A campaign launched today is urging the Scottish government to enshrine the right to inclusive communication in law, as the ALLIANCE highlights ‘significant inequalities’ remain in the communication support available to people accessing health, care, work and education.

Sharing information – whether it’s written, in-person, by phone or online – in a way that everybody can understand is a ‘gateway to accessing all our human rights’, according to the ALLIANCE.

However, the organisation has found ‘concerning’ differences in how Scottish public bodies deliver and monitor inclusive communication, which has led to a postcode lottery when it comes to communication support.

Launching its ‘More than Words’ campaign today, the ALLIANCE told healthandcare.scot that without a clear legal right to inclusive communication, people across the country will continue to experience inequalities in accessing the services they need.

Scottish Sensory Hub Manager, Dr Hannah Tweed said:

“Everyone should have a right to communicate in a form they understand – to access health and social care when they need it, attend education or work, and participate in society.

“That's why we're calling for legislative change, to embed inclusive design and communication in the heart of Scotland’s public services.

“Designing for inclusion today means planning for a future where everyone can live well, without discrimination.

Research from the ALLIANCE Scottish Sensory Hub shows most Scottish public bodies (63%) do not track if or how they provide communication support, including British Sign Language (BSL)-English interpreters, supportive speech tools, easy read versions of documents or letters sent in Large Print.

Of the bodies that did record requests for inclusive communication support, BSL translation and interpretation was the most common request.

While most public bodies (64%) were found to offer their staff some form of inclusive communication training, the content was found to be variable and the uptake is sometimes as low as between 1 and 2%.

The ALLIANCE recommends legal requirements are placed on bodies like health boards, local authorities and higher education providers to provide inclusive communications, train their staff and collect and analyse data.

The researchers also heard from several respondents – including those who failed to collect information on their inclusive communication services – that there is a need for centralised resources and guidance.

In the report, the ALLIANCE says:

‘Without proper training, it’s difficult for people to support communication for all. 

‘Without legal protection for people’s right to inclusive communication, Scotland is unlikely to see systemic change.

‘Real and meaningful reform is needed, to counter existing inequalities and enable people to enjoy their human rights and be a full part of civic society.’

The organisation hopes its campaign will help inform the government and public bodies on how to meet people’s communication needs and stop current injustices and acts as a springboard for much needed system change.

For more information about the campaign, see here.

A Scottish government spokesperson told healthandcare.scot new inclusive communication tools are being explored this year:

“We are determined to advance and improve inclusive communication in Scotland.

“We have recently commissioned the development of new inclusive communications tools and training which will be delivered later in the year for public authorities. This responds directly to calls from public bodies for more practical support and guidance informed by lived experience.

“The Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities sets out what people can expect when using NHS services, including everybody’s right to be informed about and involved in decisions about their health care and to clear and open communication about their treatment.”

Read more: “Relentless focus” on health inequalities; UK care plans chance to learn from Scotland; Social inequalities worsen health for LGBT+; Care management ‘on its knees’; ALLIANCE: Action needed from Scotland’s leaders; Concern as human rights absent from government plan