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Background Information

People who use AAC can experience major barriers that make it difficult to communicate effectively with others. They may be ignored or talked down to. They may not be given the time or supports they need to communicate. Often, people they encounter do not understand how they communicate using AAC. These barriers can lead to inequitable access to community–based goods, services and events.

Human rights legislation gives people who use AAC the legal right to communicate effectively, meaningfully and authentically in all aspects of their lives.

People who us AAC have the right

• to be treated with dignity and respect


• to use their preferred method of communicating


• to have a communication assistant


• to be given enough time to communicate effectively


• to be given information in ways that they can understand and use and


• to give feedback on how their accessibility needs have been accommodated