Frequently Asked Questions

The Communication Access Symbol

What does it mean if I see the symbol?

If you see the symbol in a shop or organisation it means a service provider has received training in communication access and that people with a communication difficulty are welcome.

How can I use the symbol?

The symbol can be displayed in shop windows, used letter/email headers or footers, letter headings and on websites. Individuals can also wear a badge to show you support Communication Access.

Where can I download the Communication Access Symbol?

Once signed into the website, you can download the symbol by going to the resources page on the dashboard.

Communication Access UK Training

Can I complete the training as an individual?

Yes. You can register as an individual and then once you have completed the training you can use the symbol.

How long do the online training modules take to complete?

There are 4 online training modules. Depending on the learner, it will take between 10 to 15 minutes to complete each module.

We recommend setting aside an hour to complete all four modules; however, some learners will complete it in 40 minutes.

Do I have to redo the training every 12 months?

As an individual we recommend that you review the training every 12 months so you can renew your certificate. An organisation will indicate how many members of staff they hope will receive training each year.

It is recommended that the training becomes part of an induction programme for new staff and is also embedded into annual disability awareness/equality and diversity training.

Organisations will as part of the re-accreditation process indicate how they have met their stated ambitions against the standards and/or mitigation; and an indication of staff members that have received the training against the previously stated estimate (which will be treated as a performance indicator).

I have had an email saying my accreditation is going to expire but when I log-in to complete the training it says that it is already complete.

If you encounter this error, please email us at info@communication-access.co.uk and we will manually refresh the training modules.

I have had an email saying my accreditation is going to expire but when I complete the modules, I don’t get a new certificate.

If you encounter this error, please email us at info@communication-access.co.uk and we will amend your learning record and your certificate will be updated.

Communication Access UK Accreditation for organisations

What does accreditation with Communication Access UK mean?

Accreditation means that you or your organisation have signed up to meeting the Communication Access standards by either completing the training or have been accredited as Communication Accessible by Communication Access UK.

Organisations accredited as Communication Accessible are included in our directory and can also display the Communication Access Symbol.

What are the Communication Access standards?

There are 4 standards:

Recognise every group includes people with communication support needs
Find out what support is required
Take action in all communications
Keep trying

An organisation works out an action plan as to how they will meet these standards based on the training and guidance.

What is process for my organisation to be accredited?

Our accreditation scheme is different from other initiatives in that we do not assess compliance, instead we ask you to submit a plan for how your organisation aims to become communication accessible in line with our standards.

Firstly, you will need to create an account using the ‘sign up as an organisation’ button on the homepage. We recommend using a generic or central email address, however, if this is not possible it is fine to use your own email address. This name and address will then be associated with your organisation’s account.
The next step is to review our guidance Guidance for organisations – Communication Access UK (communication-access.co.uk) and consider how you as an organisation can become communication accessible.
Next, complete the accreditation form (on the homepage of the dashboard) including your organisations plans/journey to becoming communication accessible.
The CAUK team will then review your accreditation form and confirm your accreditation via email.
Once accredited you will be placed on our online directory of communication accessible organisations.
It is then your responsibility to ensure that your organisation follows through with the actions outlined in your plan.

How much does it cost?

There are no direct costs associated with the adoption of the Communication Access Symbol, the standards and eLearning package; nor for accreditation and annual renewal.

Organisations may incur potential costs for collateral (window stickers etc.) and for print of additional copies of the symbol (as CAUK will not provide printed versions but will provide access to digital vector images); this will however be the prerogative of the organisation.

Staff time for training and annual renewal may need to be factored in by organisations.

CAUK does actively seek sponsorship and donations to continue operations, and any financial support would be acknowledged and credited across communications channels appropriately.

How long does the accreditation last?

The accreditation lasts for 12 months.

Will my organisation receive a certificate once accredited?

Organisations do not receive certificates once accredited. Instead, you will receive email confirmation of accreditation and your organisation will be placed on our online directory of communication accessible organisations.

Your organisation can then display the Communication Access Symbol.

What happens if I receive poor service at a place where the symbol is being displayed?

We aim to encourage organisations to implement the standards.

CAUK will never actively seek to deter or discourage an organisations participation in this initiative, but will actively seek to support and encourage progress.

Frequently Asked Questions