Accessing and Sharing Information

Information is a critical element of empowerment. With information we are able to get a sense of our potency within boundaries, understand possibilities and limits, consider opportunities and perceive threats; we can make informed choices.
For those who support other people, having appropriate and relevant information ensures that we are able to fulfil our function; understand contexts, professional frameworks, resources available and the limitations. Without accurate information that we can effectively share with service users we are inhibiting choice, dignity, respect and independence; failing in our duty.
This one day course aims to help them understand this vital element of the support role and the part they need to play in ensuring that service users are as well informed as possible. The course covers the section of the Learning Disability Knowledge Set ‘Accessing information’ and covers the elements:

• Access to information
• Supporting people to access information
• People’s understanding of information being given
• Accessing information on behalf of someone else
• Impact of information about services and facilities on the individuals you support
• Giving feedback on information that has been provided
• Challenging information that discriminates
• Information needed to do your job
• Information for personal development

The course certificate evidences learning achieved for those who wish to undertake accredited Awards.

Learning objectives:

By the end of the day learners should understand:

• What is the purpose of information?
• Why is this so important to you in your work?
• How does having information benefit service users?
• How the lack of information impacts
• How inaccurate information impacts
• What information to access for different purposes
• What and how to share information
• Ensuring that information is accurate, factual and non-judgemental
• Being aware of how personal issues can influence what information you access
• How to facilitate those you support to choose the information they need; ensuring that they understand the options and relevance to their lives
• How to present information in a way that is accessible to the individual; different techniques and methods to present material in a meaningful way
• Confidentiality and the limits of disclosure incl. The Data Protection Act)
• How to prepare people to receive information that might be challenging or distressing
• How to recognise information that is disrespectful and discriminatory
• How to challenge when you come across information that is disrespectful and discriminatory
• The information you need to do your job well
• The information you need as an employee in your own interest

Training methods:

• Tutor presentations
• PowerPoint/OHP
• Chalk & talk
• Ideas shower
• Pairs, triads and small group work
• Practical exercise
• Handouts
• Example documents

CP00/0.0