2015 TASH Conference

Communication partnering is an essential skill for any person providing support services. Being an effective communication partner is at the heart of person-centered, self-directed living for those who experience disability. The Oregon Home Care Commission has been a leader in providing this essential training for Personal Support Workers who are employed by persons with disabilities. Personal Support Workers learn communication partner strategies and skills which support greater communication independence and build a strong relationship of trust which is the basis for authentic communication. Attendees will learn about the Everyone Communicates! training. Teaching materials and methods will be presented. OBJECTIVES: As a result of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Reflect upon the nature of communication as the essence of life and as a fundamental human right. 2. Identify the positive impact of communication partner support on the lives of people who experience disabilities. 3. Understand the role and training needs of support workers employed by people with communication challenges. 4. Describe practical communication partner strategies which promote communication success and independence in broader community settings. 5. Describe the Oregon Home Care Commission Personal Support Worker Training Program commitment to quality training for those providing person-centered in-home supports.