1. Module Introduction
This training and research has been created to help:
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Parents
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Families
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Carers
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Support workers
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Professionals
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Educators
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Health staff
The aim is to:
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Improve understanding
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Improve access
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Reduce barriers
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Support health and wellbeing
2. Reasonable Adjustments, Equality & Access
People with learning disabilities and mental health conditions have the right to:
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Equality
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Access
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Fair treatment
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Safe healthcare
Services must make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers.
Examples of Reasonable Adjustments
Easy Read Information
Information should be accessible.
This can include:
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Large print
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Pictures
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Symbols
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Short sentences
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Easy words
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Clear layout
This helps disabled people understand important information.
Longer Appointments
Some people need more time.
Longer appointments help with:
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Understanding information
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Asking questions
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Reducing stress
This is important for health care decisions.
Appointment Slots
Services should:
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Avoid busy times
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Offer quieter slots
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Reduce overwhelm
This supports people with anxiety, autism, or sensory needs.
Reducing Waiting Times
Long waiting times can cause:
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Distress
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Anxiety
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Meltdowns
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Health risks
Adjustments can include:
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Priority appointments
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Waiting in a separate room
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Families/carers waiting together
Parking Access
Accessible parking should be available for:
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Disabled people
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Parents
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Families
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Carers
Parking should be:
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Close to entrances
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Safe
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Clearly marked
Quiet Waiting Areas
Quiet spaces reduce sensory stress.
They may include:
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Low lighting
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Reduced noise
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Calm environment
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Fewer people
3. Hospital Support Adjustments
Hospital Passports
Hospital passports include information about:
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Communication needs
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Medical history
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Medication
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Sensory needs
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Likes/dislikes
They help staff give safe, person-centered care.
Family & Carer Support
People should be allowed to have:
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Parents
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Carers
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Family members
Stay with them if they wish.
This provides:
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Comfort
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Advocacy
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Communication support
Communication Aids
Some people need aids such as:
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Picture boards
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Tablets/apps
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Symbols
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Sign language
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Easy Read sheets
These support understanding and expression.
4. Communication Strategies
Good communication is essential.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication
Communication includes:
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Talking
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Tone of voice
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Body language
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Facial expressions
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Gestures
Communication Tips
Support staff should:
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Be direct and clear
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Get straight to the point
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Use short words
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Use short sentences
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Use pictures and symbols
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Pay attention to body language
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Allow extra processing time
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Check understanding
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing means repeating information back to check understanding.
Example:
“So you are feeling worried about your appointment — is that right?”
This avoids misunderstandings.
5. Open & Closed Questions
Open Questions
Encourage conversation.
Example:
“Hello, how are you?”
Closed Questions
Require short answers.
Example:
“Would you like a drink?”
Both question types are useful.
6. Breaking Down Information
Complex information can be difficult.
Instructions should be:
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Written in steps
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Short
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Clear
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Numbered
Formats can include:
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Bullet points
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ABC lists
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1-2-3 steps
Example: Making a Hot Drink
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Put cold water in the kettle
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Plug in and turn the kettle on
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Put coffee or tea in the cup
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Pour boiled water into the cup
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Add milk or sugar if wanted
Breaking tasks down supports independence.
7. Travel Training Example
Travel training helps people learn to travel safely.
This can include:
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Using buses
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Using trains
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Reading timetables
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Buying tickets
If a timetable is confusing:
Support staff may need to:
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Check the timetable
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Highlight the correct times
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Write steps down
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Practice the journey
Activity – Travel Planning
Ask learners to plan:
A bus journey to college/work.
Include:
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Bus number
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Time
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Stop location
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Return journey
Knowledge Check Questions
1. What is a reasonable adjustment?
a) A barrier
b) A change to support access
2. Give one example of Easy Read information.
(Open answer)
3. Why are longer appointments helpful?
a) More understanding time
b) Less support
c) More confusion
4. What is a hospital passport used for?
(Open answer)
5. Name one communication aid.
(Open answer)
6. Open questions do what?
a) Start conversations
b) End conversations
7. Why break instructions into steps?
(Open answer)
Trainer Activity Ideas
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Emotion picture matching
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Communication role play
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Hospital passport examples
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Easy Read worksheet creation
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Travel planning exercise
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