Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:11 PM AWST

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Assist and support the use of augmentative and alternative communication system

Assist and support the use of augmentative and alternative communication system

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAHA036
State Code
OEI13
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/11/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/06/2023
Field of Education
061799 - Rehabilitation Therapies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
15/06/2023
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide assistance to a Speech Pathologist. Work includes supporting persons who use communication systems, including the preparation of resources.This unit applies to Allied Health Assistants and should be performed under the direct, indirect or remote supervision and delegation of a Speech Pathologist.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Allied Health Assistant Framework, Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Receive delegation and gather information.
  • 1.1. Obtain written or verbal delegation for an allied health activity from the Speech Pathologist.
  • 1.2. Obtain information from delegating Speech Pathologist, according to organisational policy and procedures.
  • 1.3. Discuss and confirm work health and safety and treatment requirements with delegating Speech Pathologist.
2. Prepare augmentative and alternative communication systems development.
  • 2.1. Identify any treatment requirements outside scope of role and discuss with delegated Speech Pathologist.
  • 2.2. Determine the person's availability in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 2.3. Confirm with the person and delegating Speech Pathologist the need for an interpreter.
3. Assist in the development of augmentative and alternative communication systems.
  • 3.1. Confirm the nature of the communication system and implications for resource requirements with delegating Speech Pathologist.
  • 3.2. Confirm person’s previous and current abilities with the delegating Speech Pathologist to inform choice and presentation of resources.
  • 3.3. Select and confirm suitability of resources, communication system, type of therapy and specified communication goals as delegated by Speech Pathologist.
  • 3.4. Identify existing usable resources, as delegated by the Speech Pathologist.
  • 3.5. Confirm and make resources ensuring they comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements as delegated by Speech Pathologist.
4. Support the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems.
  • 4.1. Identify the type of communication system and availability of power supply to be used by the person prior to making contact.
  • 4.2. Prepare resources and equipment to facilitate communication via the communication system.
  • 4.3. Set out equipment and furniture and assist the person to ensure optimum access to the communication system, in line with work health and safety procedures and delegation from Speech Pathologist.
  • 4.4. Communicate with the person using different modes of communication.
5. Comply with supervisory requirements.
  • 5.1. Consult with delegating Speech Pathologist when additional information is required.
  • 5.2. Seek assistance when the person presents with needs or signs outside limits of own scope of role, skills or knowledge.
  • 5.3. Report the person's difficulties to the delegating Speech Pathologist before continuing the program.
  • 5.4. Participate in supervision processes with the delegating Speech Pathologist in accordance with organisational procedures.
6. Clean and store equipment.
  • 6.1. Clean materials and equipment in accordance with manufacturer requirements.
  • 6.2. Store material and equipment in accordance with manufacturer requirements and organisation procedures.
  • 6.3. Report equipment faults according to organisational procedures.
7. Document information.
  • 7.1. Document information relating to the person's rehabilitation program in line with organisational requirements.
  • 7.2. Provide regular feedback to the delegating Speech Pathologist.
  • 7.3. Use professional terminology to document symptomatic expression of identified problems related to the person's rehabilitation program.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVA98 HLTAHA014 Assist and support the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems Unit of competency