Skip to main content
Unit outline_

CSCD3076: Lifelong Disability and AAC

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

Students will acquire knowledge of theoretical and practical issues related to working with individuals with complex communication needs across the lifespan and in a variety of residential, educational, employment, and community settings. Students will learn about common developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorders, their impact on communication and the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems. This unit prepares students to work in a collaborative team and apply a client-focused functional approach to assessment and intervention for people with complex communication needs.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Communication Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
CSCD1032
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andy Smidt, andy.smidt@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Aylin Huzmeli, aylin.huzmeli@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz Online Quizzes
Quiz (adult/child)
10% Multiple weeks 4
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO1 LO14 LO11 LO8 LO13 LO6 LO3
Assignment Intervention summary
Written handout, presentation or website and peer review
30% Week 06
Due date: 16 Apr 2021 at 18:00
2 pages or 6 slides
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO7 LO10 LO12 LO16 LO17 LO19 LO21
Assignment Paediatric feeding assessment
Assessment summary of a child with feeding difficulties
20% Week 09
Due date: 09 May 2021 at 23:00
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO9 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO23 LO3
Presentation group assignment Case study presentation
Recorded presentation (adult/child) and peer feedback
40% Week 13
Due date: 06 Jun 2021 at 23:59
15 mins
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Weekly tutorial quizzes will take place during tutorials in weeks 1-4.  Each week students will submit the answers to an online worksheet completed during the tutorial time
  • Week 6 Assignment – will involve students creating an information resource for parents about one intervention approach.  The resource could be flyer, powerpoint presentation or a webpage. Students will also review a peers resource and submit a reflection
  • Week 9 Case Based Assignment This task involves describing your assessment approach to a paediatric feeding case. 
  • Week 13 group assignment This group task will involve creating a ten minute powerpoint presentation about a client.  Each group will present their presentation during the class in week 13 and give feedback to two other groups. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

• If your assignment is submitted after the submission time on the due date it will be considered to have been submitted late. • For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. o The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. • For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to lifelong disability and AAC: What is disability Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO11 LO14
Quality of life and disability Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 02 Frameworks and intentionality Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Intentionality Tutorial (1 hr) LO2
Week 03 Assessment of people with disability Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6 LO13
Observational assessment tools - practical session Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO6
Week 04 Introduction to goal setting Lecture (2 hr) LO8 LO14
Goal setting practical session Tutorial (1 hr) LO8
Week 05 Introduction to intervention Lecture (2 hr) LO10 LO17 LO20
Intervention tools practical session Tutorial (1 hr) LO10 LO17 LO20
Week 06 Intervention tools workshop Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO7 LO10 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO21 LO24
Introduction to Case Based Approach Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO7 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO21 LO24
Week 07 Case based learning Client 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO21 LO22 LO23 LO24
Week 08 Case based learning Client 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO21 LO22 LO23 LO24
Week 09 Case based learning Client 3 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO21 LO22 LO23 LO24
Week 10 Case based learning Client 4 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO21 LO22 LO23 LO24
Week 11 Case based learning Client 5 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO21 LO22 LO23 LO24
Week 12 Case based learning Client 6 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO21 LO22 LO23 LO24
Week 13 Presentations Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO12 LO13 LO14 LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 LO19 LO20 LO21 LO22 LO23 LO24

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Students are expected to attend all weekly lectures and 1 group tutorial each week. Tutorials are compulsory and 80% attendance is expected. Tutorials will provide essential activities in smaller groups to facilitate student learning. Students will be allocated to a tutorial group and provided with dates of each required tutorial in the first week of the semester. The Sydney School of Health Sciences Resolutions specifies that students are expected to attend 90% of activities for any unit of study. The Dean, head of school or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance.
  • Other requirements: For assignments, it is expected that students participate in their groups at agreed meeting times outside of scheduled lecture times, and that students share the task of completing the group assignment.
  • Preparation Each student will need to do approximately 2 hours of preparation per week prior to attending lectures.  Lectures will be interactive and will consolidate the material to be prepared each week.  Students who do not prepare adequately may find themselves at a disadvantage during lectures.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library Readings link available in the Canvas site for this unit.

  • Da Fonte, A & Boesch, M (2019) Effective Augmentative and Alternative Communication Practices: A handbook for School-Based Practitioners. Routledge

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. define the nature and incidence of common intellectual and physical disabilities with reference to the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF and ICF-CY) model and data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics
  • LO2. identify the intentionality of a person’s communication from observations and case interview data
  • LO3. identify possible barriers to the participation of persons with lifelong disability, including those relating to policy, adopted practices and attitudes, knowledge and skills
  • LO4. describe current unaided and aided AAC systems including symbols, techniques for message transmission, and strategies for effective use of AAC to support expression and understanding
  • LO5. define the scope of practice for speech pathologists working with clients with lifelong disability, including multi-modal communication within a team setting and those with dysphagia
  • LO6. select appropriate assessment tools for persons with a lifelong disability, including those with challenging behaviours and dysphagia
  • LO7. evaluate the level of evidence for a range of interventions for people with lifelong disabilities, including persons with challenging behaviours and dysphagia
  • LO8. construct communication goals for persons with lifelong disability that include consideration of role of SLP within multidisciplinary teams
  • LO9. describe the features of a particular disorder in lay language, including the likely communication implications
  • LO10. explain key therapy approaches for people with lifelong disabilities and relate these to the ICF, participation model (Beukelman and Mirenda 2013), Communication Needs model (Light 1989) and Communicative Competence in AAC model (Light, Beukelman and Reichle, 2003)
  • LO11. summarise issues regarding quality of life for people with lifelong disability
  • LO12. compare features of aided and unaided AAC systems and recommend appropriate systems for people with lifelong disability dependent on their abilities and preferences
  • LO13. analyse the communication of a person with lifelong disability within the framework of ICF and the participation model
  • LO14. consider the implications of the person’s communication needs on activity and participation within their everyday environment
  • LO15. design appropriate AAC systems for persons with lifelong disability with reference to the participation model, and with consideration of funding issues using low tech and high tech tools which are culturally appropriate
  • LO16. utilise a range of technology in creating resources for a person with lifelong disability
  • LO17. plan intervention across various environments and train communication partners as needed
  • LO18. demonstrate awareness of appropriate cultural safety in goals and AAC systems
  • LO19. demonstrate respect for different values arising from cultural and linguistic diversity, and its impact on service provision for people with lifelong disability
  • LO20. define the scope of practice for speech pathologists working with clients with lifelong disability, including multi-modal communication within a team setting
  • LO21. display respect and professionalism with peers and lecturers including guest lecturers who have complex communication needs and their carers
  • LO22. demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning
  • LO23. demonstrate familiarity with professional bodies, organisations and support groups appropriate for people with a range of developmental disabilities
  • LO24. demonstrate capacity to play a range of roles in teams (e.g. leader, member).

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.2. Identify the communication and/or swallowing conditions requiring investigation and use the best available scientific and clinical evidence to determine the most suitable assessment procedures in partnership with the client.
1.4. Undertake assessment within the ethical guidelines of the profession and all relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
2.3. Determine the basis for or diagnosis of the communication and/or swallowing condition and determine the possible outcomes.
4.5. Identify the scope and nature of speech pathology practice in a range of community and work place contexts.
LO2
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.1. Investigate and document the client’s communication and/or swallowing condition and explore the primary concerns of the client.
1.3. Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.3. Determine the basis for or diagnosis of the communication and/or swallowing condition and determine the possible outcomes.
LO3
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.1. Investigate and document the client’s communication and/or swallowing condition and explore the primary concerns of the client.
1.2. Identify the communication and/or swallowing conditions requiring investigation and use the best available scientific and clinical evidence to determine the most suitable assessment procedures in partnership with the client.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.2. Identify gaps in information required to understand the client’s communication and swallowing issues and seek information to fill those gaps.
2.3. Determine the basis for or diagnosis of the communication and/or swallowing condition and determine the possible outcomes.
LO4
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.1. Use integrated and interpreted information (outlined in Unit 2) relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition, and/or the service provider’s policies and priorities to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.5. Select an evidence-based speech pathology approach or intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
4.2. Implement an evidence-based speech pathology intervention according to the information obtained from speech pathology assessment, interpretation and planning (see Units 1, 2, and 3).
LO5
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.5. Identify the scope and nature of speech pathology practice in a range of community and work place contexts.
LO6
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.1. Investigate and document the client’s communication and/or swallowing condition and explore the primary concerns of the client.
1.2. Identify the communication and/or swallowing conditions requiring investigation and use the best available scientific and clinical evidence to determine the most suitable assessment procedures in partnership with the client.
1.3. Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
1.4. Undertake assessment within the ethical guidelines of the profession and all relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.2. Identify gaps in information required to understand the client’s communication and swallowing issues and seek information to fill those gaps.
LO7
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.5. Select an evidence-based speech pathology approach or intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
4.2. Implement an evidence-based speech pathology intervention according to the information obtained from speech pathology assessment, interpretation and planning (see Units 1, 2, and 3).
LO8
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.1. Use integrated and interpreted information (outlined in Unit 2) relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition, and/or the service provider’s policies and priorities to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.2. Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.3. Discuss long-term outcomes and collaborate with the client and/or significant others to decide whether or not speech pathology strategies are suitable and/or required.
3.4. Establish goals for intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.5. Select an evidence-based speech pathology approach or intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.6. Define roles and responsibilities for the management of the client’s swallowing and/ or communication condition.
LO9
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.3. Determine the basis for or diagnosis of the communication and/or swallowing condition and determine the possible outcomes.
2.4. Report on analysis and interpretation.
2.5. Provide feedback on results of interpreted speech pathology assessments to the client and/or significant others and referral sources, and discuss management.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.5. Select an evidence-based speech pathology approach or intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.6. Define roles and responsibilities for the management of the client’s swallowing and/ or communication condition.
4.2. Implement an evidence-based speech pathology intervention according to the information obtained from speech pathology assessment, interpretation and planning (see Units 1, 2, and 3).
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
2.2. Identify gaps in information required to understand the client’s communication and swallowing issues and seek information to fill those gaps.
2.3. Determine the basis for or diagnosis of the communication and/or swallowing condition and determine the possible outcomes.
3.2. Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.3. Discuss long-term outcomes and collaborate with the client and/or significant others to decide whether or not speech pathology strategies are suitable and/or required.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.1. Use integrated and interpreted information (outlined in Unit 2) relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition, and/or the service provider’s policies and priorities to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.2. Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.3. Discuss long-term outcomes and collaborate with the client and/or significant others to decide whether or not speech pathology strategies are suitable and/or required.
3.4. Establish goals for intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.5. Select an evidence-based speech pathology approach or intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
1.1. Investigate and document the client’s communication and/or swallowing condition and explore the primary concerns of the client.
1.3. Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
1.4. Undertake assessment within the ethical guidelines of the profession and all relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
2.1. Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.3. Determine the basis for or diagnosis of the communication and/or swallowing condition and determine the possible outcomes.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
2.3. Determine the basis for or diagnosis of the communication and/or swallowing condition and determine the possible outcomes.
3.1. Use integrated and interpreted information (outlined in Unit 2) relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition, and/or the service provider’s policies and priorities to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.2. Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.3. Discuss long-term outcomes and collaborate with the client and/or significant others to decide whether or not speech pathology strategies are suitable and/or required.
3.4. Establish goals for intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.6. Define roles and responsibilities for the management of the client’s swallowing and/ or communication condition.
4.1. Establish rapport and facilitate participation in speech pathology intervention.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.1. Use integrated and interpreted information (outlined in Unit 2) relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition, and/or the service provider’s policies and priorities to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.4. Establish goals for intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.5. Select an evidence-based speech pathology approach or intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
4.2. Implement an evidence-based speech pathology intervention according to the information obtained from speech pathology assessment, interpretation and planning (see Units 1, 2, and 3).
4.3. Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
5.4. Update, acquire and/or develop resources.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
5.4. Update, acquire and/or develop resources.
5.5. Consult and coordinate with professional groups and services.
5.6. Adhere to professionally accepted scientific principles in work practices.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.4. Establish goals for intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.5. Select an evidence-based speech pathology approach or intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.6. Define roles and responsibilities for the management of the client’s swallowing and/ or communication condition.
3.7. Document speech pathology intervention plans, goals and outcome measurement.
4.1. Establish rapport and facilitate participation in speech pathology intervention.
4.2. Implement an evidence-based speech pathology intervention according to the information obtained from speech pathology assessment, interpretation and planning (see Units 1, 2, and 3).
4.3. Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
4.4. Document progress and changes in the speech pathology intervention, including outcomes, decisions and discharge plans.
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
5.5. Consult and coordinate with professional groups and services.
5.6. Adhere to professionally accepted scientific principles in work practices.
7.3. Demonstrate an awareness of formal and informal networks for professional development and support.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.6. Define roles and responsibilities for the management of the client’s swallowing and/ or communication condition.
4.1. Establish rapport and facilitate participation in speech pathology intervention.
4.3. Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
4.5. Identify the scope and nature of speech pathology practice in a range of community and work place contexts.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.6. Define roles and responsibilities for the management of the client’s swallowing and/ or communication condition.
4.5. Identify the scope and nature of speech pathology practice in a range of community and work place contexts.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.1. Respond to service provider’s policies.
6.1. Develop, contribute to, and maintain professional and team based relationships in practice contexts.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
7.2. Participate in professional development and continually reflect on practice.
7.3. Demonstrate an awareness of formal and informal networks for professional development and support.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.5. Identify the scope and nature of speech pathology practice in a range of community and work place contexts.
5.5. Consult and coordinate with professional groups and services.
7.3. Demonstrate an awareness of formal and informal networks for professional development and support.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
6.1. Develop, contribute to, and maintain professional and team based relationships in practice contexts.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A Investigate and document the client’s communication and/or swallowing condition and explore the primary concerns of the client.
1.2 A Identify the communication and/or swallowing conditions requiring investigation and use the best available scientific and clinical evidence to determine the most suitable assessment procedures in partnership with the client.
1.3 A P Administer speech pathology assessment relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition.
1.4 A Undertake assessment within the ethical guidelines of the profession and all relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
2.1 A Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.2 A Identify gaps in information required to understand the client’s communication and swallowing issues and seek information to fill those gaps.
2.3 A Determine the basis for or diagnosis of the communication and/or swallowing condition and determine the possible outcomes.
2.4 A Report on analysis and interpretation.
2.5 A Provide feedback on results of interpreted speech pathology assessments to the client and/or significant others and referral sources, and discuss management.
3.1 A Use integrated and interpreted information (outlined in Unit 2) relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition, and/or the service provider’s policies and priorities to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.2 A Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.3 A Discuss long-term outcomes and collaborate with the client and/or significant others to decide whether or not speech pathology strategies are suitable and/or required.
3.4 A Establish goals for intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.5 A Select an evidence-based speech pathology approach or intervention in collaboration with the client and significant others.
3.6 A Define roles and responsibilities for the management of the client’s swallowing and/ or communication condition.
3.7 A Document speech pathology intervention plans, goals and outcome measurement.
4.2 A Implement an evidence-based speech pathology intervention according to the information obtained from speech pathology assessment, interpretation and planning (see Units 1, 2, and 3).
4.5 A P Identify the scope and nature of speech pathology practice in a range of community and work place contexts.
4.6 A Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.4 A Update, acquire and/or develop resources.
7.3 A Demonstrate an awareness of formal and informal networks for professional development and support.
7.4 A Advocate for self, client and the speech pathology profession.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit has been revised following delivering the material online in 2020 due to COVID-19. Activities that depended on having access to resources have been modified and the curriculum has been revised so that the content is presented with a focus on individual cases.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.