Verbal expression and comprehension (understanding)
What do I need to be able to do?
Understand and respond to verbal communication.
In the client care environment, this will assist you in your work with clients to establish relationships, undertake assessment and deliver treatment in a safe manner.
Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations in a time responsive way.
In the client care environment, verbal communication is the primary source of communication between you, your clients and your team. Clear communication assists in safe treatment delivery.
What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you for on-campus learning activities.
Clinical experience placement activities may require time responsive communication. This should be discussed with your Placement Coordinator prior to commencing your placement.
Social communication
Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking.
What do I need to be able to do?
Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately in both on-campus and clinical experience settings to build relationships, assess clients and provide treatment.
In the client care and on-campus simulation environments, tasks which require the use of social communication abilities include:
- identifying that a client is uncomfortable or in pain from their facial expression or body posture
- responding to clients with open body language, eye contact and facial expressions to demonstrate understanding and empathy.
What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?
A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.
Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.