NEW QQI FET: Certificate in Intellectual Disability Practice – Level 5 (Major Award)

• This core module sets the scene for the course by placing current service provision clearly within a historical context.
• This module aims to introduce the learner to the history and development of services for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland and to enable them to evaluate the service provision in which they are involved.
• It explores some of the reasons why people with disabilities have been marginalised in society and looks at crucial areas such as inclusion, social role valorisation, models/perspectives/attitudes of disability and quality of life.
• This module will also enable the learner to promote and practice a social model human rights approach to service provision.

The ability to teach people new and useful skills is a crucial part of the role of the frontline worker. This module will provide the learner with practical teaching tools and techniques to support people in learning effectively.

The assessment requires that a meaningful task or skill be taught to a person they support. This module will also introduce key theories and values underpinning teaching and learning to facilitate people to learn using a tailored approach that is individualised in line with best practice.

• This module places the person with an intellectual disability at the centre of the decision-making process in their life.
• This module aims to explore the concept of empowerment for people with an intellectual disability.
• It looks at how service delivery and the structure of past, current and future services have and can impact how empowered or disempowered people with intellectual disabilities are.
• This module will equip learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies to facilitate the people they support to develop and achieve their personal goals through the person-centred planning process and with the help of circles of support in making decisions about their personal goals and support needs.

Knowing how to support a person with a disability in developing meaningful links to the community and promoting community inclusion is crucial in frontline work. This module explores the concept of community inclusion.

In doing this, learners will explore and practice using community networking tools and techniques how socially valued roles can be supported and nurtured by creating links and connections within the community for a person they support based on the supported person’s skills, interests and capacities.

This core module will allow learners to reflect on their strengths and areas for development. It will develop critical daily skills that frontline workers need, such as:

• problem-solving techniques,
• open-mindedness,
• creativity,
• resilience,
• meeting effectiveness,
• working in groups and
• preparing and delivering presentations.

This module is completed over the duration of the programme to practice and demonstrate their personal effectiveness skills.

This core module gives learners the time and opportunity to reflect on their work practice and how it is influenced by broader factors such as legislation and the economic context. It will focus on how the learner can contribute positively as a member of the organisation – for example, by maintaining timekeeping, meeting deadlines and adhering to policy and procedures. This module will allow the learner to work independently and as part of a team. It will allow the learner to reflect on personal work practices and identify their strengths and areas for development. Like Personal Effectiveness, it is delivered throughout the programme’s duration.