Identifying Communication Barriers in Condominium Management
Inclusive communication ensures all owners, tenants, and board members can effectively participate in discussions and decision-making. Common barriers include:
Language Barriers: Non-English speakers may struggle to understand board decisions, meeting minutes, or notices.
Hearing or Vision Impairments: Residents with disabilities may require alternative communication formats, such as braille, large print, or captioned video meetings.
Technical Accessibility Issues: Digital communication may exclude residents without internet access or those unfamiliar with online tools.
Biased or Exclusive Language: Certain phrases, terms, or tones may alienate specific groups based on gender, culture, age, or ability.
Legal Reference: The Alberta Human Rights Act requires organizations, including condominium corporations, to provide equal access to services, including communication methods.
Adapting Vocabulary and Communication Methods to Ensure Inclusivity
To promote fair and respectful governance, condominium managers and boards should:
Use Neutral and Inclusive Language – Avoid gendered terms and use respectful language when addressing owners and tenants.
Ensure Accessibility in Written and Verbal Communication – Provide translations, sign language interpreters, or alternative formats when necessary.
Encourage Constructive Communication – Focus on facts and solutions rather than personal opinions when addressing owner concerns.
Examples of Inclusive Language Adjustments:
Instead of Saying... | Use... |
"Chairman" | "Chair" or "Board Chair" |
"Ladies and Gentlemen" | "Everyone" or "Residents" |
"He/She must..." | "They must..." |
"Disabled resident" | "Resident with a disability" |
Avoiding Microaggressions and Biased Language in Owner Interactions
A microaggression is a subtle, unintentional comment or action that may come across as discriminatory or dismissive. Examples in a condominium setting include:
Dismissing Accessibility Requests: "Do you really need that ramp? No one else has complained."
Making Assumptions About Language Skills: "You speak English really well for someone from your country."
Stereotyping Generations: "Older owners never understand how online payments work."
Managers and boards should train themselves to recognize these biases and focus on respectful, neutral, and solution-driven conversations.
Communication Plan Exercise
Scenario:
A condominium board has received complaints that certain residents do not feel included in board communications due to language barriers and inaccessible meeting formats.
Your Task:
Develop a best-practices guide for inclusive communication in condominium governance. Your guide should address:
How to ensure notices, meeting minutes, and board updates are accessible to all residents.
How the board can promote a respectful and inclusive discussion environment.
Recommended policies for adapting board communications to accommodate diverse owners and tenants.
Discussion Questions:
What steps can be taken to improve communication accessibility in a diverse condominium community?
How can a board ensure all residents feel included and heard in decision-making?
What are some proactive strategies to avoid communication barriers before they become an issue?
