What Communication Justice Really Means
Communication justice is the right for individuals to connect fairly with one another, a right that many people with language disabilities do not have the means to experience fully. While forms of communication justice exist, barriers still prevent many from exercising that right. The Center for Independent Living in Central Florida aims to break those barriers for people whose communication disorders and differences contribute to their inequitable treatment.
Communication justice means access, respect, and equity working together. Access provides assistive technology and services to accommodate individuals who are deaf or disabled. Respect ensures all forms of language are valued equally. Equity guarantees fair opportunities and treatment for individuals who experience language barriers. When we acknowledge communication barriers, it leads to action. Action leads to the incorporation of assistive listening and communication technology in public services so that everyone can experience a safe and equal quality of life.
It is common for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to face discriminatory treatment in receiving healthcare, education, and employment. Employers need to avoid discriminating against disabled individuals and provide necessary accommodations during the interview process. A disability does not indicate whether or not a person has the ability to work. It is important to teach individuals to use language equity in their interactions to promote respect and inclusion while avoiding stigmas. An example of an unfair stigma is immediately assuming a deaf individual needs an interpreter, when you could instead first ask if they read lips. By asking, you are letting them communicate with you directly on an equal level. The more communication barriers we remove, the more individuals can confidently advocate for themselves and connect more meaningfully with their community.
Through our DeafVoice program, we have provided communication services, skill-building sessions, and referrals to vital resources. We have served over 250 members of our deaf community, helping them live independently and confidently, providing assistive tools for day-to-day life, such as flashing alarm clocks, alert systems, and flashing doorbells.
The Center for Independent Living advocates for a future in which deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have an equal opportunity to experience life and communicate fairly with everyone from the start. We are committed to supporting communication justice through education, training, and advocacy. If you know someone who is deaf, hard of hearing, nonverbal, or has a language disability, we would be honored to provide our services to them. We also encourage our community to share this message and to continue educating themselves on communication justice and its importance in making our world more connected.