ObjectivesThe course aims to promote strategies that enable individuals with learning disabilities to share the same rights, opportunities and choices as other people. This is achieved by studying a range of subjects including: -Methods of communication (including alternative and augmentative systems); -Effects of sensory loss and dysfunction; -Management of challenging behaviour; -Values and attitudes towards disability; -Issues in education from infancy through to adulthood, including Lifetime Learning; -Family issues; -Effective advocacy and -Multi-disciplinary working. Participants on this course come from a range of professional backgrounds and include Care Workers and Managers, Social Workers, Teachers, Nurses, Foster Carers, Speech and Language Therapists and Psychologists. There is an opportunity to meet other students at a yearly 4 day study school.
Entry requirementsThis Distance Learning Course is aimed at students who come into contact with individuals with severe or profound learning disabilities or other complex needs, and those who have a desire to gain specialized knowledge in this area. A theoretical framework is reinforced through consideration of practice related issues.
Academic titleProfound and Complex Learning Disability PGCert
Course descriptionSpecial features
The course is distance learning and is equivalent to 60 credits at M (postgraduate) level of study. Students are allocated a personal tutor to guide them through their period of study and are supported through a telephone/email tutorial system and via a dedicated internet site. There are no formal examinations. On completion of the Postgraduate Certificate, it is possible to progress to either the Postgraduate Diploma or MSc. level upon satisfactory completion of the Certificate.
An October Study School forms an integral part of the course where students attend a 4 day study school in Manchester. The aim of the Study Schools is to introduce students to the concept of a person-centred approach to support and development. The accent is on moving towards increasing choice, developing relationships, improving competence, developing community presence and participation, and increasing respect for the individual. This approach underpins all aspects of course delivery.
Course unit materials are studied at a distance. Study on methods of communication and inclusion issues are compulsory. However, students may opt to study a range of additional subjects.
Module details
Students study two compulsory Course Units and one optional Course Unit
-Sensory Impairment - 15 credits
-Understanding & Responding to Behavioural Challenges - 15 credits
-Education - Infant, Child & Adult issues - 15 credits
-Families - 15 credits
-Leisure & Relationships Involving People with Complex Learning Disabilities - Part One and Two - 15 credits
-Epilepsy and People with PLD and MSI - 15 credits
-Supporting Choice 1 - The mechanisms of empowerment & choice -15 credits
-Working Together 1: Exploring Partnerships - 15 credits
-Working Together 2: Partnerships Through Life - 15 credits