Certificate in Exploring Disability – December 2021

Exploring Disability is a first module of the QQI accredited, 3 year BA in Contemporary Disability Studies degree course for people working in the disability and social care sector.

Who Is This Course For?

The course is for disability service professionals looking to extend their knowledge and skills in the area. It is an accredited programme developed by, and for, professionals working in disability services.

Course Details

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing the course you should be able to:

• Describe the historical development of services for people with disability (PWD) in Ireland
• Evaluate how these developments have influenced the provision and structure of service delivery in your organisation
• Use the models and concepts covered in the course to understand the evolution and operation of disability services in your organisation
• Describe and differentiate between medical and social models of disability and the value systems that underpin them
• Discuss the role stereotyping and language play in the perception of PWD
• Describe different theories of disability and discuss how these determine societal responses to disability
• Demonstrate how best practice can influence the Social Care Worker to empower the lives of service users

Contents

Unit 1: The History of Services for People Labelled Disabled
Unit 2: Concepts of Disability Interdependence
Unit 3: Views & Visions

Assessment

To complete the course you will need to write a 2,500-word paper that explores the relationship between the course materials and the evolution and contemporary operation of disability services within your organisation. Practical in focus, you will have access to expert advice and the input of professional contemporaries when completing this assignment. Having access to this learning community provides an opportunity to understand disability services in a uniquely supportive environment.

Taking the Course

The course uses a ‘blended’ approach which combines online learning, virtual tutorials and a virtual face to face workshop.

Our online learning materials are designed to accommodate the pressures that come with trying to balance work, life and learning. They make it possible to build study time around your work schedule. These are accessible through our learning centre which provides a platform for you to study, collaborate and communicate with your fellow learners. Regular online tutorials will expand your knowledge of the topic and answer any questions you have as you study.

Discussion, collaboration and the sharing of experiences are actively encouraged in order for the workshop to achieve one of its primary goals:

Facilitating the application of knowledge and skills acquired during the course to address real world challenges in a practical and effective manner.

Underpinning all of this is our learning community. This is made up of tutors who have extensive first-line experience, learning support staff who understand the human challenges people can face when attending college and our learners who are defined by their commitment to supporting each other.

We believe this creates a learning experience that is unique to the Open Training College, one that meets the specific requirements of people working in our sector and improves the quality of service our users receive. This is known as the Supported Open Learning Model.

Qualification

The course is a QQI approved Level 6 award. Successful participants will be awarded a single subject Certificate in Exploring Disability.

Successful participants will hold 10 credits towards the B.A. in Contemporary Disability Studies, a Level 7 degree.

Cost

The course costs €395.

Booking a Place

Please contact Conor on 01-2990580, or cmurray@opentrainingcollege.com, or via the website: www.opentrainingcollege.com