Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401425

Coordinator Anne Livas Opens in new window

Description This subject will introduce the concept of 'Communication access for All' and focus on strategies to create communication accessible environments that promote inclusion of individuals with communication support needs across the lifespan. The scope of the subject will encompass the features of communication accessible environments, multimodal communication methods, assistive technology, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Students in Speech Pathology will develop competency in the assessment, management, measurement, and support of complex communication in individuals across the lifespan, and will explore how capacity building models and strategies can enhance the activities and participation of individuals, families and communities.

School Health Sciences

Discipline Speech Pathology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) REHA 2019 AND
REHA 2020

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 4763 Bachelor of Speech Pathology, 4764 Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours), or 4788 Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours).

Assumed Knowledge

In order to successfully undertake this subject students are expected to understand multimodal communication methods and individual, family focused and community-based models of providing services.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Justify the concept of Communication Access by integrating the perspectives and experiences of individuals, families and communities
2. Design a strategy to promote communication accessible environments within a local context, using a Community Capacity Building framework
3. Plan and justify areas of Speech Pathology assessment for an individual with complex communication needs
4. Analyse, interpret, and integrate assessment information to diagnose the nature of an individual’s complex communications needs and develop functional communication goals
5. Formulate and evaluate speech pathology management plans which include evidence-based recommendations that address communication goals at an individual, family and community level
6. Design, develop, and use aided and unaided Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies for individuals across the lifespan at entry-level competence
7. Critically reflect on the role of the speech pathologist in promoting ‘Communication Access for All’ within and across diverse speech pathology contexts

Subject Content

1. Communication Access 
2. Communication Accessible Environments 
3. Accessible written information – Plain English, Easy English, Patient Friendly
4. Models of community capacity building and advocacy
5. Assessment and diagnosis of Complex communication needs / Communication support needs 
6. Strategies to promote Communicative Competence, Inclusion, Participation, and Quality of Life of people with Complex Communication Needs 
7. The ‘Participation Model’ 
8. Multimodal communication as the basis of communication access 
9. Continuum of symbolic representation
10. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) – Aided and Unaided systems and strategies 
11. Key Word Sign (KWS) and Gesture – KWS Basic Workshop Qualification
12. Assistive Technology (AT)
13. Assessment, Feature Matching, Prescription of AAC and AT 
14. Implementation, Evaluation and Monitoring of AAC and AT 
15. Education, Training, Advocacy related to communication access, AAC and AT 
16. Individually prioritised goal setting and outcome measurement 
17. Consumer-led research and capacity building initiatives 
18. Supporting communication access within the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)