Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains the scope and context of the unit of competency allowing for differences between workplaces. The scope of variables chosen for training and assessment requirements will depend on the particular work situation.

Range Description

The application of this unit will depend on the work roles and responsibilities and requirements of the work environment. There are no pre-requisites for this unit but it is suggested that participants demonstrate basic knowledge and skills in supporting a person with a disability. It is suggested that the following units of competence are completed prior to commencing this unit:

DIS1A Orientation to disability

DIS2A Maintain an environment designed to empower people with disabilities

DIS3A support the person with a disability in their personal activities of living

The needs of the person with a disability include:

Psychological

Physical

Social

Cognitive

Strategies to meet the current and future needs of the person with a disability include:

Conducting changing needs assessments

Conducting futures planning with the person

Developing individual action plans with the person with a disability that address their changing needs

Referrals to appropriate specialist services such as, occupational therapy, physiotherapy

Significant others may include:

Family

Advocates / carer

Support person

Key worker

Team members

Health and other professionals

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Legislation

Disability Service standards

Policies and procedures, such as duty of care, dignity of risk

Budget allocations

Individual funding plans

Appropriate community settings and forums may include:

Generic services

Advocacy groups

Consumer groups

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects of assessment, and the essential knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency in this unit. The Evidence Guide is an integral part of the assessment of competency and it should be read carefully in conjunction with the Range Statement, elements and performance criteria.
Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Understanding the principles of Social Role
Valorisation
Organisational policy and procedures, including occupational safety and health, lifestyle and futures planning, duty of care and dignity of risk.
Provision of a range of supports that identify, document and respond to individual current and future needs
Ability to communicate and interact with the individual, family, other relevant stakeholders and staff
Identification of necessary skills and attributes to maintain or improve independence
Implementation of strategies to assist the individual to maintain or increase degree of independence
Demonstration of an understanding of the aspects and affects of dementia as it relates to a person with a disability
Addressing other specific issues confronting older people including dysphagia and incontinence

Essential knowledge includes:
Disability Service Standards
Organisational policy and procedures, including occupational safety and health (particularly manual health), lifestyle and futures planning, duty of care and dignity of risk.
Individual needs assessment, specifically changing needs
Promoting successful ageing
Stress and coping with change
Grief and loss, bereavement
Bereavement
Life span development
Contemporary views on ageing
Impact of physical, psychological and social change on the person who is ageing
Empowerment for people with disabilities
Principles of Social Role Valorisation
Issues and services available for people who are ageing
Understanding of dementia

Essential skills include:
A range of oral and written communication skills
Observation and needs assessment
Ability to sensitively and respectfully communicate and respond to the individual needs of people with disabilities who are ageing
Skills development techniques
Developing and maintaining positive relationships
Carrying out changing needs assessments

Resource requirements include:
Resource requirements include all the relevant resources commonly provided in the disability service setting.
Specific tools may include:
Relevant organisational policy and procedure manuals, legislation and standards
Organisational mission statement, strategic and business plan
Other documentation relevant to the work context such as:
Individual routines and support plans
Changing needs assessment tools
Referrals forms

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include
Observation of work performance
Written tasks
Interview and questioning
Authenticated portfolio/log book
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment under the normal range of conditions.
Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances to establish consistency.
A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment