Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate with people who have complex communication needs through effective use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies and systems.
AAC refers to methods that replace or supplement speech to address the needs of people whose oral speech skills limit their ability to meet their participation and communication needs.
AAC systems comprise communication aids, symbols, strategies, and techniques and methods that may be aided or unaided.
This unit applies to disability support work in a variety of contexts. Work performed requires a range of well developed, person-centred skills where some discretion and judgement is required and workers will take responsibility for their own outputs.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify the current communication capacity and needs of the person | 1.1 Work in collaboration with the person, family and/or carer and/or relevant other, to identify communication needs 1.2 Use appropriate supports to aid the person’s current communication capacity 1.3 Document the outcomes of this process in line with organisation procedures 1.4 Consult with additional people including family and/or carers and/or relevant others as required 1.5 Make appropriate referrals to professionals and other service providers as required in consultation with supervisor |
2. Develop effective AAC strategies | 2.1 Provide information to relevant professional/s about the person with disability in relation to their likes/dislikes, daily activities and current communication needs 2.2 Develop communication strategies to meet individual needs and level of communication, considering the person’s history and preferences and in consultation with relevant senior staff/professionals 2.3 Adjust available tools and programs to address individual needs and preferences 2.4 Seek advice from other staff and relevant others as required and work within scope of practice |
3. Implement AAC strategy | 3.1 Use different strategies and devices in AAC 3.2 Document communication support strategies in the person’s individualised plan 3.3 Organise the environment to optimise communication opportunities 3.4 Reinforce communication by timely and appropriate response 3.5 Identify difficulties experienced by the person when communicating and respond to difficulties within own work role and responsibilities 3.6 Refer difficulties outside own role and responsibilities to appropriate person 3.7 Provide practice opportunities and information to the person to maintain consistency in their use of communication strategies and encourage contact with other users or support persons |
4. Monitor, report and review communication strategies | 4.1 Set up and maintain reporting and recording system to assist with monitoring and review 4.2 Review reporting and recordings to monitor success of communication strategies and make changes as required in consultation with senior staff/professionals 4.3 Identify barriers to the effective use of AAC strategies and devices 4.4 Work with other relevant people to overcome the barriers 4.5 Implement any modifications to communication strategies and devices 4.6 Identify opportunities to increase communication vocabulary 4.7 Maintain accurate written records according to established directions and within organisation protocols |
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (such as language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.