Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Assess client requirements .

1.1 Client's aspirations  for the development project are elicited and confirmed using effective interpersonal skills and communication techniques  and are documented for later reference in accordance with organisational requirements .

1.2 The design consequences of the client's aspirations are evaluated.

1.3 The impact of the class of development is determined in accordance with relevant legislation .

1.4 Legislative requirements for access  are determined in accordance with the class of development.

2 Assess access limitations imposed by the development .

2.1 Topographical limitations to accessible design are identified.

2.2 Limitations  to accessible design due to existing conditions are identified.

3 Create an access design brief .

3.1 Client is interviewed and access design briefing questionnaire  is completed in accordance with organisational requirements.

3.2 Initial access design brief  incorporating the client's aspirations for the project is prepared.

3.3 Preliminary budget is prepared and incorporated into the access design brief in accordance with organisational requirements.

3.4 Access design brief is reviewed with appropriate person  in accordance with organisational requirements.

3.5 Feedback received from the review process is incorporated into the access design brief.

4 Discuss access design brief with client .

4.1 Access design brief is presented to client and the extent that it reflects the client's aspirations is checked and confirmed.

4.2 Access design brief is discussed with the client and agreed ideas are incorporated progressively.

4.3 Access design brief is reviewed in accordance with legislative requirements to ensure required disability access is provided.

5 Distribute and store documentation .

5.1 Final agreed access design brief is prepared for client in accordance with contractual arrangements and organisational requirements.

5.2 The access design brief and associated documentation are forwarded to the client in accordance with contractual arrangements.

5.3 A copy of the access design brief and associated documentation are recorded and retained for future reference in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements.

• analytical skills to:

• analyse, evaluate and apply legislative requirements pertaining to disability access
• analyse and evaluate the impacts of the full range of disabilities and the limitations that each disability places on the individual's ability to access the environment
• analyse and evaluate how environmental barriers impact on people with disabilities
• analyse clients' information regarding their aspirations

• application skills to:

• apply relevant codes of practice and other legislative requirements to work processes
• apply disability awareness to work processes
• apply current Australian and international building codes, standards, regulations and practices

• communication skills to:

• obtain information from the client on their aspirations for the project
• explain clearly information on issues and legislation relating to the provision of access
• impart knowledge and ideas through oral, written and visual means
• use workplace equipment and communication methods

• interpersonal skills to:

• relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
• consult and provide advice in a sensitive and appropriate manner
• facilitate change for greater awareness of disability access
• analyse own work practices and process outcomes critically
• engage colleagues and share disability access knowledge
• adapt to new workplace situations

• literacy skills to:

• assess and use workplace information
• read and interpret legislation that could impact on the proposed design

• organisational skills to:

• prepare and manage documentation
• develop communication strategies that ensure the client is kept informed during the design process
• collect, store and retrieve data for inclusion in the documentation provided to the client
• develop and implement organisational policies and procedures

• technical skills to:

• develop the design brief.

Overview of assessment 

• This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or as part of an integrated assessment activity involving other competencies relevant to the job function.

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

• A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

• recognising the needs and desires of people with disabilities to engage fully in all aspects of society, and their right to do so
• interpreting accurately the impacts of the full range of disabilities and the limitations that each disability places on the individual's ability to access the environment
• interpreting accurately how the full range of environmental barriers impact on any of the impairments that people with disabilities might have
• integrating an understanding of disability awareness into the design brief for the provision of access
• communicating effectively with clients to establish their design requirements for access
• identifying and applying relevant building and anti-discrimination legislation to ensure access
• effectively using research to inform the design brief for the provision of access
• providing a design brief that complies with legislative requirements and fulfils contractual requirements
• applying organisational management policies and procedures, including quality assurance requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Resource implications for assessment include:

• a registered provider of assessment services
• competency standards
• assessment materials and tools
• suitable assessment venue/equipment
• workplace documentation
• candidate special requirements
• cost and time considerations.

• Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice with a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be current and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

Aspirations  may include:

• purpose and function
• financial return
• general aesthetics of the building
• impact of landscaping.

Interpersonal skills and communication techniques  may include:

• active listening to clarify and confirm understanding
• control of tone of voice and body language
• culturally aware/sensitive use of language and concepts
• demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to negotiate
• presenting options and consequences
• providing constructive feedback
• reflection
• seeking feedback to confirm understanding of needs
• summarising and paraphrasing to check understanding
• using effective presentation aids (e.g. audiovisual slides, diagrams, photographs and pictures)
• using language that is:

• accurate, articulate and concise
• positive, confident and cooperative
• verbal or non-verbal.

Organisational requirements  may be outlined and reflected in:

• access and equity policy, principles and practices
• business and performance plans
• client service policies, procedures and standards
• codes of conduct and codes of practice
• communication channels and reporting procedures
• communication of services offered
• complaint and dispute resolution procedures
• compliance with legislation, codes and workplace standards
• continuous improvement processes and standards
• defined resource parameters
• duty of care
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• ethical standards
• legal policies and guidelines
• occupational health and safety policies, procedures and programs
• organisational mission statement, goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• policies and procedures relating to the setting of fees and the negotiation and management of contracts
• policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibilities and delegation
• privacy and confidentiality policies and procedures
• quality assurance and procedures manuals
• records and information management systems and processes
• style guides and other guides used to prepare documents.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• town planning requirements:

• traffic control
• car parking
• building heights
• landscaping
• heritage
• signage

• environmental considerations.

Legislative requirements for access  may include:

• Australian standards
• BCA
• DDA Education Standard
• DDA Premises Standard
• DDA Transport Standard
• local government building regulations
• state and territory building legislation.

Limitations  may include:

• easements
• availability of services e.g. area without sewers
• placement of existing services e.g. water mains, sewers and stormwater drains
• soil type
• presence of hidden rock.

Access design briefing questionnaire  may include the following broad headings:

• information on the client
• agreements on fees
• persons and firms involved in the project
• general requirements
• basic design factors
• technical fact finding
• records and preliminary investigations
• deadlines.

Access design brief  may include:

• purpose and function of the proposed building
• any limitations that impact on the design
• intended site
• construction methodology
• materials and finishes
• allocation of space
• specific fixtures
• fittings and furniture
• budget estimate including construction, design and statutory costs.

Appropriate person  may include:

• another member of the design team
• business partner or colleague
• staff member.