Communication – /kəmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ [noun] the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.
The International Communication Project (ICP) is an advocate for those with communication disabilities, as well as their families, caregivers and communication professionals. The ICP highlights the importance of human communication and how communication disabilities significantly impact every aspect of life.
Established in 2014, the ICP is built on the premise that communication is vital to life; yet is largely ignored as a disability. The World Health Organization’s World Report on Disability estimates that roughly one billion people around the world are living with some form of disability. However, the authors of the report acknowledge that people with communication disabilities may not be included in this estimate, despite the fact that they encounter significant difficulties in their daily lives.
The ICP joins organisations from around the world in advocating for people with communication disorders and raising the profile of communication disabilities.
Our Vision
The ability to communicate is recognized as a fundamental human right internationally and by all levels of government.
Our Mission
To increase global awareness of communication disabilities and advocate at an international level for appropriate supports for people with communication disabilities.
Our Goals
- To raise the profile and status of communication disabilities with international health bodies and policy makers.
- To collaborate with people with communication disabilities and the organizations that advocate for them to increase awareness of communication disabilities and its impact on peoples’ lives.
- To support and empower professional groups around the world to advocate for funding for professional training and research.
- To advocate for research based and data driven programs, initiatives, and resources that serve people with communication disabilities.
- To advocate for systemic access to care and support for people with communication disabilities in areas including economic well-being, health care, and education.
Our Messages
- Communication is vital to life—communication disorders limit a person’s ability to participate fully in family life, their community, education and work.
- Communication professionals make a critical difference—without access to key services, people with communication disorders are at a lifelong disadvantage.
- Early intervention is key—research shows that early identification and intervention programs create positive results over a lifetime for children with communication disorders and society as a whole.
What We're Doing
ICP’s founding and participating organisations plan a range of activities and events, that take place across the globe. There will be opportunities for participation at the virtual, local, national and international level.