The Crux of the Matter - Training Queensland - Queensland ...

Tip 2: Addressing access and equity issues
It is important that you identify the demographics of
your learners – who your clients are, how this might
affect the way you communicate with them, and the
types of LLN support they might need in a training
program. Information custom built for particular
audiences has the greatest impact, therefore
a carefully planned communication strategy
is essential. Some clients will need particular
consideration. These clients may include people:
• whose first language is not English
• who have been educationally disadvantaged,
for example non-completion of an equivalent to
compulsory schooling in Australia
• in older age groups
• whose training has been disrupted by disability
• who have had long periods of unemployment
• from specific cultural or ethnic groups
• from an oral communication tradition
• who have good English speaking and listening
skills but low reading and writing skills
• who have good skills in a language other than
English, but who need to use English language in
an Australian context.
You should consider your client profile to get
a general indication of the ways in which you
communicate and the types of LLN support that
may be needed. Remember that there are no
hard and fast rules about who will need support,
and judgements based on stereotypes should be
avoided.
Communication strategies
Depending on the scale and scope of operations and
your client base, you could consider the following
strategies to help ensure all people have access to
your information:
• You could engage interpreters to communicate
with people from different language backgrounds.
• Carers, associates and other advocates should
be invited to participate in, and where necessary
communicate information on behalf of clients.
• Accessible websites should be provided to help
people with a disability.
• Information provided online, by email or Short
Message Service (SMS) may assist people who are
Deaf or hard of hearing.
However, these strategies will only be useful if
potential clients are informed about them and other
staff know how to use them.
Resources
Resources: Inclusive practices:
text including website text, should
be produced according to Universal
Design Principles to enchance access.
The online resource Working with Diversity provides
a range of practical strategies for dealing with issues
relating to access and equity.
18 The Crux of the Matter - Language, Literacy and Numeracy and Vocational Education and Training