Special Needs Assisting with Disability Studies
Course Information:
The aim of this programme is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence
necessary to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in a professional and
compassionate manner. Learners will be prepared to work independently and under
supervision, applying best practices that promote personal development, autonomy, and
inclusion. The programme emphasises empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to
achieve their full potential and live self-directed lives. Additionally, it supports learners in
progressing to further or higher education and training opportunities.
Central to the programme is the commitment to fostering inclusion and active citizenship for
both children and adults with disabilities, ensuring they are valued and active participants in
their communities.
What will I study?
Intellectual Disability Studies
This component introduces learners to intellectual disabilities. Learners will explore the causes, range and effects of intellectual disabilities. They will develop an awareness of social models of support and role of various professionals in responding to the needs of persons with an intellectual disability.
Empowering the Individual
This component focuses on providing the learner with the knowledge and skills to encourage and support people with an intellectual disability to identify what they want for the future and how they would like to be supported to gain greater independence and autonomy.
Community Inclusion
This component focuses on capacity building. Learners will develop the knowledge, skills and competence required to support and build the capacity of individuals with an intellectual disability to develop socially valued roles and relationships within their local communities.
Facilitating Learning
This component aims to provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to facilitate people with an intellectual disability to learn effectively. Learners will explore different learning styles and teaching strategies.
Understanding Special Needs
This component aims to provide the learner with the background knowledge, skills and competence required to work effectively, under direction, in a special needs setting. Learners will explore a range of additional needs. They will identify current policy developments and good practice.
Special Needs Assisting
This component explores the role of a Special Needs Assistant. It provides the knowledge and skills to enable you to work effectively as a Special Needs Assistant under the direction of the classroom teacher and with the guidance of the multi-disciplinary team.
Communications
This is one of the most important components, whether in the workplace or in a college environment. It is essential to be able to transfer knowledge in a clear, and concise way and to be aware of the different types of communication (verbal and non-verbal). The component covers both written and practical aspects of communication. It provides an opportunity to practice and develop confidence.
Work Experience
Learners will undertake work placement in a suitable care, school and/or community setting. Work-experience classes prepare the learner to apply for work placement and future work by learning skills, producing a cover letter, CV and interview techniques. Learners will also gain an understanding of their own skills and qualities, as well as how to document their learning during placement. This is an essential component for anybody wishing to prepare for or return to the workplace.
Duration
This is a full-time one-year course and runs from September to May.
For more information
Phone 071 9185035 or email [email protected]
Course Flyer
What are the progression opportunities?
Employment – Learners who undertake this course will acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies to apply for employment positions in a range care and education settings to
include:
– SNA in Primary and Secondary Education
– PA in Further and Higher Education
– Intellectual Disability care settings
Disability services
Following on from this course there is direct progression onto Health Services Supervisory Management. Learners are also able to access relevant third level degree courses in the areas of disability studies.
What award will I achieve?
QQI level 5 – Intellectual Disability Practice 5M1761
Course Information:
The aim of this programme is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence
necessary to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in a professional and
compassionate manner. Learners will be prepared to work independently and under
supervision, applying best practices that promote personal development, autonomy, and
inclusion. The programme emphasises empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to
achieve their full potential and live self-directed lives. Additionally, it supports learners in
progressing to further or higher education and training opportunities.
Central to the programme is the commitment to fostering inclusion and active citizenship for
both children and adults with disabilities, ensuring they are valued and active participants in
their communities.
What are the progression opportunities?
Employment – Learners who undertake this course will acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies to apply for employment positions in a range care and education settings to
include:
– SNA in Primary and Secondary Education
– PA in Further and Higher Education
– Intellectual Disability care settings
What award will I achieve?
Following on from this course there is direct progression onto Health Services Supervisory Management. Learners are also able to access relevant third level degree courses in the areas of disability studies.
QQI level 5 – Intellectual Disability Practice 5M1761
What will I study?
Intellectual Disability Studies
This component introduces learners to intellectual disabilities. Learners will explore the causes, range and effects of intellectual disabilities. They will develop an awareness of social models of support and role of various professionals in responding to the needs of persons with an intellectual disability.
Empowering the Individual
This component focuses on providing the learner with the knowledge and skills to encourage and support people with an intellectual disability to identify what they want for the future and how they would like to be supported to gain greater independence and autonomy.
Community Inclusion
This component focuses on capacity building. Learners will develop the knowledge, skills and competence required to support and build the capacity of individuals with an intellectual disability to develop socially valued roles and relationships within their local communities.
Facilitating Learning
This component aims to provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to facilitate people with an intellectual disability to learn effectively. Learners will explore different learning styles and teaching strategies.
Understanding Special Needs
This component aims to provide the learner with the background knowledge, skills and competence required to work effectively, under direction, in a special needs setting. Learners will explore a range of additional needs. They will identify current policy developments and good practice.
Special Needs Assisting
This component explores the role of a Special Needs Assistant. It provides the knowledge and skills to enable you to work effectively as a Special Needs Assistant under the direction of the classroom teacher and with the guidance of the multi-disciplinary team.
Communications
This is one of the most important components, whether in the workplace or in a college environment. It is essential to be able to transfer knowledge in a clear, and concise way and to be aware of the different types of communication (verbal and non-verbal). The component covers both written and practical aspects of communication. It provides an opportunity to practice and develop confidence.
Work Experience
Learners will undertake work placement in a suitable care, school and/or community setting. Work-experience classes prepare the learner to apply for work placement and future work by learning skills, producing a cover letter, CV and interview techniques. Learners will also gain an understanding of their own skills and qualities, as well as how to document their learning during placement. This is an essential component for anybody wishing to prepare for or return to the workplace.
Duration
This is a full-time one-year course and runs from September to May.
For more information
Phone 071 9185035 or email [email protected]
Course Flyer
