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Communication

People with intellectual disabilities are often left out because organisations do not communicate using easy-to-understand language.

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Many people have never met a person with an intellectual disability. They may not understand how to communicate in an accessible way.

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Accessible communication is good for organisations because more people will understand your work and can get involved. 

Yellow megaphone

​Self-advocates told us:

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  • Self-advocates often meet people who don't know how to communicate respectfully. 

  • People with intellectual disabilities may use different communication methods other than written communication or speech. 

  • Organisations usually communicate through email, websites or social media. People with intellectual disabilities often miss these types of communication. This may be because they do not have support to access email, websites and social media themselves or because the emails, web pages and social media posts are difficult to read and understand. 

  • When people with intellectual disabilities do receive communications from organisations, they may need more time to respond. Organisations do not always allow enough time. 

Types of communication:

A person with a speech bubble showing different ideas

Alternative types of communication 

Social media icons for Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Social Media

Man speaking to others with a happy face icon.

Respectful Communication

Laptop with a gold arrow pointing to the screen

Websites

 

The Listen Include Respect Guidelines were created with financial support from:

Logo of the International Disability Alliance
Logo of inclusive futures uk aid
Logo of Inclusion International
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Logo of Down Syndrome International
Logo of the Higher Council for the rights of persons with disabilities
Logo of FBASD
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©2022 by Inclusion International & Down Syndrome International

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