ASSISTING PEOPLE WITH LITTLE OR NO SPEECH
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices are individually designed and include picture boards, PODD communication books and voice-generating devices.
People who have difficulty speaking, and have little or no speech, encounter many barriers. Within the criminal justice context, they could be seen as unreliable witnesses, unable to give an accurate account of events. But with the right strategies in place, people who use AAC should be able to give evidence.
Strategies for removing communication barriers
One of the biggest barriers to communication is that other people treat those with little or no speech as if they are unintelligent. However, their ability to speak is not directly related to their intelligence.
• Examine your attitudes and expectations: - Speak directly to the person - Speak in a normal manner (volume, pace, tone) - Allow extra time for the interview, as using an AAC device to communicate takes more time
• Prepare for communication success: - Ask the person how they best communicate - Ask the person if they want someone to assist with their communication; if yes, do they have anyone that is familiar with the way they communicate?
- Minimise background noise or distractions, find a quiet room/environment
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- Use everyday words and explain legal terms - Stay attentive, use listening phrases such as “yes” and “ahh” to show you are actively listening
- If you have not understood something, don’t pretend. Let them know you have not understood and will keep trying.
• Use communication aids and alternative strategies:
- Keep your non-verbal communication natural (gestures, tone of voice, body language, facial expressions)
- Pay attention to the person’s non-verbal cues - Use writing and/or drawing to help someone tell their story
- Do not interrupt when the person is in the middle of conveying a message
- Write down the words the person is communicating as this can help with remembering long messages
- Find out what strategies the person uses when communication breaks down
- Repeat back what you have understood, ask if this is correct, and ask follow up questions if you need to.
Additional considerations
• Yes/No questions are often the fastest BUT they are the most leading and most restrictive.
• When using open-ended questions, ensure the person has access to their AAC system, if they use one.
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