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Communicating with disabled young people
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Effective communication can help create a positive experience for the disabled young people you work with.

When you allow disabled young people to engage meaningfully in decisions about their supports, you empower them to make sure their needs are met and concerns addressed.

Effective communication builds trust and respect, and supports disabled young people to learn to express their needs and make decisions.

Ultimately, good communication helps both the individual and the organisation.
Photo of a disabled young person looking at the camera

What effective communication looks like

Communication tips for providers

Check out this video of disabled young people sharing what effective communication looks like to them.

How communication can differ for disabled young people

Young people communicate in many ways. When an issue arises, some may prefer to meet in person to discuss the problem, while others may prefer email.

Don’t assume everyone with the same condition communicates the same way. For instance, one person with cerebral palsy may use a communication device, while another may speak verbally.

No matter how young people communicate, it’s important to give them time to speak up and share their concerns or ideas.

Don’t assume everyone with the same condition communicates the same way. For instance, one person with cerebral palsy may use a communication device, while another may speak verbally.
Illustration of a white young person sitting on a couch talking to a staff member. There's a service dog asleep next to them.

Remember to ask the young person directly about their access needs and how they prefer to communicate and receive information.

For example, a Deaf young person may need an Auslan interpreter booked for a meeting or a young person with vision impairment may need documents sent in accessible formats.

Related topics
Communicating With Disabled Young People

No matter how young people communicate, it’s important to give them time to speak up and share their concerns or ideas.

Remember to ask the young person directly about their access needs and how they prefer to communicate and receive information. For example, a Deaf young person may need an Auslan interpreter booked for a meeting or a young person with vision impairment may need documents sent in accessible formats.