Lee-Anne Hamilton, Acting Senior Sergeant, Preston Police Station:
So Preston Police Station today, we've had a launch to celebrate our Communication Access accreditation. Very, very proud to be partners with Scope Australia and to display that symbol within the police station.
David Torrelli, Senior Constable, Preston Police Station:
We have an accredited book with lots of illustrations and words that we can resort to when it comes to communicating with a member of the community who may not be able to verbally tell us what it is that they want to tell us.
Renee Paarman, Disability Awareness Coordinator, Scope Australia:
No one wants to report a crime, no one. However, to be able to communicate with the police what has happened, what you want done about it. But also to be able to understand what will be done. It’s difficult for anyone, let alone people like me, whose communication is affected by our disability.
David Torrelli, Senior Constable, Preston Police Station:
Not all disabilities are visible, and I think today we're better prepared to meet the expectations of our community and ensuring that we can communicate on different levels, better understand each other and provide a service that every part of the community deserves.
Georgia Burn, Communication Access Consultant, Scope Australia:
At Scope, we've worked with over 200 organisations and mainstream businesses and services to get accredited with the Communication Access Symbol, and we're just so excited to be working with not only Victoria Police further, but also other mainstream businesses and services so that we can truly live in an inclusive and accessible world.
Renee Paarman, Disability Awareness Coordinator, Scope Australia:
Now disability is the only minority that anyone can join at any time, and therefore what helps me today, might help you tomorrow.
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