Real stories

Communication for all is about making sure everyone can understand and be understood – it’s a human right.

Across Scotland, people and organisations are taking action, sharing our campaign, and speaking up about why inclusive communication matters. Their experiences help show why change is needed, and how we can build a society where communication works for everyone.

Organisations taking action

RNIB Scotland
“We understand the importance of inclusive communications for blind and partially sighted people, which is a legal requirement under the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011. Receiving information in a format that is suitable allows people to have voice, choice and control. All too often, people with sight loss feel disempowered and disengaged in society due to inaccessible information. We fully support the new research by the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland which seeks communication for all.”

Deafblind Scotland
“Access to communication sits at the centre of all that makes us human. When others don’t take inclusive action, we leave people living with unacceptable social isolation. As one of our members told us, ‘It’s like living in a cupboard with the door shut.'”

Forth Valley Sensory Centre
“We champion communication for all to help create a world where every individual can connect, express themselves, and navigate life independently and with confidence.”

Hayfield Support Services with Deaf People
“We support Deaf adults with complex needs such as Dementia, Learning Disability, mental health conditions – communication is key to all we do.”

Sight Scotland Veterans
“We have staff who can provide training on communication support for people with visual impairment.”

Passion4Social CIC
“Passion4Social is a Scottish-based social enterprise with a difference. […] Being focused on creating sustainable employment opportunities for disabled individuals and promoting digital inclusivity, we are perfectly placed to support you and the More Than Words campaign.” Visit Passion4Social’s accessibility hub

Lanarkshire Deaf Hub
“We can promote and share your campaign with our members, friends, stakeholders, network. We would be keen to connect, communicate and collaborate with you as a partner in this campaign.” 

And many more…

Organisations like SUSE, Little Signs Ltd, West Lothian College, Values Into Action Scotland, Optometry Scotland, South Ayrshire Council, Healthy Valleys, GCVS, and the Centre for Inclusive Living Perth & Kinross are also sharing the campaign and embedding inclusive communication into their work.

What people have told us

These stories show the importance of people being able to access different forms of communication, and the consequences when barriers are put in people’s way. Other people have shared with us why they believe communication for all is important, and how they are pledging to help.

“When I request a BSL interpreter they always say, “Yes, yes we have booked one”, but when I arrive at my appointment, half of the time no interpreter has turned up. I discovered that the receptionist or whoever is at the appointment with me would try to book an interpreter just a day or few days before the appointment.” – Helen

“I am a huge advocate for using visuals – my son struggles with language and it is an ongoing battle to get professionals around him to understand that and use visuals as much as possible. More education required and more resources freely available for teachers.” – Marianne

“I believe in total communication to match every individual right.” – Manjeet

“Many of these points are ones that I have been involved in discussions on as a member of the ALLIANCE’s Digital Citizen Panel, where we have collectively regularly advocated for equal alternatives to digital, as well as for minimising digital exclusion.” – Dr Dagny Gasking

“I feel that there is huge gap in how we all communicate. As a Deaf/disabled person, I am often treated as if I am stupid when using the phone or services. I feel more BSL and clearer systems would benefit everyone, as now basics services are too complicated.”– Maya

“I’m training as a Speech and Language Therapist and promote total communication wherever I can.”

“I am part of a group that are looking to improve communication within our organisation, to make it more accessible for everyone. We need examples and suggestions to help improve communication. We also need to encourage and support a shift in the use of language within the workplace, away from the jargon and corporate speak that is so familiar and expected, to everyday plain language.”

 “I suffer from a hearing impairment caused by my 40 years in the army. As a Councillor on Angus Council and former Provost, I find this is very debilitating and embarrassing.” – Cllr Proctor

Niamdh’s story

The voices on this page show how important communication for all is to people, but also how much work there is still to do.

Sign up to our campaign – because communication is about more than just words.