Camden Council has become the first council in NSW to be recognised as communication inclusive.
It received the Communication Access Symbol after council staff in key customer service areas successfully completed communication access training and assessment in February.
The Communication Access Symbol enables people to know the organisation or service they are accessing is communication accessible.
Accredited sites include the Camden Council administration building in Oran Park as well as Camden, Oran Park and Narellan libraries.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, pictured above, left, said it was important for the entire community to feel welcome.
“Council is here to support every single resident in the Camden area, and it is imperative for our staff to be able to assist anyone at any time,” Cr Fedeli said.
“We have over 110 nationalities, 85 countries of birth, 64 languages and 38 religions represented in Camden and I think this is what makes our area so great. We all work together to help one another.’’
Council staff were trained and assessed by Northcott, a leading disability provider and the only approved communication access assessment organisation in NSW.
Northcott speech pathologist Katrina McNamee said it was vital more organisations that value inclusion apply for the Communication Access Symbol.
“People who communicate in ways other than speech often feel like they are ignored, discriminated against and treated as a child,” Ms McNamee said.
“But when staff use communication strategies, people with communication difficulties feel understood and respected.
“Communication access is an important part of universal inclusion and the value reaches beyond those with a disability – people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with short term speech issues and anyone who appreciates patience and clear communication will all benefit from the same attitudes, strategies and resources.
“I’m impressed by the commitment to inclusion that Camden Council has shown during this process. They are setting a clear example for creating a genuinely inclusive society where everyone can participate as independently as possible.”
The Camden Council accreditation is for one year and will be reviewed annually.
