Unit 1. What is disability?

• Develop an awareness of various definitions of disability particularly those set down in Irish Legislation, The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations (UN)
• Distinguish between the various classifications of disability
• Outline models of disability which provide theoretical underpinnings of disability studies, namely the medical Model, the Social Model, and the world Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning and disability (ICF)
• Identify barriers to disability, both environmental and attitudinal
• Assess one's own experiences and perceptions of disability

Unit 2 Living with disability

• Display an in-depth understanding of the impact of disability on the individual and society
• Recognise different types of disability including physical disability, learning disability, specific learning difficulties (SPLD's), mental illness, sensorial disabilities specifically visual impairment, hearing loss and speech difficulties and specific conditions including Diabetes and Epilepsy
• Explian how these specific types of disability impact on individuals' quality of life
• Outline strategies to minimise the barriers that these specific disabilities may cause for individuals (e.g. providing information in alternative formats, making buildings accessible etc.)
• Outline community interventions that are available to people with disabilities ( such as day centres, resource centres, supported accommodation, residential care, sheltered workshops, rehabilitation training programmes, respite care etc.)
• Evaluate rehabilitation and support strategies that are available to improve quality of life for people with disabilities

Unit 3: Legislation, Policy and Practice

• Understand the key requirements of employers, educational institutions and providers of public services in accommodating people with disabilities as set down in Irish legislation
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of current legislation as it pertains to disability
• Describe the functions of organisations which have been established to address public policy and strategy in relation to disability, particularly the National Disability Authority (NDA)
• Analyse statistical data and research findings on disability
• Outline services that have been set up to enable people with disability to assess their legal rights and entitlements
• Understand that organisations that provide services to people with disabilities must have in place policies and procedures to ensure best practice and quality of service
• Evaluate the quality of a sample of organisational policies and procedures as they pertain to disability

Unit 4: Accommodating Disability in Education, Training and the Workplace

• Distinguish between the various models and approaches which are used in the Education System to accommodate people with disabilities
• Describe the prevalent models used in vocational  and rehabilitative training to achieve outcomes for people with disabilities
• Outline how employees with disabilities can be supported and accommodated in the workplace
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of various employment options open to people with disabilities
• Outline the main types of Assistive technology that are available to people with disabilities in education, training and employment
• List grant schemes and support mechanisms that employees with disabilities and employers of people with disabilities can avail of
• How different parenting styles/child rearing practices may influence a child’s behaviour and learning disposition
• Ways of encouraging parents/carers to accept and positively value their child’s/children’s characteristics

Component Certificate in Disability Awareness (FETAC Level 6)

Advanced Certificate in Disability Awarness (The College of Progressive Education)

This course is designed to provide the learner who works or interfaces with people who have disabilities with the knowledge and understanding of disability.

Learners who successfully complete this module will

• Obtain the knowledge of the historical background to disability services and definitions of disability
• Acquire an understanding of the various theoretical models of disability
• Be aware of legal considerations associated with disability
• Be familiar with specific types of disabilities and how these can be accommodated
• Appreciate various rehabilitation and support strategies available to people with disabilities and their families
• Apply this knowledge in the workplace and in everyday life

To meet the standard required for this course learners ideally should have a FETAc Level 5 certificate or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences.

Minimum age is 17 years. Learners must also be capable of undertaking assessment work to Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate standard.

International learners undertaking this course should have confidence in their English language, reading, writing and comprehension skills and have at least a 5 IELTS score or equivalent.

It is recommended that learners achive at least 40 hours work experience however this is not mandatory.

Portfolio assessment 50%
Learner record 50%

Additional, relevant FETAC Level 6 Modules. 

Further and higher education opportunities

Working with people with a disability or in a role that interfaces with people with a disability