Cognition specialists examine internal mental processes such as problem solving, memory, and language (Wikipedia 2007). A cognitive assessment involves the use of specific tests to assess a person's thinking and reasoning skills such as concentration, perception and problem solving (CRS Australia 2007).
Communication specialists (including speech pathologists) identify any problems a person may have communicating, and ways to overcome these. Communication includes being understood as well as understanding others, either in speaking and listening or in reading and writing (Speech Pathology Association of Australia 2007). The relevant assessment is called a communication, language or speech assessment (CRS Australia 2007).
Cognition and communication specialists may incorporate the following to assist workers with cognitive or communication difficulties:
- provide strategies to enhance memory or to compensate for memory decline
- discuss the worker’s cognitive status with other staff and family, and help to develop and explain appropriate communication strategies
- educate employers and family on appropriate environmental modifications to minimise cognitive impairments (for example, deficits in attention).
Services provided
Communication and thinking processes are requirements in all workplaces. A cognition and communication specialist can assist in identifying issues or difficulties in these areas and suggesting relevant solutions. Examples include:
- auditory comprehension (for example, understanding verbal instructions)
- immediate and delayed recall (for example, difficulty remembering information)
- motor speech impairment (for example, difficulty producing fluent speech sounds)
- sentence comprehension (for example, understanding written instructions)
- verbal expression (for example, difficulty putting sentences together in a meaningful way)
- word finding difficulties (for example, difficulty putting into own words).
Panel of workplace assessors
The workplace assessors listed in the Workplace Adjustment Tool are part of a panel of assessors formed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations as part of the Employment Assistance Fund.
The Employment Assistance Fund helps people with disability and mental health condition by providing financial assistance to purchase a range of work related modifications and services for people who are about to start a job or who are currently working, as well as those who require assistance to find and prepare for work.
Under the Scheme, the JobAccess Advisers will assess the need for a workplace assessment and organise the assessment, at no cost to the employer or employee, with one of the professionals listed in the panel. Alternatively, an employer can approach a panel member independently for a paid assessment.
More information on the Employment Assistance Fund is available by contacting the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800, or by using the link below:
References
CRS Australia 2007, Services, CRS Australia, Canberra, viewed 7 June 2007, <http://www.crsaustralia.gov.au/services.htm>.
Speech Pathology Australia 2007, What is a Communication Disability? Speech Pathology Association of Australia Ltd., Melbourne, viewed 25 June 2007, <http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/library/12_FactSheet.pdf>.
Wikipedia 2007, Cognitive Psychology, Wikipedia, St Petersburg, viewed 8 June 2007, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_psychology>.