Before we dive into the Story training framework, it’s important to complete additional training to ensure we are the best prepared we can be to work with individuals with Intellectual Disability /Complex Communication Needs (ID/CCN).

The following guidance on supported decision making practices will ensure you frame your practice in a way that best supports the needs and wants of a person with ID/CCN.

Supported Decision Making

Supported decision making is underpinned through knowledge of the following:

My Beliefs

These can be discovered through an entry process whether in person or written questionnaire for support network to complete

Know Me

To get to know who I am you will need to ask questions, observe me in a 1:1 mentoring or group session, spend time with me.

Questions could include:

Do I enjoy telling and/or listening to stories?

What types of stories do I enjoy?

Do I require support to communicate? If so, what type of support? Is it a specific communication partner, an application on iPad, a specific communication device etc..

My Supporter Group

Get to know my support network without overriding me and my decision-making processes.

Ensure there is no talking about me in third person whilst I am sitting or standing next to you.

Considerations for an organisation I might be interested in engaging with

If I am interested in sharing my stories in community, I will require:

An accessible toilet

Ramp and front doorbell I can reach

My support worker to accompany me

Knowledge of ACROD parking bays very close by

Easy read – whether I require or not

For my receptive language I need to use Easi English.

For my reading, it is important for me to use COMPIC – Pictures with Words

For my expression I will use my iPad with an application such as proloquo2go

My communication preferences

What kind of environment do you require to achieve your best outcomes?

Please describe how you communicate

Support me

Support my story decisions