Speak Up for Communication Rights (#SpeakUp4CommRights)

This year we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This important document includes 30 articles describing a variety of rights that apply to all people across the world. One key section—article 19—especially applies to audiology and speech-language pathology : Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. Article 19 is frequently cited to promote freedom of speech, such as in the media, but the rights described in this article extend further to ensuring access to communication for all people. People with communication disorders are often restricted from realizing their communication right to “seek, receive and impart information and ideas.” As a result, people with communication disorders often cannot fully access their other rights because of their restricted communication. For example, they might not be able to access the right to work, marry or own property. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists play important roles in enabling people with communication disorders to realize their communication rights. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, here are five ways you can raise awareness about these issues and about #SpeakUp4CommRights. Promote communication rights every day by encouraging everyone to u...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Advocacy Audiology Events Slider Speech-Language Pathology Source Type: blogs