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      • Individualising Disability Services in Ireland: The Way Forward
      • Foundation Programme for Working in Residential Services
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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

 

OTC Graduate
OTC Graduate 54
OTC Graduate 55

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
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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.

Noelín Fox, Course Director

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

Continuing Professional Development, Social Care

FORMAT

Blended

AWARD

Exploring Disability: A Sociological & Historical Perspective

AWARD TYPE

QQI HET Minor

CREDITS

10

COURSE CODE

6N14535

LOCATION

Online during Covid-19 restrictions

APPLY BY

Contact the College

START DATE

Autumn 2022

DURATION

10 Weeks

FEES

€395

APPLICATION FEE

None

LEVEL ON NFQ

6

WORKSHOP DATE

To be decided

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION

To be decided

VALIDATED BY

QQI

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.

How Can We Help?

Contact us if you want to know more about the course.

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Call or eMail

Call: (+353 1) 298 8544
Mail: Click Here

Course Brochure

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All Social Care Courses

Certificate in Focus on the Individual

BA in Contemporary Disability Studies – Level 7

Hons BA in Contemporary Disability Studies

Honours BA in Contemporary Disability Studies – Level 8

ba in social care image

BA in Social Care – Level 7

Assisted Decision Making ONLINE

Individualising Disability Services in Ireland: The Way Forward

Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons

Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse

Certificate in Supporting and Working with Families

Certificate in Empowerment and Advocacy

Certificate in Autism, Wellbeing and Positive Behaviour Supports

← Certificate in Supported EmploymentCertificate in Management of a Positive Behavioural Culture →

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Dublin 14, Ireland


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info@opentrainingcollege.com
www.opentrainingcollege.com

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