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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate understanding of communication methods for blind or partially sighted persons 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264937  Demonstrate understanding of communication methods for blind or partially sighted persons 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Inclusive Education 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 05 - Education, Training and Development Adult Learning 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  NQF Level 04  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
117087  Read and write Grade 1 (Uncontracted) Braille  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The purpose of this Unit Standard is to enable qualified learners to acquire the knowledge and skills to apply appropriate methods of communication for blind and partially sighted persons. These methods include Grade 1 Braille, other tactile methods, handwriting, Deaf-Blind forms of communication and the use of technology.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Reading, writing and editing Grade 1 Braille.
  • Applying other forms of tactile communication.
  • Facilitating the use and maintenance of handwriting skills.
  • Applying forms of communication for Deaf-Blind persons.
  • Use technology in communication. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Read, write and edit Grade 1 Braille. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Braille equipment used for writing and editing is described in terms of its functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Braille text is read and the meaning interpreted as prescribed in the code and within specific contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Braille is written using a combination of dots within cells to produce letters, signs and symbols as prescribed in the code. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Braille texts are edited to enhance overall readability within specific contexts. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply other forms of tactile communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Other forms of tactile communication are described in terms of their functions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tactile forms of communication include, but are not limited to:
  • Moon, fishburne alphabet, raised letters and tactile symbols.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A suitable tactile form of communication is selected in relation to the clients' needs and abilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Other forms of tactile communication are used according to accepted Orientation and Mobility practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The applied form of tactile communication is evaluated in terms of achieving the targeted outcomes. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Facilitate the use and maintenance of handwriting skills. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Adaptive handwriting guides are described in terms of their functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Handwriting skills are facilitated in relation to the clients' abilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Handwriting skills are facilitated in terms of the equipment used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment used is evaluated in relation to its fitness for purpose. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply forms of communication for Deaf-Blind persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Communication components are identified in relation to Deaf-Blind persons. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication components include, but is not limited to:
  • Non-verbal, written, sign language, speech, tactile and symbols.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Factors that impact on communication with Deaf-Blind persons are explained in relation to their application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include, but are not limited to:
  • Environmental and personal.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Unaided and aided forms of communication are explained in terms of their purposes for a given context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate methods of communication are applied to achieve independence skills training. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Use technology in communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Electronic devices are identified in relation to their use by blind and partially sighted persons for communication purposes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Electronic devices include, but are not limited to:
  • Recording devices, reading and writing devices and cell phones.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Available technology for use by multiple-disabled persons is identified for communication purposes within a given context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A list of suppliers of communication technology is compiled and maintained in the South African context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Clients are referred to suitable resources according to organisational procedures and identified needs. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in the specific outcomes of the unit standard as well as the integrated competence described in the purpose of the unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner will be able to understand and explain relevant aspects of the following:
  • Grade 1 Braille codes/rules, letters, signs and symbols.
  • Various tactile forms of communication.
  • Handwriting skills.
  • Deaf-Blind communication.
  • Electronic communication devices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to using electronic devices for communication purposes which responses display that critical thinking is used for responsible decision making. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of an Orientation and Mobility team in facilitating effective communication with persons who are blind or partially sighted. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in applying various methods of communication for Deaf-Blind, blind, partially sighted and multiple disabled persons. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information about the needs and abilities of clients in order to apply appropriate methods of communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using appropriate oral and/or written modes in dealing with all internal and external role-players in the provision of orientation and Mobility services. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by briefing persons who are blind or partially sighted regarding the availability and functions of relevant assistive devices to aid communication between and with blind and partially sighted persons. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation when adapting assistive devices to the needs of specific persons who are blind or partially sighted. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 117087, "Read and write Grade 1 (Uncontracted) Braille", Level 4, 12 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Fundamental  67373   National Diploma: Orientation and Mobility Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind 
    2. TSHIROLOGO DISABILITY TRAINING SERVICES PTY TLD 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.