Camden Council has officially received the Communication Access Symbol, becoming the first Council in NSW to be recognised as communication accessible by Scope Australia.

Camden Council was trained and assessed by Northcott, a leading disability provider and the only Approved Communication Access Assessment Organisation in NSW.

The Communication Access Symbol enables people to know the organisation or service they are accessing is communication accessible. This means:

• Staff are welcoming and treat everyone with dignity and respect;
• Staff are able to communicate successfully with people with communication difficulties; and
• Communication tools are available to help people get their message across and understand what people are telling them.

Northcott speech pathologist, Katrina McNamee, said it was vital more organisations that value inclusion apply for the Communication Access Symbol.

“People who communicate in ways other than speech often feel like they are ignored, discriminated against and treated as a child,” Ms McNamee said.

“But when staff use communication strategies, people with communication difficulties feel understood and respected.

“Communication access is an important part of universal inclusion and the value reaches beyond those with a disability – people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with short term speech issues and anyone who appreciates patience and clear communication will all benefit from the same attitudes, strategies and resources.

“I’m impressed by the commitment to inclusion that Camden Council has shown during this process. They are setting a clear example for creating a genuinely inclusive society where everyone can participate as independently as possible.”

Northcott CEO, Liz Forsyth, said “Northcott is proud to be the only approved communication access assessor in NSW. Eliminating communication barriers so that everyone, regardless of their abilities, cultural or linguistic background, can understand messages or be understood is crucial in building a society that is genuinely inclusive and accessible for all. We are delighted to have assisted Camden Council to be the first Council in NSW to achieve accreditation.”

Council staff in key customer service areas completed communication access training and assessment in February this year.

Accredited sites include Camden Council Administration Building in Oran Park as well as Camden, Oran Park and Narellan Libraries.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said it was important for the entire community to feel welcome.

“Council is here to support every single resident in the Camden area, and it is imperative for our staff to be able to assist anyone at any time,” Cr Fedeli said.

“We have over 110 nationalities, 85 countries of birth, 64 languages and 38 religions represented in Camden and I think this is what makes our area so great. We all work together to help one another.

“Attaining the Communication Access Symbol Accreditation follows on from Camden Council also receiving Changing Places Accreditation for our all-inclusive water play spaces at Dawson-Damer Park, Oran Park and Curry Reserve Water Play Space, Elderslie.

“I am very proud to see Council accredited and remind residents that we are an inclusive organisation that is open to everyone.”

A review process will occur on an annual basis for Council to obtain ongoing accreditation.