C1: Describe the communication and language needs and preferences of
individuals.
Communication is the exchange of messages between people to convey information and
emotions. Communication is vital for every individual and is used in everyday life so we can say
what's on our mind and to build connections with others. Communication needs and
preferences are “People's unique communication needs vary depending on their ability,
disability, illness or condition, as well as on their personal preferences.” (skillsforcare). This
means people who struggle to communicate one way can then have a preferred way of sharing
information. For example, if someone is hearing impaired, and cannot verbally communicate,
their preferred way of communication is sign language. (Skillsforcare 2022).
Communication needs and preferences are needed among people with illness, learning
difficulties and disabilities. There are many different communication preferences out there,
some are: Speech and language therapists, interpreting services, translation services, advocacy
services, ICT, augmentative, Makaton, objects of reference and picture exchange.
Examples of communication needs and preferences with people with learning difficulties:
Communication passports: Communication passports are a person-centred technique of
documenting crucial information about a child or adult and helping an individual. It is like
observing an individual's activities, behavior, and personal requirements. It would be helpful for
the carer and people that are deaf, blind or autistic to have a communication passport since
communication would be simpler and duties or requests would be handled successfully,
allowing the person to feel content. A communication passport may contain things they want to
do and eat, and all of this would be documented and filled out.
Picture cards/flashcards: Picture exchange is a method of communication for autistic people
that does not rely on speech or find it difficult to communicate. People use cards with graphics,
symbols, phrases, or photographs to beg for items, remark on things, or answer inquiries to
communicate.
Technology: technology can be a great way for individuals when wanting to communicate,
decision making, social networking, or as an vocational assistant. Certain apps have built in
features to help and support individuals at all levels and abilities. Technology can also be used
as a motivating tool as there are some tools that reward them for positive behavior like the
completion of a chore or a homework assignment. (Autism Speaks 2018).
C1: Explain how to communicate to meet the needs of others.
Communication is the exchange of information and to be understood. However, there are
individuals that will have illnesses and learning disabilities like dementia, autism and hearing
impairment that might require communication to be done differently according to their specific
, needs. Effective communication skills will providing clear information, develop relationships,
provide emotional support to the people you work with and carry out assessments of an
indiviuals care needs. (Skillsforcare 2022).
An example of how to communicate to meet the needs of others is with individuals with
autism. If there is a child with autism this would affect their ability to communicate with what
they want or wants on their mind. As individuals with autism struggle to understand what
people are saying to them, different types of communication are used to understand things to
their capability. This can include picture cards. When asking a child what they want to eat or
do, picture cards are extremely efficient as they just need to point at the image. Body language
has an important role when communicating emotions with individuals with autism, for
example, when smiling and clapping show happiness whereas frowning can indicate
unhappiness. Nonverbal autistic individuals will need constant care, for example in school a
child will have an assistant teacher sit with them and support them with their learning and
advocate for them.
C2: Describe how to ensure the security of data when accessing and storing records.
Data security is when personal data is collected and processed in a lawful, fair and transplant
way. It also includes organisational policies and procedures. When properly put in place, data
security strategies will protect an organization’s information against cybercriminal activities.
Also, they also guard against insider threats and human error. This means that your information
is only accessed by people who need to know and when not in use it is stored and protected
correctly where it's out of reach from anyone who shouldn't access it. When it comes to data
security there are two types, research and physical. Physical includes maintaining strong
passwords, storing data in cabinets with a key, using areas that are fire resistible and having
general security in the building. Research data includes encryption, data erasure and data
masking. (GOV 2022).
Encryption is when an algorithm is used to transform text characters into an unreadable
format, encryption keys scramble data so that only authorized users can read it. Data erasure is
more secure than standard data wiping. Data erasure uses software to completely overwrite
data on any storage device. Data masking is when organisations allow teams to develop
applications or train people using real data. It masks personally identifiable information (PII)
where necessary so that development can occur in environments that are compliant. (MRC
2019).
In order to maintain security when storing records there is a set of security measures in place to
keep them safe. For documents including personal information, you would include installing
