Not the only way to communicate: A challenge to voice in child protection work

Abstract Children with disabilities and communication differences have consistently been failed under child protection provisions in four vital areas. We have not studied communication in relation to safety programmes, assessment process, criminal proceedings and therapeutic services. Many disabilities have communication differences inherent in the disability. For these children communication may be in the form of sign and/or symbol in conjunction with some level of English speech or speech reading. Children with multiple disability or cerebral palsy may also use a variety of computer aided communication systems with keyboards and/or voice simulators. This paper provides an overview of various communication methods which workers need to be aware of when doing child protection work with children with disabilities.