1800RESPECT successfully re-accredited with Communication Access Symbol

1800RESPECT has been successfully re-accredited with Scope’s Communication Access Symbol, awarded to organisations that meet Communication Access standards and demonstrate improved access for people with communication difficulties.

With one in seven Australians having a communication difficulty at some stage in their life – and 64%[1] of people with disability experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence – the Symbol helps people with communication disability identify a ‘communication accessible’ service. It means people can contact 1800RESPECT and know counsellors are trained to provide the critical support needed, including that:

• Staff are welcoming and treat everyone with dignity and respect
• Staff are able to communicate successfully with people with communication difficulties
• Communication tools are available to help people get their message across and understand what people are telling them.

The re-accreditation was awarded following the completion of an evaluation period where counsellors underwent additional training focused on understanding the prevalence and unique experiences of violence against people with disability.

Head of 1800RESPECT, Dr Jennifer Beer recognises all 1800RESPECT counsellors, including across the service’s specialist organisations DVConnect, Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre and 54reasons, for their commitment to achieving this re-accreditation.

CEO of Scope Kate MacRae acknowledged that 1800RESPECT was the first national service to be accredited with the Communication Access Symbol in 2019.

“I want to congratulate the 1800RESPECT team for their ongoing dedication and commitment to ensuring an accessible and inclusive service. When people with communication difficulties see the Symbol, they know they will be supported in a way that works for them,” Ms MacRae said.

The Communication Access Symbol appears on the 1800RESPECT website.