Graduate Certificate in Disability

This foundational unit establishes the theoretical underpinnings for an understanding of the contemporary position of people with disability in society and how these frame approaches to policy, service delivery and professional practice. In considering the influence of human rights and the driving framework of inclusion we examine the ways that lived experience of disability maps to contemporary systems of classification of disability and impairment. Building on this understanding, the unit develops knowledge of the current disability policy framework in Australia and explores the nature of specialist disability and mainstream service systems designed to support the inclusion of people with a disability in all aspects of life. The roles and responsibilities of the contemporary disability workforce are explored in order to develop comprehensive foundations for best practice person-centred approaches. This unit will deliver a sound appreciation of the critical challenges and opportunities in creating an inclusive contemporary Australian disability landscape.

This unit introduces the contemporary landscape of person-centred support and develops understanding of systems, services and practices of contemporary disability support. It explores the genesis and development of person-centredness as an approach to policy and practice in disability and examines how this maps to the nature and structure of the Australian disability service system. Knowledge will be developed about the range of service types, the disability workforce and the diversity of service users and their support needs and applied to real world settings. Characteristics of the range of models of support, assistive technologies and support relationships (both formal and informal), are explored in order to develop a deep understanding of the issues that people with disability and those who support them experience in the support encounter. Key frameworks underpinning disability support in the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and beyond, including safeguarding, service quality and practice standards will be explored to promote understanding of best practice in person-centred support to enable  people with disability to exercise choice and control in their lives and promote their independence.

This unit introduces students to the key ethical challenges in promoting and supporting the rights and choices of people with disability. Spanning issues of social justice, human and legal rights, risks and safeguards, the ethical responsibilities of professionals working with people with disability to support their rights and choices is explored as an integral part of disability practice. In engaging with ethical issues of practice and in and about the lives of people with disability, students will develop knowledge and skills to recognise and articulate their own lifelong learning needs in relation to disability and develop capabilities and strategies to maintain professional, technical and research-based knowledge to ensure their professional practice aligns with contemporary developments and innovation in the field of disability.

Person-centred planning is central to the achievement of choice and control by people with disability in the services and supports they require to live a good life. This unit explores the theory and practice of inclusive and participatory individualised planning. Beginning with the theoretical orientations that inform quality of life and the underpinning principles of individualised planning, students will acquire knowledge and skills crucial to working with people with disability in the development, preparation and implementation of effective individualised support plans. Consideration will be given to contemporary funding models and the variety of contexts and types of plans, including person-centred and family-centred planning approaches. The unit explores key knowledge, skills and elements of the planning process including identifying and working with key stakeholders in the planning process. Particular focus is given to accessible modes and methods of engagement with people with disability and their informal supports, including effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal, for those with complex communication needs, strategies for advocacy and self-advocacy, and support for decision-making in relation to designing supports that are responsive to need and to a person’s goals and aspirations.