Module 1

Title: Disability Awareness

Responsible partner

ZGURA-M

Aims and  Overarching Objectives of the module

The SE consultants should be able to:

·         Increase his/her awareness towards different types of disabilities and the challenges and barriers associated with the particular disability.

·         Make references between disability and ability for social inclusion in all areas of life (professional, personal and community based activities).

·         React appropriately in different situations while working with his/her client with a disability.

·         Understand how the person with disability feels and what they consider important for their autonomy and professional realisation.

·         Consult both employee and employer on appropriate and reasonable adjustments to ensure ultimate accessibility of the surrounding environment.

SE consultants can / knows how to:

• Communicate with people with disabilities in an appropriate and non-discriminative manner.
• Work with clients with different types of disabilities, considering the specific aspects of each disability.
• Present people with disabilities in front of employers and the community focusing on his/her strengths and abilities
• Maintain a positive image of his/her client with disability without neglecting the limitations of the disability.
• Create positive awareness towards people with disabilities rather than sympathy.
• Avoid victimisation of people with disabilities.
• Myths towards employees with disabilities.
• Develop positive identity of the client with disability.
• Cope and overcome prejudice and stereotypes of the society.

Summary of the module content and table of content items

This module provides an overview of disabilities and the respective limitations and barriers people with these disabilities face. It covers topics that will help coacher to upgrade their knowledge and understanding about different types of disabilities. There are as yet no universally accepted categorizations of disability, despite efforts towards that goal. Commonly used disability terminology varies from country to country and also between different disability’s communities in the same country. There is a trend in many disability communities to use functional terminology instead of medical classifications.

Abilities can vary from person to person or from disability organisation to similar one, and over time, for different people with the same type of disability. People can have combinations of different disabilities, and combinations of varying levels of severity. Some people with various conditions would not consider themselves to have disabilities. They may, however, have limitations of sensory, physical or cognitive functioning which can affect access to the labour market.

This will allow SE coachers to work independently, be aware of certain challenges they may face and avoid discriminative practices.

Furthermore the module provides essential guidance towards overcoming prejudice and stereotypes of the families and the society which affects the employment status of clients with disabilities. That also includes development of a positive identity of the person with disabilities as a path to achieve independence and inclusion.

The module also deals with frequent myths among employers and global society towards abilities of people with disabilities to cope with daily routines.

Last but not least the module provides guidelines on how to achieve accessible environment at workplace.

Table of contents:

1.1. Impairment and disability 

1.1.1. Medical model

1.1.2. Social model

1.1.3. Bio-psychosocial model

1.2.      Anti-discrimination & legislation 

1.3.      Types of disabilities 

1.3.1. Mobility impairments 

1.3.2. Visual impairments 

1.3.3. Hearing impairments 

1.3.4. Deaf-blindness 

1.3.5. Speech impairments 

1.3.6. Intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties 

1.3.7. Mental health problems 

1.3.7.1. Disability and mental health problem  

1.3.8. Medical conditions 

1.4.      Disability etiquette 

1.5.      Prejudice and stereotyping 

1.5.2. Prejudice 

1.5.2. Stereotyping 

1.5.3. Coping with family prejudice towards working capacity of the person with disability 

1.6.      Disability and accessibility 

1.6.1. Environmental

1.6.2. Attitudinal

1.6.3. Possible adaptations of the working environment

1.6.3. Resources needed to ensure accessible environment

1.7.      Avoiding victimization of people with disabilities 

1.8.      Developing a positive identity 

1.8.1. Disability and image 

1.8.2. Identifying positive aspects of being a person with abilities and disability

Training workload

1.    Theoretical part (hours): 20 hours

2.    Practical part (hours): 10 hours

3.    Assessment (hours): 1 hour

Educational resources required

1. PC, laptop or tablet.

2. Internet access.

3. E-mail account

 4. Blindfolds

 5. Paper sheets

6.    Colour printed table

7.    Wheelchair or office chair with rollers

8.    Sufficient gaming space

Learning pathways

1.    Face to face: 10 hours

2.    E-learning: 10 hours

3.    Practice: 10 hours

4.    Internship: 0 hours

Previous knowledge

1. To be literate, have basic knowledge on disability and social affairs.

2. Good communication skills.

3. Basic ICT skills.

4. Ability to cooperate with others.

5. Positive attitudes and ability to express empathy towards people with disabilities.

6. Basic knowledge in the field of working with clients with special needs.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:

• Knowledge about how the person with disability feels and what they consider important for their autonomy.

·         Positive awareness towards different types of disabilities and the challenges and barriers faced by the particular disability.

·         Possible reactions in different situations and different social contexts while working with his/her client with disability.

Skills:

• Skills how to act with clients with various disabilities as well as how to apply personalised centred approach.
• Skills how to communicate using positive statements and non-discriminative words.
• Skills how to provide reliable services and consultation on issues related to accessibility, coping with prejudice, positive identity building-up.
• Skills how to avoid victimization. 
• Skills how to arrange and consult on possible accessibility adjustments.

Attitudes:

• Increase of SE coachers’ awareness toward disability and the peculiarities of services which should be adjusted to the individual needs of each client
• Increase of SE coachers’ self-efficacy while supporting and interacting with clients with disabilities.
• Increase of SE coachers’ awareness and empathy while supporting and consulting of clients with disabilities.

ECVET/ECTS points

ECTS = 1 credit; ECVET = 15% weight

Assessment (type)

Self-assessment test

Case based exam