Support Individuals With Specific Communication Needs

Communication is the basis of all relationships regardless of whether personal or professional, and regardless the nature of communication. it is important to meet an individual’s communication needs be it, sign language, verbal, picture boards verbal or just a touch and facial expressions, individuals who have communication problems needs support to express themselves effectively. It is therefore important for me to be aware of the individuals preferred method of communication and to support them to use it.
As a carer it is my role and responsibility to support individuals to express themselves, the way they can do this is by assessing their needs, access information regarding there communication needs, providing the appropriate support, aids or equipment, encouraging and motivating communication, working with others. Without the support the individual would be unable to express their needs and how they feel which could lead to emotional and physical difficulties. By supporting individuals with specific communication needs you are able to support their rights.
What could hinder me with communication in the environment could be poor lighting, noise levels, whether the room is to hot or cold, other distractions could be the television or other people and no privacy, talking with face or mouth covered, chewing or eating. Echo too many hard surfaces.

What could help is Lighting conditions, good lighting light should be on talkers face. Private warm environment where the individual would feel more relaxed, seating not too far away for each other,
They may not be able to share a language system with the recipient of the communication They may not be able to speak for some medical or physical reason. They may not be able to access their normal language skills e.g. following a stroke There may be a barrier to normal methods to communication (distance or noisy environment) They may have profound hearing loss
A range of communication methods and aids that support individuals include writing, reading, talking, sign language, body language, and hearing aids Verbal communication is simple speaking, be aware of your tone, speed. Avoid angry tones or sarcasm as can put people you are speaking with on the defensive side.
Make sure you speak loudly and clearly non verbal communication plays a big role in the way you communicate with others, your gestures eye contact and movement and the way you stand and sit all convey a message to the person you are communicating with. Use gestures appropriately or leave your hand at your sides Non-verbal – includes body movements; breathing patterns; eye pointing
Alphabet based communication – deaf blind manual; large print; Braille; block Symbol systems – objects of reference; Bliss.
Sign systems – British Sign Language (BSL); Makaton.
Speech-based – includes clear speech; lip-reading; Tadoma.
Communication aids – including technological switches; Braille Intensive interaction – imitation; observation; using rhythm Total communication – combining methods
The potential effects on an individual of having unmet communication needs can include the fact they feel isolated, depressed, etc they may also develop mental health disabilities if they feel that they are not included in society due to unmet needs.
I would work in partnership with the individual their family etc to identify specific communication needs by asking the people involved and whets the best action to get the best outcome, I would also take part in care plans and write regular assessments involving everyone concerned.
If someone has specific communication need you need to know when and how to access information and support. If someone’s communication needs change you will need to access further support and information. You would do this by referring them to the local SALT team speech and language therapist. They will then support you with the changing communication needs and put strategies and equipment in place if needed.
The speech and language team is where you will go to access specialist services relating to communication technology and aids. There are many different organisations that help people with communication problems. The Aiding Communication in Education Centre offers help and support for children who have complex physical and communication difficulties, and for their parents, corers or therapists
In order to use prescribed communication technology and aids with an individual this would take 1:1 training and support. The worker would also need in-depth training on how to set up and use the technology or aids.
It important that any communication equipment is set up and working properly as it could be the only way of communication for that person and without it an individual could feel very venerable e.g. a hearing aid, or talking machine or Braille equipment and you would not be able to meet there needs fully.
A person may respond through non-verbal reaction through body language/ body movement and facial reactions. A person can respond also through verbal communication. If the speaker is talking directly -face to face to the listener, the listen ner can react by answering back by giving his point of view, his or her answer to a question and a confirmation or objection statement. Collate – gather/collect – use of support plans etc (whatever documents your organization uses to record individuals’ info & how to support them).
Communicate and share information communicates in ways, and through channels, that are expected and have been agreed communicate messages and share information clearly and in an accessible way. check regularly that all information and communication channels, such as websites and newsletters have been updated and are accessible, listen to the responses of relevant people and make clear statements about any action that you will take as result pass on views, responses and information and requests for action promptly take action immediately in response to complaints or allegations reflect objectively on your own communication style and skills and identify any areas for development Review and evaluate communication and information sharing seek feedback about communication and information sharing in a way that encourages people to respond.
Communication is central to this task in many ways. For example, it enables planners, when identifying and formulating development programmers, to consult with people in order to take into account their needs, attitudes and traditional knowledge. Only with communication will the project beneficiaries become the principal actors to make development programmers successful. Helping people at all levels to communicate empowers them to recognize important issues and find common grounds for action, and builds a sense of identity and participation in order to implement their decisions.