2.3.4 Communication barriers

Figure 2.2 shows a fourth group of barriers that prevent effective communication with and by people with disabilities. These barriers vary with different types of impairment. For example, visually impaired people need non-visual resources to receive information such as listening to audio recordings or, if they are able to, reading from Braille. They face a communication barrier if these alternatives are not available. (Braille is a system of writing using raised dots on a page that represent different letters. The letters are read by running your fingers over the paper so you can feel the dots. The system is named after its inventor, Louis Braille.) Similarly, deaf people rely on visual communication such as signposts to help them find their way. If they are able to use and read sign language they may not be able to communicate effectively if a sign language interpreter is not available. People with intellectual impairments may need messages in a simple or visual format, or communication to come through carers who can help them understand.