal access to our services through communication access skills and resources for our clients, residents, their families, carers and the general public.

“Through our improvements to communication accessibility, we are enhancing participation and independence for South Australians with communication challenges.”

Human Services Minister, Nat Cook said that Uniting Communities deserves congratulations and thanks for expanding its support for people with communication challenges and helping them to access services and connect with support more effectively.

“It’s vital that we create a community that is connected and inclusive, where everyone is supported and empowered. It’s part of the reason this government is working to improve policy and services for marginalised South Australians,” she said.

Watch our video showing staff and clients using communication access resources.