Language-aware work strengthens client support in rehabilitative work activities
A language-aware approach to rehabilitative work activities has been introduced in adult social services. This means paying careful attention to language in client work: how we speak, which words we choose and whether clients understand the instructions they receive.
In rehabilitative work activities, we support clients in managing everyday life and promote their work ability and functional capacity. Our clients have diverse backgrounds and varying language skills, and the existence of a shared language cannot always be taken for granted. In our wellbeing services county, 16% of the residents have a native language other than Finnish or Swedish.
When there is no shared language, it may be more difficult to guide clients and to ensure that they understand matters concerning their own situation. To address this challenge, our wellbeing services county has introduced a language-aware approach in rehabilitative work activities.
A language-aware approach means placing particular emphasis on clear and understandable communication in client work. In practice, this means that our social welfare professionals use plain language, avoid difficult professional terminology and ensure that clients understand the instructions they are given. If necessary, matters are reviewed calmly more than once. Visual materials, such as images, can also be used to support guidance.
Shared practices through training
The language-aware approach has been strengthened through training, planned in cooperation with Taitotalo. The training provides our personnel with shared practices for maintaining a language-aware approach in client work. During the training, the professionals in our rehabilitative work activities explored plain-language communication and ways of supporting interaction when a client’s language skills are still developing.
Clear communication during appointments makes everyday life easier for clients in many ways. When instructions and discussions are easy to understand, clients can use our services more easily and gain a clearer understanding of their own situation. This also increases their sense of safety and strengthens their experience of inclusion.
A language-aware approach is not a separate initiative, but an integral part of everyday client work in rehabilitative work activities in our wellbeing services county. Through shared practices, we ensure that the service runs smoothly and is accessible to all our clients, regardless of their language background.