The NDIS has recently released an eLearning module that covers strategies for effective communication. In this blog post, we look at the learnings from this new module.

Why is effective communication important?

Effective communication is important because it helps participants understand key information and exercise decision-making, choice and control. Effective communication also empowers participants by allowing them to express themselves on their own terms and feel included in social situations.  

This means that the effective communication eLearning module helps disability support workers to meet their obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct and NDIS Practice Standards.  

What content is covered?  

The supporting effective communication module covers:  

• what effective communication looks like  

• how effective communication supports choice and control 

• the different ways in which people communicate 

• times when effective communication is very important 

• how workers can support effective communication with people with disability. 

What are the key learnings?  

See below points for a quick summary of the module.   

• Communication is a universal human right.  

• Effective communication ensures that participants: 

• feel included 

• can express themselves the way they choose 

• can exercise choice and control.  

• People communicate in different ways. Participants have the right to choose the best communication method for them.  

• Behaviours are a powerful communication tool. It is important to understand the messages behind the behaviours and respond to the cause of the behaviour, rather than the behaviour itself.  

• There are some situations where ineffective communication can lead to increased risks for the participant (e.g. during meals, when a participant is ill or when a participant is seeing a medical specialist).  

•  Some top tips for effective communication include:  

• always actively listening to the participant 

• being present and patient  

• asking the participant about their preferences 

• knowing the types of communication system the participant prefers to use  

• being ready for change and knowing what to do if the main communication system breaks down  

• creating a calm, positive environment that is conducive to communication  

• creating additional social opportunities for the participant where they can communicate with others  

• having up-to-date records about the participant’s communication needs and preferences 

• frequently updating records to reflect changes in about the participant’s communication needs and preferences. 

What’s next?  

Some next steps that providers should take in order to get the most out of this new module include:  

• incorporating the module into worker orientation  

• incorporating the module into ongoing worker training  

• if required, updating their policies and processes to include the content covered in the module 

• include effective communication as an outcome during worker evaluations.  

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