Module 6

Attitudes and approaches towards people with disabilities

Responsible partner

Jugend am Werk Steiermark GmbH

Aims and overarching objectives of the module

SE Coachers:

• Is able to distinguish between different approaches and attitudes towards provision of SE services to people with different types of disabilities
• Know how to support people with disabilities to make own decisions
• Possess knowledge about methods of person centred approaches
• Get to know person centred methods and attitudes
• Know how to support people with disabilities on their way to an independent living
• Can name difficulties or challenges for people with disabilities in realizing their individual living perceptions

Can discuss societies attitudes and possible ways to cope with them

Summary of the module content and table of content items

The module contains of important approaches towards people with disabilities in person centred support.

There is a dedicated section about the person centred approach. The main target of person centred support is to encourage the maximum possible autonomy and self-determination of these people. The question is not to find the appropriate, already established institution for the clients, but rather to provide the individual support they truly want and need straight at their social and living environment. In the centre of all considerations are the people with disabilities. They shall create their future themselves in conscious and active way and become active part of the society.

Based on social inclusion, dignity and rights for individuals the following additional values and principles are covered: individuality, respect, self-determination, possibility of informed choices, confidentiality, privacy, flexibility and accessibility, as well disclosure of disability topics.  

The module presents the self-determination concept as one of the key elements to live independently and to make autonomous decisions. People with disabilities achieve autonomous behaviour, should be able to enforce and advocates their rights of making own decisions.

Table of contents:

6.1. Overview of different approaches towards people with disabilities  6

6.1.1 Societies attitudes towards people with disabilities  6

6.1.2. Barriers and prejudices towards people with disabilities  7

6.2 Person-centred methodology and its implementation  8

6.2.1 General origin of person-centred planning   11

6.2.3 Challenges for organisations and support services  12

6.2.4 Person-centred support and Supported Employment staff 13

6.2.5 Tool: One page profile  15

6.2.6 Tool: PATH   24

6.2.7 Tool: Mapping the network  28

6.2.8 Tool: 4+1 questions  29

6.2.9 Useful links  31

6.2.10 Appendix: Tool MAP   32

Training workload

1.    Theoretical part (hours): 16 hours

2.    Practical part (hours): 7 hours

3.    Assessment (hours): 2 hours

Educational resources required

1. PC, laptop or tablet.

2. Internet access.

3. E-mail account

4. Printer

Learning pathways

1.    Face to face: 4 hours

2.    E-learning: 12 hours

3.    Practice: 7 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.

Compulsory completion of other modules before starting:

M1 Disability awareness

M3 Practical methods in the coaching process

M5 Supported employment basics

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:

• About different approaches towards people with disabilities (person-centred);
• Knowledge how to distinguish between different approaches towards people with disabilities;

Skills:

• Practical usage of person-centred methods
• Ability to support people with disabilities to make own and informed decisions
• Applying of gained knowledge during the SE process

Attitudes:

• Ability to develop an individual and person-centred attitude towards people with disabilities
• Recognition of difficulties or challenges for people with disabilities in realizing their individual living perceptions
• Is able to reflect on attitudes towards people with disabilities and name or have a critical controversy about them
• Raised awareness towards societies` attitudes and possible ways to overcome and cope with them

References

EUSE (2010): European Union of Supported Employment Position Papers. Irland.

Romanach, Lobato (2005): Functional diversity, a new term in the struggle for dignity in the diversity of the human being. Spain.

Rappaport (1985): The power of empowerment language, Social Policy, p. 15 -21.

http://www.agef-saar.de/AHOI/Lima/Base/Chapter4.htm

http://www.helensandersonassociates.co.uk

ECVET/ECTS points

ECTS = 1 credit

ECVET = 15% weight

Assessment (type)

1. Online questionnaire/test
2. Reading of an article on functional diversity and reviewing this article. This written review should be send to another peer learner in the same learning group and should be reviewed by him/her.