The Bachelor of Applied Science Degree Practicum
Program.
(Disability Studies)
"How will I get a job?" "What will I be doing?" "Who will employ me?" are common questions asked by first year students in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability Studies). The practicum program within the B.Ap. Sc. (Disability Studies) provides answers to these questions.
The B.Ap. Sc. (Disability Studies) award is a three year degree designed to educate and train professionals to be employed in the provision of services and supports for people with disabilities. The practicum program runs concurrently with theoretical topics throughout the three years of the degree. Students, through the practicum topics, are provided with opportunities to work with families and in agencies that support people with various disabilities across the age span.
Practicum placements and subsequent employment options include; family support services, early childhood services, special disability services providing accommodation, recreation, employment and educational supports, advocacy services, Options Co-ordination (case management), local council and community services, the arts and drama, sport and recreation, and mental health support services.
Practicum placements in these services provide opportunities for students to gain practical hands-on experience and more importantly they allow students to develop a professional network that opens the door to employment opportunities. "I was offered two different contracts for two different projects at my placement" ... "I can't believe it! They offered me a short term employment contract" ... "My agency supervisor rang to see if I would like some casual work" These are typical student experiences.
Opportunities exist for students to negotiate placements in metropolitan and regional centres in South Australia, interstate (including Alice Springs), and in projects overseas. The practicum program allied with the flexibility of the theoretical strand of the degree allows students to pursue areas of personal interest that can be shaped into dynamic and realistic career options.
The final practicum placement involves eight weeks full-time placement at an agency or service. This placement allows students to finely hone their professional skills, to integrate their theoretical knowledge with practice in the field and to demonstrate to a potential employer their skills and talents. " I believe I am more employable now" "I found myself believing that I was a professional, capable of working alongside other professionals" "It felt so good working in partnership with others as an equal".
A final word from a student" The best thing about this course is the practicum, working in the community gives you a real sense of what the course is about".
