Accessibility is not just limited to physical and technological solutions to help those with access needs in the workplace – it is essential that communication is included when considering what your workforce needs to operate successfully.
Accessible communication ensures that everyone in your workplace, regardless of ability, language, neurodiversity, or learning style, can receive, understand, and respond to information effectively.
What is accessible communication?
Accessible communication is an important aspect of building an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone in the workplace.
Using accessible communication recognises that people have different communication needs and aims to ensure all these needs are met.
Given the vast array of different needs people have, accessible communication cannot take one form; however, there are general methods that can be utilised alongside specific adjustments made for the needs of specific individuals that can help you achieve effective accessible communication.
When providing accessible communication, we must first ensure that information provided is up to date and current, provided to individuals within a timely manner to allow them to digest and understand the information.
Communications should also be in an accessible format, so that the information received is able to be understood, but more on this later.
Why is accessible communication important?
There are a number of reasons why using accessible communication is important.
Firstly, to create a happy and inclusive workplace we should do all we can to make sure that all workers are able to receive information that they require to do their job.
For some individuals there are legal requirements for accessible communication essential due to reasonable adjustment’s requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
Not only will accessible communication provide a better working environment for workers, but it also can improve efficiency and allow employers to empower workers to fulfil their potential.
If barriers exist to receiving the correct information, then this can make workers unprepared and damage team cohesion.
What does accessible communication in the workplace look like?
Given the wide-ranging types of communication and myriad of barriers that individuals might experience there are a broad range of methods that can be used to provide accessible communication.
Below are just some common examples of what can be done:
- Written communications:
- Use plain, concise language that avoids jargon and is easy to understand
- Ensure text is of an easy-to-read font that is of sufficient size
- Consider using contrasting colours for text and background
- Provide summaries or bullet points where possible
- Consider providing an audio alternative
- Provide communications in different languages
- Meetings/presentations:
- As a presenter make sure to speak clearly and not too fast
- Use visual aids alongside presentation e.g. a slide show
- Give option of presenting or holding the meeting via video call
- Share agendas and contents in advance
- If using video conferencing allow captions to be enabled or the call the be recorded
- Do not use colour as the sole means of conveying information
- Encourage questions, with the option of anonymity
The above examples may not always be the most appropriate or effective methods of ensuring effective communication.
This stresses the importance of asking individuals what it is you can do as an employer or manager to help improve their accessibility.
Many people have hidden or difficult to understand barriers and they should be able to tell you, if given the opportunity, what you can do to provide effective accessible communication to create a better work environment and get the best out of what you are trying to achieve.
How can WA Management help?
WA Management offer a Communication Skills online training course that aims to help learners improve both their verbal and non-verbal communication.
Code of Conduct and Communication Skills training courses are essential tools in promoting accessibility in the workplace. Make sure you don’t miss out on our 10% off deal on these courses, available until the end of October. Simply enter the code ‘access10’ at checkout to save!
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