Support individuals with specific communication needs

1.1 Explain the importance of meeting an individual’s

Communication needs
Communication is very important for an individual's life as it
helps them to understand and to be understood. It helps them to
express their needs and preferences. It also helps them to express
their pain and discomfort if there is any.
All people have rights to communication and we are governed by
standards, code of practice, guidelines, morals and law to ensure
those communication needs are met. If person is unable to
communicate than how can he/she tell hairdresser or barber what
hairstyle he/she wanted. Communication is a basic human right.
Without communication person is unable to realise or exercise
their rights. Under the human Right Act 1998 all people have the
right to ‘freedom of expression’. This is just one right under the act
which relates to communication.

1.2 Explain how own role and practice can impact on

communication with an individual who has
specific communication needs
my role as a support worker is to encourage and support
individual in everyday activities. My practices may be affected if I
do not have a good understanding of the person’s specific
communication needs. I may not be able to communicate fully
with the person, which could result in their needs being unmet.

1.3 Analyse features of the environment that may or help

hinder communication
The environment can both help or hinder communication
Lighting:
Poor lighting can hinder communication especially if the person
has a hearing or visual disability, as they may rely on looking at
your facial expressions and lips to understand what you are saying.
Distractions:
Some people may find it difficult to concentrate with back
ground noise. People with hearing difficulty may find it difficult to
hear you clearly if the television or radio is on.
Positioning:
Seating position must be such that you can see each other face
and body language as these support verbal communications.
Barriers:
There are any obstacles between me and the person that could
create a barrier, such as table or desk. Barriers can block the view
of each other’s body and language.
Space:
 We all have a need for personal space. If someone sits or stands
too close to me, it could me feel uncomfortable.

1.4 Analyse reasons why an individual may use a form

of communication that is not based on a formal
language system
Some people due to health condition may communicate using a
method that is not formally recognised. This could include the use
of hand gestures, alternative use of words or sounds.
Learning disabilities:
Up to 90 % of people with learning disability have some form of
specific communication need. For e.g. people with down syndrome
can have difficulty in forming word and speech sounds, resulting in
their speech being difficult to understand.
Physical disabilities:
When physical disability affects the persons facial muscles or vocal
cords, their verbal communication can be affected. The most
common form of physical disability affecting communication is
cerebral palsy.
Mental health condition:
A mental health condition is one that affects how somebody
relates to their environment due to changes within the brain
caused by injury, infection, age or substance abuse.
 Dementia:
The most common mental health condition within older people is
dementia. Dementia is a progressive disorder that can affect the
person’s short-term and sometimes long-term memory.
Sensory disabilities:
Disabilities which affect somebody’s senses and in turn affect
communication, include hearing loss and sight loss.
Hearing loss:
The term ‘hearing loss’ can apply to someone who is profoundly
deaf as well as to people who are hard of hearing.
Sight difficulties:
More than 90 percent of what we communicate is through non-
verbal communication. Someone without sight will miss out on a
huge amount of information needed to make communication
effective.
Deaf-blindness:
Having no sight or no hearing can cause major problems with
communication. Main cause for such condition can be rubella.
Rubella virus affects foetus in the womb causing damages to its
sensory organs.
Social development:
Social interaction in child is important during period of language
development which can develop communication further.
 1.5 Identify a range of communication methods and aids
To support individuals to communicate
Communication support can be given through human aids,
symbolic aids and technical aids. Any form of communication
which is supported or replaced by material or equipment is
classified as aided communication.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
This include use of
Objects-can be used as a point of reference. For e.g. holding up a
cup when you ask somebody if they would like a drink.
Photographs-of people or items are a good aid in supporting
communication.
Symbol-can benefit those with or without disabilities.

Other communication methods and aids:

British sign language (BSL)
BSL is the main communication method used by people who have
a hearing loss.
BSL uses the hand, body and face to make signs that represent
words or phrases.
Makaton-
Makaton is form of signing which is intended to support speech,
not replace it. It is simple form of signing that can be used with any
people who have difficulty forming words.
Picture exchange communication system-
This is communication system where the person exchanges picture
they select from a carefully compiled album of pictures, for the
items they want.
Touch-
Touch is communication may play an important role with those
people who have a sight or hearing loss, or both.
Deaf-blind manual alphabet-
For people who are deaf-blind a slight modified version of the ball
finger-spelling alphabet is used.
Braille-
Braille is a method of communication used by bling people. It is
series of raised pattern in dot form which represent alphabets.
Human aids-
There are three main types of human aids to communication-an
interpreter, a translator and an advocate.

1.6 Describe the potential effects on an individual of

having unmet communication needs
having difficulties expressing oneself can lead to both physical and
emotional problems. People who experience a gradual loss of
effective communication may become increasingly withdrawn,
depressed or isolated. These emotions reduce the person’s self-
esteem as they start to develop feelings of frustration and
uselessness. Some people who have not received the required
support to communicate effectively may become indifferent to
others. Unstopped communication needs can result in the person
being denied their rights.
Be able to contribute to establishing the nature of specific
communication needs of individuals and ways to address them.

2.1 Work in partnership with the individual and others

to identify the individual’s specific communication
needs
The care quality commission is responsible for ensuring care
service providers meet the national minimum standards in
England. In relation to communication this includes the
assessment of sight, hearing and communication needs, identifying
person’s preferred communication method, meeting
communication needs, enabling access to appropriate aids to
communication. There are various ways in which you can work
with the person to identify their specific communication need.
These can include talking to them, asking them questions and
observing them in a variety of situation. A person’s communication
need may change depending on how confident they feel at that
time so it is good practice to identify their needs in different places
and with different people. Having the person known that they are
being observed can also affect the outcome. Talking to the person
about things they enjoy such as a favourite hobby could help you
to identify a specific communication need. To identify specific
communication need I can work with professional, advocates, the
person’s family and the person’s close friends.

2.2 Contribute to identifying the communication methods or

aids that will best suit the individual
I may not always identify the best method or aid first time
around and may have to try different methods until I find one that
suits person. After trying with various methods. I may be able to
find communication needs. After an agreed of time, the method or
aid should be assessed as to how well it meets the person’s needs.
Method or aid
Pen and paper: may be suitable to person who are unable to
speak or hear.
Photographs: may be suitable to person unable to speak or hear.
Objects of reference: suitable to person unable to speak or hear
short-and-long-term memory loss
 Symbols: suitable to person unable to speak or hear
BSL-suitable to person unable to speak or hear
Makaton- suitable to person with speaking difficulties
PECS- suitable to person unable to speak or hear
Finger spelling- suitable to person unable to speak, hear or see
Interpreter- suitable to person unable to speak the language of
others
Advocate- it fulfils all needs especially learning disabilities
Braille- suitable to blind person

2.3 Explain how and when to access information and support

about identifying and addressing specific communication
needs
Accessing information:
Organisation with which I work will have its own policies and
procedures detailing how to work with people with specific
communication needs.
People’s record
All organisations, whether they are local authority, NHS, private
or voluntary sector, are required to keep individual records on the
care given to all of their patients.
 Using the internet
When accessing information on specific communication needs
through the internet, it is helpful to know what disability or health
condition you are looking at in relation to the communication
need-for example, communication needs for people with hearing
and visual disabilities.
Reading books, journals, reports or reviews-
My local library or college library should have a section on
communication.
Accessing support
I may need to work in conjunction with other professionals and
specialists. There are a number of specialists who can work with
people who can support their communication directly or indirectly.
Behavioural support service workers-
These are professionals who work with people and their care
givers in developing appropriate methods for the person to
express themselves in non-challenging ways.
Occupational therapists-
They support person to develop fine motor skills.
Psychiatrists-
They are medical doctors who look into why people behave in
certain ways. They assess and treat people who have conditions
such as learning disabilities, mental health problems, dementia.
 Psychologists-
They are involved in assessing patterns of behaviour associated
with certain conditions. These could include depression and
anxiety.
Speech and language therapists-
Assess and support the person’s speech development.

3.1 Prepare the environment to facilitate communication

Person must feel comfortable and secure in their surroundings if
communication is to be effective. The environment on the whole
need to feel welcoming.
Lighting- the lighting must be bright enough for people see each
other’s faces clearly.
Interruptions- the environment should be free from
interruptions.
Seating- the seat must be comfortable to sit in and arranged so
that those involved in communication are facing each other.
Temperature- the room should be warm but enough to be
comfortable without sweating.
Empowering- the need of the person should be put first. The
environment must contain all of the tools needed to support their
communication fully.
 Noise- any background noise such as radio should be reduced to
minimum.
Secure- the person needs to feel safe to aid effective
communication. They need to feel safety of the information they
disclose.

3.2 Use agreed methods of communication to interact with the

Individual
By using this agreed method, I am recognising the need of the
person and respecting their individuality. The method would have
been agreed by professionals, colleagues and family member as
well as by the person.
Reading the support plan
The person’s support plan should detail the communication
method to be used when you interact with them. It should specify
communication need and any aid required. It is important that I
read the support plan on a regular basis to keep up to date in
supporting the person’s communication needs.
Request training
If I am unsure about using the agreed communication method, I
must ask someone to explain it to me. I must attend formal
training session to improve my skills to enable to use the agreed
method.
 3.3 Monitor the individual’s responses during and after the
interaction to check the effectiveness of communication
it can often be case that what we once thought suited us is no
longer suitable. This change can come about for a number of
reasons. Within communication person’s ability may have
changed, making the agreed method of communication
unsuitable. When I am interacting with the person, I need to be
award of the responses they make. These responses can be verbal
or non-verbal. If I ask them a question using their agreed method
of communication and the answer received back is known to be
incorrect, it could be method of communication used was not
suitable. Observe persons body language. Clues to frustration or
confusion can include interwoven clenched fingers, clenched
inside fits, hand clasping wrist.

3.4 Adapt own practice to improve communication with the

Individual
When communicating with people who have a specific
communication need, I must be aware of use of formal and
informal language, as both could cause confusion in certain
situations. When I am using non-verbal communication to support
somebody, I must be aware of potential cultural differences. One
is acceptable in one culture can cause great offence in another.
Think about how I communicate – do I speak quickly? If so, I may
need to slow down to enable people to follow what I am saying. To
encourage the person’s communication, reduce own words to
those that the person will be able to understand and take in.

4.1 Support the individual to develop communication methods

that will help them to understand others and to be
understood by them
The praise and attention that I give will motivate people I support
to continue. To develop communication method, person could
take part in various development activities. Whenever, somebody
with specific communication need attempt to interact with me. I
must acknowledge that interaction straight away. I can do this by
repeating back part if what the person has communicated to me.
The television is also effective to develop communication I can ask
person what they are watching, what they think is going to happen
next. Turn a shopping trip into an activity by encouraging the
naming of grocery items in the shopping trolley. Us certain items
as a reward if the person is able to name the items or describe its
colour or shape.

4.2 Provide opportunities for the individual to communicate

With others
 Communication with the same person can sometimes become
boring. To support somebody’s communication development it is
important that they can interact with others so that they can
experience differing levels and types of communication.
Regardless of whether the person lives alone or in a large care
home, there are various discussion groups they could join in the
community. If I work in care environment where there is more
than one person that I support, I could set up reminiscing groups.
As a group we could talk about activities that have been
undertaken together or holidays. We can discuss local news
articles, films or special events such as the world cup. While I am
supporting somebody, natural opportunities may occur where I
could encourage them to communicate for themselves. This may
be going to doctor’s, catching the bus, ordering food in café or
restaurant.

4.3 Support others to understand and interpret the

Individual’s communication
Some people speak so fast, or have such a broad accent, that it
can take some time to get used to that person before you can start
understanding what they are saying. Sometime someone has to
interpret what person is saying to you. It can be very frustrating to
communicate with someone who does not understand what you
are saying. It may also be embarrassing for the person to have
someone else translate what they say to help others understand.
Within support environment staff can be sent on specialist training
to develop better understanding. To save the person
embarrassment while they are in the community, I need to be
discreet when translating what they communicate. I can do this be
repeating what the person communicates and end with, ‘is that
right?’ Try not to start with ‘he said’ or ‘she said’, as this trends
only to bring more attention to the person’s communication
difficulty.

4.4 Support others to be understood by the individual by use

Of agreed communication methods
Much like supporting others to understand the person, it is
equally important for them to understand others. Some may have
a specific communication method when they are communicating
but are able to understand clearly when others communicate with
them.

5.1 Identify specialist services relating to communication

technology and aids
As our understanding and development of electronics increases,
so do the ever-ingenious aids to support communication and
promote independence. For example, people with sight loss can
have access to a talking microwave a hand held CC TV scanner with
magnifies print on an ordinary television. Each year an
organisation called communication matters holds a conference on
the latest communication aids available. Some example of the
types of technology aids available include the following.
Talking photo album- a 24-page photo album that allows you to
record up to 10 second message. This is useful communication aid
for people with learning disabilities and sight loss.
Listen to me- this device has 12 message buttons on which you
can record up to 10 seconds of speech, sound and music. It is very
lightweight and portable. This is good aid for all people with the
specific communication need.
Go talk 9+ - an easy to use speech output device, which has 9
message keys.
Light writer- a portable device into which the person types what
they want to say. The screen is large enough for recipient to read,
enabling privet conversation when required. There are many more
sophisticated communications aids available, which are designed
to translate text into speech.

5.2 Describe types of support that an individual may need in

order to use communication technology
Types of support that an individual may need in order to use
communication technology and aids could include information
being used in the individuals preferred method of communication
and language such as DVD’s, audio, braille, taking the individual to
the shop to look at the equipment in order to get an idea of how it
works, helpline, reviewing how the individual is getting on with the
use of equipment and whether it needs changing/adapting. all of
these will reassure the service user and show that they are not
alone in this and have the support needed.

5.3 Explain the importance of ensuring that communication

equipment is correctly set up and working properly
It is very important to ensure that communication equipment is
correctly set up and working properly in order to maintain the
service user’s health and safety at all times. The equipment needs
to be set up by a qualified or specialist person who knows what
needs to be done. The staff and the service user may need training
of how to use the equipment. Whether the equipment needs
servicing, maintenance checks, how often and by whom. Putting all
these into consideration will save the service users from stress and
frustration if it happens not to work.

6.1 Collate information about an individual’s communication

and the support provided
Collating information is important in monitoring effectiveness of
communication.
Methods of collecting information:
Observing the person
Observing somebody is an important tool in identifying specific
communication need. I used this method with my own family or
friends, watching them and noticing changes.
Feedback from others
Talking to family and friends about how they feel the support the
person receives is helping their communication is another way of
collecting the information I require. Talk to other members of staff,
professional and the person themselves. Colleagues, professionals,
family and friends may feel the person’s communication is
developing well.
Recording information
The information that I collate needs to be documented and
recorded. Information gathered about person’s communication
needs must be shared with everyone involved in the person’s
support. It is important to record factual information. All
information collected must be stored in personal record must be
confidential.

6.2 Contribute to evaluating the effectiveness of agreed

Methods of communication and support provided
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of agreed methods of
communication, I need to establish a baseline of person’s ability
and communication method. This should be done when they first
arrive into care and is often called an initial assessment. The
baseline details where the person is at with regards to their
specific communication need, before any support is initiated.
Everyone involved with the care and support of the person should
be made aware of this baseline so that they can evaluate the
effectiveness of any agreed methods of communication. To do this
I need to compare my baseline assessment with my current
findings. If changes have occurred, it is important to identify why
these have come about. Positive changes indicate that agreed
method is effective. Findings with show a decrease in the person’s
communication need to be investigated further to identify the
cause, the person should be supported to manage their
communication ability, to prevent further decrease and identify
alternative methods of communication where possible. The formal
evaluation of effectiveness should be undertaken yearly and
should involve the person and key person in their lives, including
their family, friends, partner, GP, care staff and any other.

6.3 Work with others to identify ways to support the continued

development of communication
when somebody masters their agreed method of communication
to support their specific communication need, it may be time to
introduce alternative methods to aid them to develop their
communication further. To support them to develop further, you
may agree that the person should be encouraged and supported
to say verbally the word of the item they want. I would work with
others to identify ways to support the continued development of
communication. Others may include speech and language
therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists,
behavioural support service specialists.