title: Accessible information for people with complex communication needs.
abstract: Information can be empowering if it is accessible. While a number of known information access barriers have been reported for the broader group of people with disabilities, specific information issues for people with complex communication needs have not been previously reported. In this consumer-focused study, the accessibility of information design and dissemination practices were discussed by 17 people with complex communication needs; by eight parents, advocates, therapists, and agency representatives in focus groups; and by seven individuals in individual interviews. Participants explored issues and made recommendations for content, including language, visual and audio supports; print accessibility; physical access; and human support for information access. Consumer-generated accessibility guidelines were an outcome of this study.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia. janet.owens@deakin.edu.au
authors.forename: Janet S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Owens
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003256:Community Participation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017144:Focus Groups; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007407:Interviews as Topic