Community - Communication Access Award

THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMUNICATE IS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT.

We aspire to a society in Aotearoa New Zealand, where everyone understands what communication accessibility is.  Talking about it, celebrating it, and letting people know when they are getting it right will bring our vision to life!

Communication is the most fundamental of human capacities and a basic human right.  People need to be able to communicate to fulfil their social, educational, emotional, and vocational potential.  

Communication access is about creating communication ramps to ensure people can participate fully in their whānau, communities, workplaces, and schools and be fully involved in decisions affecting all aspects of their lives.

This award is presented by the NZSTA and the Minister of Disability Issues to individuals and organisations.

Selection criteria

The nominee is an individual or a group/organisation demonstrating communication access principles.

• Awareness: Recognition and knowledge about communication and communication disability.
• Attitude: Acknowledging competence and all aspects of communication. A willingness to help and give time.
• Competency: Uses active listening skills, gives time to respond, and uses communication tools. Uses the best approaches to communication with all individuals. Supports individuals to be involved in decisions. Supports individuals to communicate successfully.
• Information: People receive information in a way they can access and understand, e.g. easy-read formatting.
• Environment: Organisations provide clear signage.  Opportunities are provided for face-to-face communication. Communication tools are available or utilised. Noise levels and lighting are considered.

Nominations for the Communication Accessibility Award will be called for annually in September and close on 31 October.

Congratulations to the 2024 award recipients:

Sarah Mandeno - for: 

• Sarah is skilled in addressing the communication needs of young people with neurodisabilities, and those who have experienced trauma. Sarah adapts her communication to ensure her clients understand complex material and involves CAs when necessary. She is attentive to ensuring both the young person and their whānau can follow proceedings and works to create a supportive communication environment. Sarah carefully plans and checks for understanding in legal interactions, setting a commendable example for other professionals.  

Kris Tynen & Tim Webster - for: 

• Exercise as Medicine NZ, a charitable trust, is committed to fostering communication access for people with challenging health conditions in the local Christchurch community. They collaborate with organisations like MS and Parkinson's Canterbury, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, Parkinson's NZ, and health professionals, including GPs, allied health practitioners, and Sport Canterbury. Referrals and guidance from speech-language therapists help them integrate communication goals into their programmes. Beyond exercise classes, they promote social interaction, organise supported outings, and focus on strengthening connections for participants and their whānau.  Their website, exerciseasmedicinenz.com, provides free resources that receive positive feedback for supporting individuals and enhancing their quality of life.