DSRS2230 Mentoring and Advocacy for People with Diverse Learning Needs

2017

4.5

1 x 2.5-hour workshop weekly
1 x 5-hour independent study weekly
1 x 50-minute on-line exercises weekly

1 22.5 units of DSRS first year topics
2 Admission into BHS-Bachelor of Health Sciences
3 13.5 units in DSRS1xxx topics
Must Satisfy: ((1) or (2 and 3))

It is assumed that students will have some knowledge of the range of challenges and learning needs of people with disabilities.

Assignments, presentation, workshop/online participation

This topic will explore the ways in which people with diverse learning needs, including a range of disabilities, may be supported in activities of daily living, community engagement, and specific programs, through the support of a mentor who provides advice, reminders, and specific program support. Mentoring will be compared and contrasted with other support roles and input will be provided on the needs of people with a range of disabilities and how mentoring programs operate within disability and related fields. Since mentors are often in the position of advocating for people with disabilities, important concepts related to advocacy will be explored as a significant component of the topic. This will address interpersonal, social, and legal issues.

This topic aims to familiarise students with the important issues faced when providing support to people with disabilities and diverse learning needs as a mentor and/or advocate.

On completion of the topic, students will be able to:

• Describe the range of roles mentors may undertake in human services

• Identify the ways in which mentors may assist a person with a disability to access services and engage with the community

• Reflect on mentoring roles that they have experience of in their work, community service, and/or practicum placements

• Have a clear understanding of important aspects of advocating for a person with a disability

• Articulate the challenges and solutions to these challenges that may arise in maintaining a person-centred focus when advocating for people with disability

• Have knowledge of ethical and legal issues related to the roles of mentor and advocate.