Special Needs Adult Course

Training Aim

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the causes, range and effects of intellectual disabilities to develop an awareness of the importance of a social model of support and the role of various professionals in responding to the needs of persons with an intellectual disability.

Learning Outcomes

1. Categorise the range of terms which have been used to label people with an intellectual disability as inappropriate and appropriate labels
2. Define the terms intellectual disability and multiple disability
3. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of both the medical and social models of support
4. Recognise the effects of caring for a person with an intellectual disability on close and extended family members
5. Define the term front line staff
6. Promote the following in caring for a person with an intellectual disability:
   – dignity
   – choice
   – relationships
   – contributing
7. Promote positive attitudes toward people with an intellectual disability
8. Outline the history of services to people with an intellectual disability in Ireland
9. Explore past and current attitudes toward people with an intellectual disability
10. Examine own attitude toward people with an intellectual disability
11. Identify how the policies and practice of a given organisation reflect the attitudes of that organisation toward people with an intellectual disability
12. Explain the known causes of intellectual disability
13. Describe the levels of intellectual disability and how these are assessed
14. Outline the potential impact of a multiple disability on a person
15. Provide examples of services to persons with an intellectual disability that illustrate the medical and or social models of support
16. Outline current approaches toward developing quality in the provision of services to persons with an intellectual disability and their families, to include standards and quality assurance
17. Identify examples of progressive models of service delivery both from Ireland and from other countries
18. Outline the range of physical, social, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of persons with an intellectual disability
19. Explain the role of the following in relation to individuals with an intellectual disability, their families and staff:
    – physiotherapist
    – occupational therapist
    – speech and language therapist
    – social worker
    – psychologist
20. Explain the role of front line staff in providing individualised support to persons with an intellectual disability in accordance with their preferences and needs
21. Illustrate the importance of working as part of a team in meeting the needs of persons with an intellectual disability.

Assessment Method

• Assignment 60%
• Examination – Theory 40%