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.

Context includes:
The relevant statutory framework
Historical context of work eg. Changing attitudes, changing approaches to working with clients
Changing social context of work eg. Consumer centred approach, changing government and societal views, approaches to working with clients
Political context eg. Government policies and initiatives
Economic context eg. The current economic situation as it relates to and affects people with disabilities and the subsequent impact on client needs
Facts/myths about disability

Issues include:
Access to services for people with disabilities and their carers
Meeting individual needs and personal goals of people with disabilities
Family and carer issues
Grief and loss

Different models of work in the sector may include:
Community development and education
Health promotion
Case management
Working with families
Peer support/self help
Residential services
Respite care
Home based support
Community access
Advocacy
Employment support
Lifestyle support
Business services
Support

The underpinning values and philosophies of the sector may include:
A holistic and consumer-centred approach
Community education
Delivery of appropriate services
Commitment to meeting the needs and upholding the rights of clients
Commitment to empowering clients

Different client requirements may depend upon:
Type of disability eg:
Physical
Sensory
Intellectual
Psychiatric
Support availability including:
Family
Financial
Physical and emotional
Employment
Education and training
Presence of a terminal illness/condition

Policy and legislative requirements include:
Disability services act
Disability discrimination act
Privacy act
Equal employment opportunity principles
Guardianship board
Individual rights
Disability service standards
Nurses act
Medical act
Medication regulations

A commitment to principles of access and equity includes:
Creation of a client oriented culture
A non-discriminatory approach to all people using the service, their family and friends, the general public and co-workers
Ensuring the work undertaken takes account of and caters for differences including: cultural, physical, religious, economic, social, developmental, behavioural, emotional and intellectual

Rights include principles expressed in:
Charters of rights
Outcomes standards documents
General human rights
Freedom from discrimination
Freedom of information

Rights include:
Privacy
Confidentiality
Common law
To be treated in a dignified, safe and comfortable manner
To express own feelings
Friendship
Freedom of association
Choice to participate
Access to complaint mechanisms

Interests include:
Financial
Accommodation
Services
Recreation

Appropriate people include:
Carers
Supervisors
Relatives
Colleagues
Health workers
Administrators
Emergency services
Health care services

Responding to situations of risk in the context of the work role may include:
Identifying risks
Providing information on risks or potential risks
Risk minimisation
Strategies for preventing abuse of people with disabilities

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:
Demonstrating an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities, stereo types that may exist about people with disabilities and awareness of the impact of own attitudes on working with people with disabilities

Essential knowledge:
Knowledge of developmental and acquired disabilities
Understanding different client requirement according to different disabilities
Knowledge of networks in the disability sector
Holistic and client-centred care
Consumer needs and rights including duty of care
Principles of empowerment/disempowerment in relation to people with disabilities
Principles of access and equity
Principles and practices of confidentiality
Awareness of discriminatory actions
Common risks to safety
Role of guardianship board, public trustee and independent advocate
Awareness and understanding of consent and strategies utilised to determine ability to consent

Essential skills:
Interpersonal communication with clients and other stakeholders

Resource implications:
Access to a relevant workplace or an appropriately simulated environment where assessment may take place

Consistency in performance:
Consistency in performance should consider the particular workplace context

Context of assessment:
This unit is best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions