An introductory course on disability awareness. This is a flexible training package made up of core and optional supplementary modules. Core modules explore the concept of disability, its definitions and the myths and facts surrounding it, as well as respectful language and communication. Supplementary modules include components customised to the needs of your organisation to incorporate information, case scenarios and examples applicable to your work.
Learning objectives:
Core modules:
- To gain better understanding of what disability is.
- To identify entrenched myths and misconceptions surrounding disability and people with disability.
- To recognise how these misconceptions translate into everyday language and what respectful communication involves.
Supplementary modules:
- To enable participants to familiarise themselves with possible situations they may encounter with people with disability specific to their workplace.
- To build capacity of participants to engage and deal respectful with people with disability in such situations.
This training package is designed to enhance mainstream support services who may be working with people with disability engaging with the Royal Commission. It is essentially designed to raise the disability competence of staff and of the organisation as a whole. The training cover the following area:
Information about disability and impact of different types of impairment, including:
- Physical disability
- Intellectual disability
- Psychiatric disability
- Developmental and learning disability
- Sensory disability
- Presence of disease causing organisms in the body
The diverse nature of disability and an overview of how different disabilities can impact on a person's communication, access and participation in the community.
General principles of appropriate language when referring to, and talking with people with disability
Including practical exercises in applying appropriate language.
Principles of effective communication, including specific communication strategies with people who:
- are Deaf or hard of hearing
- are blind or have a vision impairment
- have disability affecting thought processes
- have an intellectual disability
- have a mobility disability
Access considerations for people with different types of impairment, including:
- Physical access and mobility
- Communication barriers
- Transport
- Attitudinal barriers
- Structural barriers
- Financial barriers
