Course Summary
Course Category: Employment / Lifelong Learning
This module provides a comprehensive foundation in the context of special needs, exploring the historical, social, and legal frameworks that shape modern care and education. You will develop a deep understanding of various disabilities and the specific associated issues—such as communication barriers and sensory processing needs—while mastering evidence-based approaches to support.
Certificate-Minor Award Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652)
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Learners will be able to:
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.
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
Progression to CAO Courses
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Further Research
Career Progression
Enhance your profile for roles in Residential Care, Day Centres, and Community Support by understanding complex disability profiles.