Based on a conceptual framework that links literacy and communication, this Canadian report reviews four types of policy provisions for their effectiveness in addressing the barriers to literacy and communication that people with disabilities face: human rights instruments, provisions for literacy and communication support to individuals, access to information and communications in alternative formats, and access to information and communication networks. A number of policy issues and directions emerge from the analysis. First, the human rights foundation for literacy and communication needs more explicit articulation. Second, a mandate to refocus literacy policy is needed so that the cross-departmental and cross-jurisdictional implications of the link between literacy and communication can be developed and monitored. Third, a human resource development strategy that focuses on professionals in education, justice, health care systems, and on employers is needed to develop skills in alternative communications. Fourth, a policy and service delivery framework should be formulated that provides incentives for a coordinated approach to designing communication environments and supports. Finally, a process is needed to rethink literacy policy and practice, to develop policy directives and implications, and to do so within the context of the rapidly developing information highway. (Contains approximately 125 references.) (CR)