09/13/2025
🗣️ Communication is a human right! 🌟
The Communication Bill of Rights, 3rd Edition ensures that every person—regardless of ability—can be a full communication partner in life.
Here are the rights everyone deserves:
1️⃣ The right to dignity and respect in all interactions
2️⃣ The right to meaningful communication that is culturally and linguistically appropriate
3️⃣ The right to be addressed directly and not be spoken for or about as if not there
4️⃣ The right to receive a response to all communication, even when the desired outcome isn’t possible
5️⃣ The right to participate across settings as full communication partners
6️⃣ The right to interact socially and build/maintain relationships
7️⃣ The right to be given—and to understand—information about objects, actions, events, and people
8️⃣ The right to ask for or refuse objects, actions, events, and people
9️⃣ The right to express preferences and feelings, make comments, and share opinions
🔟 The right to make choices from meaningful options
1️⃣1️⃣ The right to access services and supports for communication across the lifespan
1️⃣2️⃣ The right to individualized, working AAC and other assistive technology at all times
This 3rd edition was developed to make these rights clear, understandable, and actionable for everyone. 💛
Sources:
* NJC, 1992. Communication Bill of Rights
* Brady et al., 2016. Second Edition, socially-focused updates
* NJC, 2024. Third Edition, updated and simplified wording
