Certificate in Exploring Disability
The Exploring Disability course is a professionally accredited programme that will introduce you to the theories and models that have:
- Shaped our understanding and awareness of what life is like for people with disability
- Influenced how disability services have developed and operated in Ireland
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.
The course is also a useful start for anyone trying to gain knowledge of disability awareness.
What Will I Learn?
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
Unit 1: The History of Services for People Labelled Disabled
- Beginnings
- The Institutional Model
- Day Services
- Current Service Provision
- Service Provision Models
- Traditional
- John O’Brien’s Basic Strategy
- Integration & Inclusion
Unit 2: Concepts of Disability
- The Values Underpinning Services Models
- Implications of O’Brien’s Strategy for Service Delivery
- Disability Models – Medical, Social & Other
- The Importance of Definitions
- Handicap
- Impairment
- Disability
- Label
- Stereotype
- The Importance of Theories
- Society Responses to Disability
- Survival of the Fittest
- Dependency
- Independence
- Interdependence
Unit 3: Views & Visions
- Views of Disability
- The Wider Picture
- The Changing Service
- Annual Report
- Promotional Material
- Moves Towards a Desirable Future (Ireland)
- The Empowering Service
- Person Centred Planning
- Circles of Support
- Person Centred Planning – The Caution
- Advocacy & Self-Advocacy
- Service Brokerage
- Individualised Services & Creating a Real Home
- Human Rights Based Approach
How Will I Be Assessed?
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.
What is it Like to Study with Us?
We Are All Part of a Learning Community
The course uses a ‘blended’ approach. Each module combines online learning, tutorials (telephone, online, virtual) and face to face workshops. Learning materials are explicitly 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.
Regular online tutorials will expand your knowledge of the topic and answer any questions you have as you study. Each one-day seminar focuses on how the module topic is impacting the sector, will deepen your understanding of the subject matter and help you apply it in your working practice.
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 students 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. You can read more about it here.
The Course Director's View - Dr. Noelin Fox
Recent years has seen changes in the delivery of services for people with disabilities in Ireland. One of the most significant changes has been a move away from the charity ethos of disability service provision towards an ethos grounded in rights. In an environment of such fundamental and rapid change the need for developed, focussed and well managed services is evident.
Exploring disability as a course, recognises the changing world of human services and provides you with an insightful look into the history of disability services, the models that influence service delivery and the key values required to function effectively in this challenging environment.
The course is an excellent foundation for anyone interested in the area of disability or social care; or an effective module to study, to maintain your professional journey, especially if your aim is to play a key role in forward looking services.
The Student View – Siobhan Baker - SNA Mainstream School
Studying with the OTC was such a wonderful experience for me; it has given me confidence in myself.
Qualification
The course is certified by the QQI/HET as a Level 6 Award. Successful participants will be awarded a single subject Certificate in Exploring Disability
How Do I Apply?
Applications for this course are accepted through our Online Application Centre. To apply for the degree, you will need to:
- Satisfy the entry requirements for the programme
- Provide a range of documents to support your application
- Submit a personal statement explaining why you want to apply
What are the Course Entry Requirements?
To apply you must:
- Be either 23 years of age when you apply, or
- Have successfully completed a Leaving Certificate/QQI/FETAC Level 5 Certificate.
All applicants must be employed or volunteering in a service for people with disabilities for at least 10 hours a week.
International Applicants must provide appropriate documentary evidence of proficiency in English (i.e. IELTS 6.0).
What Supporting Documents Will I Need?
You will need to provide us with a range of documents as part of your application. These are:
- Proof of identity. Common examples included scanned copies of a driving license or passport (for international applicants).
- Employment Validation: Formal confirmation that you are working for more than 10 hours a week in a qualifying service is required. Please use the employer validation form we have provided for download below.
- Volunteer Form: You will need to complete a Volunteer Form if you are currently working as a volunteer. This is available for download below.
- Personal Statement: This document essentially explains why you want to take the course and how you see it helping you achieve your professional and personal goals. You can learn more about it below and download a simple document that will help you write it.
- International Applicants: International applicants are required to provide documentary evidence of proficiency in English and eligibility to study in Ireland before beginning an accredited course. A document explaining why it is necessary and what documents are required for a successful application can be found below
At a Glance
AUDIENCE
Care Workers, Health Care & Personal Assistants, Family or Home Support Workers, Community Care Workers
SCHOOL
FORMAT
AWARD
Exploring Disability: A Sociological & Historical Perspective
AWARD TYPE
CREDITS
10
COURSE CODE
6N14535
LOCATION
Online during Covid-19 restrictions
APPLY BY
Contact the College
START DATE
Autumn 2022
DURATION
FEES
€395
APPLICATION FEE
LEVEL ON NFQ
WORKSHOP DATE
To be decided
ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION
To be decided
VALIDATED BY
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To apply you must:
Be either 23 years of age when you apply, or
Have successfully completed a Leaving Certificate/QQI/FETAC Level 5 Certificate.
All applicants must be employed or volunteering in a service for people with disabilities for at least 10 hours a week.
International Applicants must provide appropriate documentary evidence of proficiency in English (i.e. IELTS 6.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International Applicants must provide appropriate documentary evidence of proficiency in English (i.e. IELTS 6.0).
Start Making Your Application
All applications are processed through our application centre where you can:
- Submit your application
- Learn about what happens after you’ve made your application
- Monitor the progress of your application
Visit the Online Application Centre.
