Diploma of Disability

Admission requirements

You are eligible if:

* you have successfully completed the Australian year 12 or equivalent in your country
* you have achieved a minimum of either:-
- IELTS 5.5 academic (no band score less than 5.5) or
- TOEFL paper based 550 (minimum TWE 4.0) or
- TOEFL computer based 213 (minimum TWE 4.0) or
- TOEFL internet based 79 (minimum 19 in all sections).

Intake

July

Books and equipment (AUD)

Supplied through the materials fees, however students will be required to supply their own personal stationery.

Material fees (AUD)

Compulsory $250

Students will be supplied with uniform, workbook, learning resources and manual.

Study pathways

On completion of the Diploma, graduates may continue their study in:

* Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability).

Career pathways

On completion of the Diploma, graduates may seek employment as:

- Behavioural support officer
- Development officer
- Disability officer - day support
- Disability support officer / worker
- Senior personal care assistant
- Employment coordinator (disability)
- Social trainer
- Lifestyle support officer
- Supervisor/manager
- Local area coordinator
- Social educator
- Project officer (life enhancement team)
- Local support coordinator
- Case coordinator/manager
- Program/service coordinator
- Client service assessor
- Senior disability worker
- Support facilitator
- Residential care officer.

Course structure

This course commences with the Certificate IV in Disability (074041A) for the first six months, then follows directly into the Diploma of Disability for a further six months; completing the 12 month duration.

The Diploma of Disability covers workers who are responsible for the coordination and management of agencies delivering services to people with a disability.

Workers in this role:
* Are usually also involved in service delivery, either direct client work and/or community development projects
* Have responsibility for supervision of other staff and volunteers.

The Diploma consists of 16 units. In a typical week students will attend classes three days per week with approximately 70 percent theory and 30 percent coursework practical placement. Students are required to complete 400 placement hours during their training.

Students will normally attend normally three days a week with classes scheduled between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

The teaching methods used include lectures, class discussions, flexible delivery, group work and coursework practical placement. The assessment methods include tests, assignments, class presentations, role play, reports, skills assessment, work sheets and coursework practical placement.

Units

Work effectively with people with a disability
Maintain an environment to empower people with disabilities
Recognise health body systems in a health care context
Assist clients with medication
Facilitate support for personal care needs
Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework
Facilitate individualised plans
Communicate using augmentative and alternative communication strategies
Plan and provide advanced behaviour support
Facilitate skills development and maintenance
Provide services to people with disabilities with complex needs
Facilitate community participation and inclusion
Follow basic food safety practices
Follow safety procedures for direct care work
Provide advocacy and representation services
Undertake case management for clients with complex needs
Coordinate complex case requirements
Develop, facilitate and monitor all aspects of case management
Develop, implement and review services and programs to meet client needs
Work intensively with clients
Coordinate services for people with disabilities
Meet statutory and organisation information requirements
Develop new networks
Coordinate the work environment
Access evidence and apply in practice
Manage OHS Processes
Plan and provide advanced behaviour support
Lead and develop others in a community sector workplace
Provide supervision support to community sector workers
Facilitate workplace change and innovation