The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Resources essential for assessment include:

Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can occur

Access to supporting departments and professions

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.

Questioning

Role play simulation

Related units:

The following units should be undertaken before or in conjunction with this unit:

MEM10002B Terminate and connect electrical wiring

MEM18030B Diagnose and rectify low voltage electrical systems

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

AAC device standards, terminology and troubleshooting requirements

Appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources

Installation requirements of commercially available AAC devices

Prevention of electrical overload in powered wheelchair circuitry

Procedures to install an appropriate AAC device

Safety and environmental aspects of relevant organisation activities

Workplace procedures, recording and documentation processes

Awareness of relevant standards, regulatory requirements, legislation and codes of practice

Awareness of funding policies

Awareness of appropriate range and application of input devices

Awareness of the roles other practitioners in the field and in related fields

Awareness of risks of electrical fires in powered wheelchairs

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Communicate effectively with clients and other relevant people

Evaluate, problem solve and address a variety of commercially available AAC device mounting and installation problems

Identify AAC faults and rectify at a module level

Identify design or performance problems and bring them to the attention of the appropriate person

Maintain accurate records

Make mounting and installation adjustments

Manage time allocated for workload effectively

Measure fundamental angles, masses and lengths

Mount AAC device as directed by the therapist

Read and make engineering drawings or sketches

Select appropriate materials and techniques

Select/mount ACC mounting device in conjunction with the therapist or rehabilitation engineer

Use design skills in the appropriate selection of materials for mounting system manufacture and/or modification

Use electrical/electronic measurement tools to diagnose external faults

Use hand tools and machinery to undertake adjustments and modifications as required

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Apply policies and procedures including reporting requirements

Communicate and work effectively with work colleagues, associates and clients encompassing teamwork, client confidentiality

Communicate effectively with clients to give clear and precise information about proper use, maintenance and function of the device and/or its modifications

Use literacy competence required to fulfil job requirements

Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

A communication device may include:

Human/Technology interface:

Control interface (hardware by which the client may access the device

Selection technique (interpretation of the access act)

Selection method (direct or indirect coded access)

Selection set (the language code)

Users visual display

Processor:

Rate enhancement and vocabulary expansion including codes, predication and levels

Vocabulary storage

Text editing

Output control

Outputs including:

To partner: visual, voice, print

To external device: serial, parallel, USB

Physical construction:

Physical construction

Size

Portability

Ease of mounting

Mounting hardware

Appropriate health professionals may include:

Rehabilitation engineer

Medical practitioner

Special education teacher

Speech pathologist

Occupational therapist

Social worker/psychologist

Orthotist

Physiotherapist

Prosthetist

Prescription information sources may include:

Speech pathology assessments

Occupational therapy assessment

Social work/psychology assessment

Education requirements

Approved selection criteria may include:

Client's ability to use the communication device

Functional posture and ability of the client

Communication device cost benefit

Ability to service and maintain the communication device

Quality of supplier response and support for a particular device

Operational competency means:

Optimisation of ergonomics of the client interface with respect to the client's residual function

Modification, installation and maintenance may include:

Adaptation of commercially available components for use with the AAC device

Design and manufacture of unique components and/or devices for use with the AAC device

Adaptation of alternative manufacturer's components to provide an effective AAC system

Selection and installation of commercially available mounting systems

Identification of AAC systems faults and rectify at a module level

Record system settings (software/hardware)

Maintain cabling and connectors, switches and other interfaces including mounting systems

Replacing and maintaining batteries

Cleaning of equipment including keyboards

Infection control and universal precautions

Hand tools, measuring instruments and machinery may include:

Hand tools

general maintenance tools,

general metal and plastic cutting tools,

general metal and plastic forming tools,

general soldering tools

Measuring instruments

Multimeter

Oscilloscope

Logic probe

Continuity tester

Dial callipers

Power tools

Drill

Angle grinder

Jig saw

Linisher

Grinder

Guillotine

Lathe

Drill/mill

Power hacksaw

Bandsaw

Router

Planner

Power saw