Position Statement


Options Communication Therapy and Training Centre is committed to the rights of people with complex communication needs to communication using methods, strategies, techniques and tools to enable them to express their needs and ideas.

Options CTTC acknowledges that people use more than one method for communication and that communication can be influenced by communication partners and context. To this end, Facilitated communication is seen as a strategy which may enable some people to communicate but that intervention using this strategy should include the following:

• Informed consent
• Reference to evidence based practice
• Reference to practice based evidence
• Adherence to goal setting which focuses on credibility
• Use of Facilitated Communication in a multi modal communication system
• Use of trained facilitators
• Use of tools and strategies which minimise facilitator influence

Options recognises that communication is a fundamental and basic human right which is acknowledged by Human Rights and advocacy groups nationally and internationally.

Options also recognises that in the current electronic media there is a scarcity of current information supporting the use of this strategy. Consequently, intervention using Facilitated Communication Training brings with it a need to disseminate to the wider community evidence supporting its use and information concerning why it may need to be used.

Options has grave concerns regarding the selective representation by some government and non government agencies who may adopt policies and seek resolutions without due care and respect to the available data, the rights of the individual and the training programs that are available for the purpose of optimising best practice and best outcomes for people with complex communication needs.

Options strongly supports ongoing research into why and how facilitated communication works for some individuals.

Options makes reference in its work to National and International legislation which includes Article 21 - Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information: ‘States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities can exercise the right to freedom of expression and opinion, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas on an equal basis with others and through all forms of communication of their choice, as defined in Article 2 of the present Convention, including by:

• Providing information intended for the general public to persons with disabilities in accessible formats and technologies appropriate to different kinds of disabilities in a timely manner and without additional cost;
  
  
• Accepting and facilitating the use of sign languages, Braille, augmentative and alternative communication, and all other accessible means, modes and formats of communication of their choice by persons with disabilities in official interactions;
  
  
• Urging private entities that provide services to the general public, including through the Internet, to provide information and services in accessible and usable formats for persons with disabilities;
  
  
• Encouraging the mass media, including providers of information through the Internet, to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities;
  
  
• Recognizing and promoting the use of sign languages.