DSRS2230 Mentoring and Advocacy for People with Diverse Learning Needs

2020

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:

• Examine the range of mentoring roles and strategies used in human services

• Identify and examine a range of current issues and application of advocacy principles and strategies used in the disability sector

• Explore theoretical concepts and frameworks pertinent to mentoring and advocacy.

On completion of this topic, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Identify, analyse and evaluate the role, purpose and practices a mentor may undertake in human services

2. Propose and explain mentoring strategies utilised to support a person with a disability individually and within their community

3. Apply theoretical frameworks and concepts to mentoring and advocacy in human services

4. Identify different methods of advocacy and explain their application in the disability sector

5. Research and examine current advocacy issues and practices for people with disability and their families.