Sample Educational Topics for Legal Professionals

Speak Up Project 2004

Risk factors/vulnerabilities for people with disabilities; specifically for people who use AAC.

Types of abuses/crimes against people with disabilities.

History and issues relating to convictions for crimes against people with disabilities

General Information about disabilities; especially about people who use AAC:

• Range of disabilities
• Communication Disabilities
• Impact of communication disabilities
• AAC systems
• Expressive language profiles of people who use AAC and implications
• Comprehension skills of people who use AAC and implications
• Speaking partner’s role when communicating with an AAC user
• Cognitive disabilities and communication disabilities
• When to have communication facilitation/interpretation
• How to use an AAC interpreter

Interviewing techniques to facilitate AAC users in:

• Recalling information
• Communicating about incidents when they do not have vocabulary they need
• Comprehending questions and outcomes
• Question formats for AAC users and implications
• The role of verification in AAC

Considerations when responding to and communicating with a victim/witness who uses AAC e.g., living and service provider contexts, credibility, lack of vocabulary, compliance etc.

Considerations in determining victim / witness capacity to consent, knowledge of true and false, and ability to withstand court process.

Background information on use of AAC in courts and supports required to accommodate communication and physical needs.

Understanding the impact of stress on a person who uses AAC and being able and prepared to address the problem (e.g. stress can cause loss of muscle control resulting in reduced capacity to communicate).

Techniques and resources to prepare the victim witness for court.

Securing expert witnesses and supporting them in their role.

Awareness of other accommodations that may be required:

• Physical access
• Personal care/attendant services
• Transportation
• Accommodating fatigue

Resources available to support a victim/witness with a communication disorder.

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