Course Title: Communicate using augmentative and alternative communication strategies
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: VE 2020
Class Number: All
Class Section: All
For flexible terms and optional semesters, a Part B course guide may have been published for the entire teaching period, or for the specific class number in which you are enrolled. If there is no Part B course guide published for your specific class number, please refer to the guide for the teaching period in which you are enrolled. Enrolment Online is the definitive source for details regarding your class enrolment.
Course Code: HWSS6118C
Course Title: Communicate using augmentative and alternative communication strategies
Important Information:
This course is delivered and assessed in a cluster with Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach (CHCDIS009) and Follow established person-centered behaviour supports (CHCDIS002).
This course can be delivered through the Social Care or the FSSI clusters
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4365 - Certificate IV in Disability
Course Contact: Steve Bruechert
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4063
Course Contact Email: steve.bruechert@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 60
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This course 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 course 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.
This course is delivered and assessed with:
CHCDIS009 - Facilitate skills development using a person centred approach
CHCDIS002 - Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CHCDIS004 Communicate using augmentative and alternative communication strategies |
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Element: |
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 |
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Performance Criteria: |
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 |
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Element: |
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 |
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Performance Criteria: |
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 |
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Element: |
3. Implement AAC strategy
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Performance Criteria: |
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 |
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Element: |
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 |
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Performance Criteria: |
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 |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. Your capacity to support people with complex communication needs will be further developed through your study.
Details of Learning Activities
- class exercises to review discussions and workshops
- seminars/workshops/presentations
- practical demonstration and use of workplace equipment and tasks
- guest presentations
- group discussions
- research in and out of class time
- independent workplace case study
- group activities/project
Teaching Schedule
Workshop |
Class content
|
Unit of competency & elements |
|
13 |
Communication, skills development and positive behaviour support – building a full and interesting life
|
CHCDIS004 1, 3
CHCDIS009 1, 5
|
CHCDIS004, CHCDIS009 CHCDIS002 Assessment task 1: theory questions Assessment task 2: Case Study part 3, individual Assessment task 3 – Performance evidence Due date: workplace appointment to be scheduled |
14 |
|
CHCDIS004 1, 2, 3
CHCDIS009 2, 3, 4, 5
CHCDIS002 1, 2
|
CHCDIS004, CHCDIS009 CHCDIS002 Assessment task 1: theory questions Assessment task 2: Case Study part 3, individual Assessment task 3 – Performance evidence Due date: workplace appointment to be scheduled |
15 |
Communication, skills development and positive behaviour support
|
CHCDIS004 2, 3, 4
CHCDIS009 5 CHCDIS002 1, 2, 3
|
CHCDIS004, CHCDIS009 CHCDIS002 Assessment task 1: theory questions Assessment task 2: Case Study part 3, individual Assessment task 3 – Performance evidence Due date: workplace appointment to be scheduled |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Additional resources available both in class and online.
Overview of Assessment
This course is assessed with the courses CHCDIS009 Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach and CHCDIS002 Follow established person-centered behaviour supports.
The assessment tasks are as follows:
Task 1: Linking theory and practice
Task 2: Case study - part 3, based on a person you support
Task 3: Third party report
Assessment Tasks
This course is assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment. The unit
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive written feedback on all assessment (refer to Canvas). You will receive a full assessment brief which will be available on Canvas.
Assessment Task 1: Linking theory and practice - Work responsibilities and practice – short answer questions
Using your experience in supporting people with complex communication needs to develop their life skills and capacity to manage themselves, and the information, discussions and materials from the workshops, you will respond to written questions about how you support your clients.
Assessment Task 2: Case Study Part 3 – based on a person whom you support
In Part 3 of the case study you will discuss how your service supports clients to develop and maintain communication and skills for daily life, and provides positive and person centred behaviour support.
Assessment Task 3: Third party report - Professional Discussion and performance evidence
This describes skills and knowledge you can demonstrate via your job role your skills and knowledge as a disability worker communicating with clients' using augmentative and alternative communication strategies, facilitating clients' skills development using a person centred approach and following established person-centred behaviour supports with clients. This will be provided via a professional discussion and presentation of workplace evidence during planned workplace visits.
Due date: to be scheduled with students
When you have completed all unit tasks to “Satisfactorily completed” standard, you will be signed off as “Competency Achieved” in this unit.
Assessment Matrix
An assessment matrix for this unit will be available from the Program Coordinator
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of implications of plagiarism
Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Applying for an Extension
Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. Speak with your teacher or course coordinator regarding applying for an extension.
Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see:
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity
The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing https://www.rmit.edu.au/library
Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
Examples of plagiarism include:
- Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
- Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
- Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
- Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
- Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
- Copying a whole or any part of another student's work; and
- Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
- Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.
For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations – https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/governance-management/statutes-regulations/student-conduct
Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com
Complaints Procedure:
RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.
Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.
Your Rights and Responsibilities -https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities
Course Overview: Access Course Overview