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Assistive Technology Network

Communication Bill of Rights

  1. Top Row:
    • To interact socially. Graphic: Three people greeting each other, one saying "Nice to meet you."
    • To request wants. Graphic: A person standing behind a sign with question mark.
    • To say no. Graphic: A person is depicted with their hands up and the word "NO."
  2. Second Row:
    • To express feelings. Graphic: A person holding a heart.
    • To be given meaningful choices. Graphic: A person pointing to one of three different clothing options.
    • To share opinions. Graphic: A person is standing with a thought bubble.
  3. Third Row:
    • To be heard and responded to. Graphic: Two people with many speech bubbles.
    • To have the use of my AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) at all times. Graphic: A person holding an AAC device.
    • To have my communication system in working order. Graphic: A tablet with the word "TALK" in a speech bubble.
  4. Fourth Row:
    • To ask and know about my world. A person asking questions.
    • To be taught how to communicate. Graphic: A teacher and student are shown one with an apple in a speech bubble and the other with a sun in a speech bubble.
    • To be treated with respect and dignity. Graphic: People interacting with one saying: Have a nice day.
  5. Fifth Row:
    • To be spoken with, not about. Graphic: A person is shown listening while another talks.
    • To have culturally sensitive interactions. Graphic: People from different cultural backgrounds standing together.
    • To ask for and get attention and interaction. Graphic: Two people engaging with each other.

Adapted from: https://www.asha.org/siteassets/njc/njc-communication-bill-rights.pdf

For more information contact Melanie Derry at derrym@vcu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Autism Center for Education (VCU-ACE) is funded by the VA Dept. of Education, contract #881-61172- H027A180107. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation, or disability. If special accommodations are needed, please contact Carol Schall at (804) 828-1851 VOICE or (804) 828-2494 TTY.