​Camden Council has officially received the Communication Access Symbol, becoming the first Council in NSW to be recognised as communication accessible by Scope Australia.

The Communication Access Symbol enables people to know the organisation or service they are accessing is communication accessible. This means:

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

Camden Council was trained and assessed by Northcott, a leading disability provider and the only Approved Communication Access Assessment Organisation in NSW.

Northcott speech pathologist, Katrina McNamee, said it was vital more organisations that value inclusion apply for the Communication Access Symbol.

“People who communicate in ways other than speech often feel like they are ignored, discriminated against and treated as a child,” Ms McNamee said.

“But when staff use communication strategies, people with communication difficulties feel understood and respected.”

“We have over 110 nationalities, 85 countries of birth, 64 languages and 38 religions represented in Camden and I think this is what makes our area so great. We all work together to help one another.”
– Cr Theresa Fedeli​, Mayor of Camden

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said it was important for the entire community to feel welcome.

“Council is here to support every single resident in the Camden area, and it is imperative for our staff to be able to assist anyone at any time,” Cr Fedeli said.

“We have over 110 nationalities, 85 countries of birth, 64 languages and 38 religions represented in Camden and I think this is what makes our area so great. We all work together to help one another.”

Council staff in key customer service areas completed communication access training and assessment in February this year.

Accredited sites include Camden Council Administration Building in Oran Park as well as Camden, Oran Park and Narellan Libraries.

“Attaining the Communication Access Symbol Accreditation follows on from Camden Council also receiving Changing Places Accreditation for our all-inclusive water play spaces at Dawson-Damer Park, Oran Park and Curry Reserve Water Play Space, Elderslie,” Cr Fedeli said.

Northcott CEO, Liz Forsyth, said “Eliminating communication barriers so that everyone, regardless of their abilities, cultural or linguistic background, can understand messages or be understood is crucial in building a society that is genuinely inclusive and accessible for all. We are delighted to have assisted Camden Council to be the first Council in NSW to achieve accreditation.”

A review process will occur on an annual basis for Council to obtain ongoing accreditation.