Communication Access

Better Health Starts with Effective Communication

People with communication disabilities often find it hard to get the information and communication supports they need to fully access health services and programs. This can lead to less than ideal outcomes for everyone involved. As a health professional, learn how you can support effective communication access to promote equitable care and better health.

THE SCENARIO

You're examining a new patient. He's telling you about his medicines, but you can't understand him. You turn to ask his daughter instead, leaving him frustrated since she doesn't know anything about them.

THE QUESTION

This situation is common for people with hearing, speech, language, voice, or cognitive difficulties—and maybe for you as a provider. What could you do differently?

THE ACTION

Ask patients about their communication needs FIRST. This can improve health care interactions and outcomes for everyone.

How Can ACCESS Improve Effective Communication?

ACCESS is a framework of six core principles to help lessen communication barriers. Always check your patient's communication needs before starting care.

Access A

Ask about communication preferences, strategies, and accommodations before care begins.

Access C

Communicate directly with the person unless specified otherwise.

Access C

Confirm understanding of information given and received.

Access E

Eliminate environmental distractions—and give your full attention.

Access S

Slow down to allow time for processing information and responding.

Access S

Support interactions using different communication methods—like gestures, writing, drawing, pictures, communication boards, videos, or assistive technology.

What is Communication Access?

Communication access means people with communication disabilities have the same opportunities to take part in and fully benefit from quality services and programs as everyone else, using necessary communication supports.

What is Effective Communication?

Effective communication happens when everyone can clearly and accurately exchange information in the ways that work best for them. For people with communication disabilities, this may mean providing different communication aids and services as required by law.

Why is Communication Access Important?

Effective communication is a basic human right. Making it accessible is especially important for people with hearing, communication, and/or cognitive difficulties, who often face barriers to health care. When individuals don't have the information and communication supports they need, it can lead to:

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Why Support Communication Access?

When health professionals understand and meet individual communication needs, it can:

  • Improve diagnostic accuracy
  • Help patients understand treatment options
  • Ensure informed consent
  • Support decision-making
  • Increase adherence to care recommendations
  • Enhance patients’ autonomy and participation in care

 

How Can You Make a Difference?

Consider all the times you interact with patients or clients in your setting. Make sure you know how to meet their communication access needs when:

  • Making appointments
  • Checking in and filling out forms
  • Interacting directly with patients, health care providers, and staff
  • Reviewing exam results, treatment recommendations, prescriptions, patient education, and referrals
  • Sharing billing and other documentation

 

Need Help?

For more information about communication disabilities and effective communication access, contact ASHA-certified audiologists and speech-language pathologists. To find a communication professional near you, visit ASHA's ProFind or call ASHA from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, at 800-638-8255.

Learn More

View ASHA's Special Collection on Communication Access in Health Services, a curated list of articles from across all ASHA publications.

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