COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Assisting NDIS Participants with Communication & Information Equipment course. This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, ethical frameworks, and practical strategies required to assist NDIS participants in accessing, using, and maintaining communication and information equipment. Effective communication is a basic human right. When supported by the appropriate assistive technology, it enables autonomy, social inclusion, access to services, and participation in education and employment. This course equips you to play an active role in enhancing communication outcomes for people with diverse communication needs.

Communication and information support under the NDIS covers a broad range of technologies aimed at improving participants’ ability to express themselves, understand information, and interact with others. This course begins by introducing the scope of assistive communication and information supports as outlined in the NDIS framework. It explains the impact of communication barriers on everyday life and outlines the key types of support available—ranging from low-tech symbol boards to high-tech speech-generating devices and digital tools for memory and comprehension. It reinforces the importance of these supports in facilitating participant choice, inclusion, and independence.

Understanding NDIS funding rules is critical when supporting participants to access communication technologies. This section provides an overview of how communication equipment is categorised within the NDIS Price Guide, distinguishing between low-cost, mid-cost, and high-cost assistive technologies. It outlines the eligibility criteria for funding, the type of supporting evidence required, and the documentation that must be submitted for assistive technology to be included in a participant’s plan.

Identifying the right supports begins with a thorough assessment. This section explains how to assess communication needs in collaboration with allied health professionals—particularly speech pathologists and occupational therapists. It outlines how to identify communication barriers, evaluate the participant’s cognitive, physical, and environmental context, and determine the best-fit supports that align with their preferences and goals.

Choosing appropriate equipment is a highly individualised process. This section guides support workers in selecting devices and tools that suit the participant’s preferred mode of communication—whether verbal, non-verbal, written, or multimodal. It highlights considerations such as literacy level, sensory needs, age, disability type, and portability, ensuring equipment is practical, usable, and empowering in day-to-day settings.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems are essential tools for non-verbal or minimally verbal individuals. This section provides a comprehensive overview of AAC options including symbol boards, communication books, tablet-based apps, and dedicated speech-generating devices. It outlines how to integrate AAC into daily routines at home, school, and in the community, and how to support the participant’s growing confidence in using their system.

Information management supports help participants with reading, writing, comprehension, and memory. This section explores the use of digital apps, task planners, electronic calendars, and reading aids that enhance information processing and recall. It discusses how these technologies support access to education, employment, and community life, and how to ensure they are tailored to the participant’s cognitive and sensory profile.

Recommending and prescribing assistive products is a team-based process requiring specialised input. This section details how support workers can contribute to the assessment and recommendation process alongside professionals such as speech pathologists and OTs. It explains the ethical considerations involved and the importance of justifying recommendations based on functional goals, participant choice, and clinical evidence.

Training is key to successful use of communication equipment. This section provides guidance on how to support participants and their networks in learning to use devices and tools effectively. It outlines the development of step-by-step training plans, hands-on practice, and reinforcement strategies that help participants integrate their equipment into everyday life for greater autonomy and reduced frustration.

Communication supports must be embedded across all environments to be effective. This section explains how to reinforce communication strategies at home, in workplaces, in educational settings, and during social or recreational activities. It explores how to build consistent support by working collaboratively with families, teachers, and other support workers, and how to use communication aids to foster empowerment, not dependence.

The setup and initial use of devices must be carefully coordinated. This section discusses the logistics of delivery, correct installation, and ensuring that devices are matched to the participant’s physical environment. It also covers how to introduce equipment gradually to reduce overwhelm and build confidence from the first point of use.

Ongoing maintenance is essential for the longevity and reliability of communication equipment. This section details how to identify early signs of technical issues, perform basic cleaning and maintenance tasks, and engage with equipment suppliers or NDIS Assistive Technology services for repairs, updates, or replacements.

Some communication devices rely on consumables—such as overlays, batteries, or stylus pens—to function effectively. This section explains how to manage consumable supplies, set up reordering processes, and budget for long-term sustainability. It also highlights the importance of planning ahead for downtime or disruptions to ensure continuity of support.

Participants with complex communication needs require layered, adaptable, and creative solutions. This section provides strategies for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, degenerative conditions, acquired brain injuries, or dual sensory loss. It emphasises the use of multi-modal communication, environmental cues, and alternative strategies to ensure participants are always supported in expressing themselves.

Legal and ethical considerations are paramount when providing communication and information support. This section outlines how to protect participant privacy, obtain informed consent, and manage sensitive information in accordance with the NDIS Code of Conduct and broader legislation. It also explores the ethical implications of replacing or discontinuing communication supports.

Cultural and linguistic diversity must be acknowledged and respected in communication planning. This section discusses how to adapt communication tools and strategies for participants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It provides guidance on using interpreters, bilingual resources, and culturally safe equipment design to ensure inclusive and respectful support.

Good practice is grounded in accurate documentation and outcome tracking. This section outlines how to record the use of communication supports, monitor progress toward communication goals, and contribute to reporting processes required by NDIS providers and auditors. It also explains how to use participant feedback and goal achievement data to improve service delivery and support planning.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped to provide responsive, ethical, and empowering support to NDIS participants using communication and information equipment. Whether helping someone find their voice through a speech device or supporting them to manage daily tasks with digital memory tools, your role will directly enhance their independence, dignity, and participation in everyday life.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Communication and Information Supports

·       Understanding the scope of communication and information assistive technologies under the NDIS

·       The impact of communication barriers on participation, wellbeing, and choice

·       Types of communication-related supports available to NDIS participants

2. NDIS Funding Guidelines and Eligibility

·       Understanding how communication supports are categorised within the NDIS Price Guide

·       Eligibility requirements and evidence needed for funding approval

·       Distinguishing between low-cost, mid-cost, and high-cost communication supports

3. Assessing Participant Communication Needs

·       Conducting communication assessments in collaboration with allied health professionals

·       Identifying barriers to effective information exchange and processing

·       Evaluating environmental, cognitive, and physical factors affecting communication

4. Choosing Appropriate Communication Equipment

·       Selecting devices and tools based on the participant’s mode of communication

·       Considering age, disability type, literacy level, and sensory requirements

·       Balancing functionality, portability, and usability in selection

5. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems

·       Understanding types of AAC including symbol boards, speech-generating devices, and apps

·       Supporting non-verbal or minimally verbal participants

·       Integrating AAC into daily routines and environments

6. Assistive Technology for Information Management

·       Devices and apps for reading, writing, memory support, and task scheduling

·       Using technology to enhance comprehension, information recall, and planning

·       Supporting digital inclusion for education, employment, and social participation

7. Prescribing and Recommending Assistive Products

·       Collaborating with speech pathologists, OTs, and other specialists in the prescription process

·       Documenting assessments and justification for device recommendations

·       Following ethical and person-centred approaches to prescribing supports

8. Training Participants in Equipment Use

·       Developing step-by-step training based on individual learning styles

·       Providing hands-on, supported learning opportunities for participants and families

·       Embedding skill development into everyday settings for generalisation

9. Supporting Communication in Daily Life

·       Encouraging communication across home, work, and community settings

·       Working with families, educators, and support staff to reinforce communication

·       Providing strategies to reduce frustration and promote autonomy in communication

10. Delivery, Installation, and Setup of Devices

·       Coordinating delivery of communication devices and information tools

·       Setting up equipment for immediate and safe use

·       Ensuring equipment is matched to environmental access needs

11. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

·       Identifying early signs of equipment failure or user difficulties

·       Performing basic maintenance and cleaning

·       Arranging repairs, updates, or replacements through suppliers or AT services

12. Providing Consumables and Spare Parts

·       Understanding consumables associated with communication devices

·       Maintaining inventory and reordering schedules

·       Budgeting for long-term use, repairs, and replacement parts

13. Supporting Participants with Complex Communication Needs

·       Working with participants with cognitive, developmental, or acquired communication impairments

·       Adapting supports for individuals with degenerative conditions or multiple disabilities

·       Using multi-modal strategies and environmental supports

14. Legal, Privacy, and Consent Considerations

·       Upholding confidentiality when supporting participants with communication needs

·       Obtaining informed consent for assessments and data collection

·       Managing personal and sensitive information in accordance with the NDIS Code of Conduct

15. Cultural and Linguistic Considerations in Communication Support

·       Respecting cultural and language diversity in communication preferences

·       Using interpreters and bilingual support workers when appropriate

·       Incorporating culturally safe tools and strategies

16. Documentation and Outcome Tracking

·       Keeping records of device use, progress, and support provided

·       Tracking outcomes using NDIS and organisational reporting frameworks

·       Using participant feedback to improve communication support strategies

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.