Disability Working Group Satellite Group 3
Communication Impairment Action Group
1. The Communication Impairment Action Group (CIAG) is made up of representatives from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Speech and Language Therapists Managers Network Scotland.
2. Working with CIAG, the Scottish Parliament has recently established a Communication Impairment Short Life Working Group, which aims to ensure that:
- Comprehensive research is carried out to accurately identify and quantify all those who have communication impairment in Scotland, expose their day to day experiences and shape a comprehensive strategy for people with communication impairment in Scotland so that….
- People with communication impairment are recognised as a unique group.
- The impact of communication disability on health and well being is recognised.
- National, regional and local policy development, implementation and audit takes account of the needs of people with a communication impairment.
3. Following the inaugural meeting of the Working Group in June 2005 they agreed a number of actions including:
- Communication Impairment Action Group (CIAG) to work with MSPs to facilitate consistent and regular questions in relation to all relevant Bills, Policies etc. considered in Scottish Parliament, it's committees, Cross Party Groups etc. in relation to Communication Impairment.
4. The CIAG have also recently met with the Minister for Communities to discuss Communication Impairment and have been invited to attend the Disability Working Group.
Equality Unit, August 2005