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JCPSLP Volume 14, Number 2 2012 67
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relevant to the needs and situation of the person so that
they can be integrated into meaningful interactions and
activities, and (b) providing practical communication
support through initial modelling, ongoing advice, and a
willingness to evaluate the intervention and re-instigate
dynamic assessment strategies as needed.
Conclusion
A human rights framework, such as that outlined in this
paper and enshrined in the UNCRPD, promotes the
recognition of the diverse communication skills and
preferences of people with severe–profound disabilities. A
human rights framework for assessment and intervention is
inclusive of individuals whose communication may be
ambiguous or unintentional, and who may need extensive
support to communicate. Providing communication support
requires a commitment from all communication partners to
be willing to suspend his/her own interests and consider
those of the person with disability as distinct from the views
of his or her communication partners. Suspension of one’s
own beliefs demands (a) relinquishing assumptions or
beliefs about what a person with severe–profound
disabilities can achieve, and (b) embracing a process of
collaborative observation, interpretation, and development
of intervention goals and strategies informed by principles
of evidence based practice, the Association’s code of
ethics (Speech Pathology Australia, 2010), and ethical
decision-making frameworks. Australian speech
pathologists working with people with severe–profound
disabilities are bound by obligations under the UNCRPD;
hence our practice needs to acknowledge the inherent
value of all communication, whether intentional or not
intentional. In addition, our practice should be highly
collaborative and transactional, as exemplified by
incorporating models of person-centred practice and
supported decision-making. In this way, we may work
effectively towards people with severe–profound disabilities
gaining access to their communication rights to participate
in decisions that affect their lives.
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