Activity 6: Making self understood
Activity 6 is defined in regulations as -
Making self understood through speaking, writing, typing, or other means which are normally, or could reasonably be, used unaided by another person.
Activity 6 assesses the ability to express yourself rather than simply speech. The scope of the activity includes impediment to communication such as an inability to express thoughts, resulting from brain injury or generalised neurological conditions causing problems with speech and manual dexterity such as Motor Neurone Disease and advanced Parkinson’s Disease. The ability to write, type or text needs to be considered in cases of speech difficulties.
Descriptor
The descriptor relating to Activity 6 is -
Cannot convey a simple message, such as the presence of a hazard.
Sources:
- Schedule 3 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 (SI.No.794/2008) and Schedule 3 to SR.No.280/2008 in Northern Ireland (apply to income-related and old-style contributory ESA).
- Schedule 3 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013 (SI.No.379/2013) and Schedule 3 to SR.No.219/2016 in Northern Ireland (apply to new-style contributory ESA).
- Schedule 7 to the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 (SI.No.376/2013) and Schedule 7 to SR.No.216/2016 in Northern Ireland (apply to universal credit).
See also section 2.3.1.6 of the DWP’s Work Capability Assessment handbook: for healthcare professionals.
Case law
The Upper Tribunal is yet to publish any significant case law in relation to Activity 6.