Unit of competency
Modification History
Not applicable.
Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist people with complex communication needs to communicate through effective use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies and devices. It does not include matching AAC systems to the person’s needs, as this is carried out by an allied health professional as part of the development of an individualised plan.
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, devices, tools 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 standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Unit Sector
Disability Support
Elements and Performance Criteria
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ELEMENTS |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
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Elements describe the essential outcomes |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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1. Identify the current communication needs of the person. |
1.1. Interpret individualised plan and familiarise self with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) requirements of the person with disability. 1.2. Work in collaboration with the person, family, carer or others identified by the person, to confirm the person’s communication needs and preferences. 1.3. Adhere to protocols around cross-cultural communication and uphold the rights and dignity of the person. 1.4. Document the outcomes of this process according to organisational policies and procedures. |
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2. Identify and access AAC systems. |
2.1. Provide information to the person with disability on the AAC options that are available within their individualised plan to address communication needs. 2.2. Consult with the person to confirm their preferred AAC systems. 2.3. Consult with the person or others identified by the person, to refer them to other professionals and service providers when communication needs are beyond the scope of own job role, in consultation with supervisor. 2.4. Work within scope of own job role to assist the person to access AAC systems and seek advice from supervisor when required. 2.5. Provide and support opportunities for the person to communicate using their AAC systems. 2.6. Identify opportunities to assist the person to increase communication vocabulary. 2.7. Work with the person to support them to maintain contact with other AAC users or support people. |
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3. Identify barriers to using AAC systems. |
3.1. Consult with the person with disability to identify barriers to the effective use of AAC systems. 3.2. Work with the person and others identified by the person to overcome the barriers. 3.3. Consult with the person to identify difficulties experienced when communicating and respond within scope of own job role. 3.4. Work with the person and others identified by the person to refer difficulties outside scope of own job role to supervisor or other professionals or service providers. |
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4. Report on implementation of communication strategies. |
4.1. Comply with organisational reporting policies and procedures to monitor implementation of communication strategies in consultation with the person with disability. 4.2. Complete, maintain and store documentation and reports according to organisational policies and procedures. |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the Performance Criteria of this unit of competency.
Unit Mapping Information
No equivalent unit.
Links
Companion Volume implementation guide are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/pages/trainingdocs.aspx?q=5e0c25cc-3d9d-4b43-80d3-bd22cc4f1e53
