QQI HET: Cert in Empowerment and Advocacy – Level 6

In Unit 1 you will explore the overall concept of empowerment, its development on an international basis and from an Irish perspective. It is important that you are familiar with the overall concept of empowerment in your role as support worker and this unit will also focus on the meaning of empowerment as it applies to people with disabilities.

The legislative background to empowerment will also be discussed, along with its growth and influencing factors such as person-centred planning.

Unit 2 focuses on the qualities of empowerment. Chamberlin (1997) puts forward a framework of 15 qualities that should exist for a person to be considered truly empowered, these qualities range from having power, having a voice, and being part of decision making.

Each of these qualities will be examined in relation to their meaning to people with disabilities and how each element can facilitate empowerment. The challenges this presents and the benefits associated with people becoming empowered and in determining their own lives will be explored.

In Unit 3 we will discuss the concept of advocacy from a historical perspective, including its growth in Ireland and how this has led to greater empowerment for service users.

Definitions of advocacy will be explained in terms of people with disability. You will also be presented with some examples of advocacy in action, which can be applied to your own practice to support service users.

Unit 4 explores the factors that facilitate empowerment along with examining how support is provided with some guidance in relation to its provision in a positive empowering manner.

Throughout this unit you will be provided with practical guidelines on how you can facilitate empowerment through advocacy and through everyday support.

Unit 5 focuses on the work environment and asks the question: to what extent do you shape your work environment in terms of empowerment and to what extent does it shape you and your practices?

It is important that empowerment is promoted at many levels in an organisation.

Unit 6 focuses on the value of assistive technology and on the range of assistance available in this regard. Influencing factors such as legislative developments and how this has impacted on the field of assistive technology, particularly in relation to empowerment is explored, along with its value and benefits.