Communities are diverse. They include people of all ages, diverse cultural groups, and individuals with access and functional needs. A first step in communicating across cultures or with individuals who have access and functional needs is to never assume sameness. Access and functional needs are factors that impact an individual’s ability to obtain information, needed programs, and services. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• Disabilities that impact hearing, vision, speech, cognitive skills, and mobility.
• Limited English proficiency.
• Literacy limitations.