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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. |
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Augmentative and alternative communication includes: | Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is used to increase understanding of spoken language and to augment or supplement expression AAC systems comprise communication aids, symbols, strategies and techniques or methods AAC systems include both aided and unaided strategies, including access techniques |
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Communication refers to the manner in which the meaning of a message is transmitted/ received, and includes: | Unaided using, for example: 1. natural gestures 2. facial expression 3. eye contact 4. vocalisation 5. key word signs - Makaton vocabulary Aided where the person communicates using a communication aid (i.e. something other than their body), such as: real objects photographs line drawings communication aids, such as 'Chat Books', 'Personal Communication Dictionaries', 'Books About Me' electronic device with speech output |
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Communication symbol refers to a system of representing meaning: | When people speak, their meaning is represented by spoken words which act as 'symbols' Where a person is unable to speak, their meaning has to be represented by a different set of symbols These communication symbols include: spoken words - traditional orthography (letters/ words) photographs pictographs / line drawings - set of pictorial symbols (e.g. picture communication symbols, boardmarkers, softpics, compics) written text - key word signs - also termed 'symbolic language' as the sign represents a concept key word signs - Makaton vocabulary, etc manual signs |
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Communication strategies refer to: | Strategies for initiating and maintaining an interaction with a communication partner A specific way of using communication strategies within everyday situations, including, for example: community request card for shopping personal communication dictionary of idiosyncratic signs |
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Communication access refers to: | A means of access - technique Addresses the method of transmitting messages, such as: scanning eye gaze auditory scanning via a keyboard, pointed index finger or switching Communication strategies / devices may range from high technology (use of computers and voice output communication devices) through to pointing with a fist to a communication board |
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Understanding AAC systems may include: | Choice, selection and use of a symbol system and appropriate communication strategy/device Being an effective communication partner by being familiar with a range of AAC strategies/devices Being familiar with range of strategies required to implement a system effectively |
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Assessment tools include: | Observation checklists such as Checklist of Communication Competence Assessment tools specific to the organisation Assessment tools specified by the specialist |
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Professionals and other service providers may include: | Speech pathologist Psychologist Carer/family Education staff Support staff Occupational therapist |
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Different strategies and devices may include, but are not limited to: | Chat books Choice making using object symbols Choice making using photos or line drawings Choice making using real life experiences Community request cards Finger spelling Head wand or head stick Icon Large print Leisure pack Key word signing - Makaton vocabulary Mime Personal communication dictionary Activity Sequence Boards Picture exchange communication system (PECS) Voice output communication aids (VOCA) |
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Monitoring and review include: | Observations made by self or others Reviewing documentation detailing use of communication strategy/strategies as described in communication support plan Informal and formal discussions with client and relevant others regarding effectiveness of communication strategy Client planning meetings |
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Appropriate information may include: | Essential communication requirements in a specific setting, including: work school home day service shops Communication barriers in a specific setting, including: access to communication partners familiar with AAC strategies lack of trained staff lack of awareness by staff noise and environmental distractions lack of privacy and space comfort and positioning requirements |
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Environmental factors that optimise communication opportunities may include: | Comfort Ready access to communication aids An environment that fosters communication |
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Environmental factors thatoptimise the use of the communication strategy may include: | Appropriately trained staff Appropriately trained carers Consistency across different settings Time for communication |
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Appropriate person may include: | Speech pathologist Psychologist Carer/family Education staff Support staff Occupational therapist Supervisor Disability worker |
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Other users may include: | Work School Home Day service Shops Community services Recreational facilities |
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Barriers may include but are not limited to: | Opportunity barriers (those outside the person) such as policy, practice, attitude, knowledge and skill Access barriers (relating to the person) such as linguistic, cognitive , motor and sensory skills Note frameworks such as: the 'Participation Model' by Beukelman and Mirenda is used within the AAC community to ascertain barriers in access and opportunity [Ref 'Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Supporting Children and Adults with Complex Communication Needs' David R. Beukelman and Pat Mirenda2005] Checklist of Communication Competencies (Bloomburg and West 1999) |
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