Disability Practice

Program Overview

La Trobe University's Disability Practice program equips students with the knowledge and skills to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students gain a deep understanding of disability theory, policy, and practice, preparing them for careers in various sectors, including disability services, education, and advocacy. The program emphasizes practical experience through placements and research projects, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to make a positive impact in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Focuses on improving the quality of life and social inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
• Aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to solve problems, design programs, and improve professional practice for clients and their communities.
• Emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach drawing on social work, education, psychology, law, health, and rehabilitation.
• Provides students with a strong foundation in disability theory, policy, and practice, as well as opportunities to develop practical skills through placements and research projects.

Outline:

Core Subjects

• Understanding Disability
• Disability Policy and Law
• Disability and Health
• Disability and Education
• Disability and Employment
• Disability and Social Inclusion
• Disability Research Methods
• Professional Practice in Disability

Electives

• Assistive Technology
• Mental Health and Disability
• Disability and the Arts
• Disability and Sport
• International Perspectives on Disability
• Advocacy and Self-Determination
• Disability and the Media

Course Schedule

The course offered on La Trobe's Melbourne campus follows a traditional semester structure. Students take four subjects per semester, with each subject lasting for 12 weeks.

Modules

• Disability and Health: This module examines the health needs of people with disabilities and explores the social, political, and economic factors that contribute to health inequalities.
Students will explore different educational settings, teaching methods, and assistive technologies.
• Disability and Employment: This module explores the barriers and challenges faced by people with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment.
Students learn about disability employment law, supported employment services, and strategies for promoting workplace inclusion.
• Disability and Social Inclusion: This module focuses on the social inclusion of people with disabilities in the community.
Students will learn about the social model of disability, human rights frameworks, and strategies for promoting community inclusion.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the subject but typically involve a combination of written assignments, essays, case studies, presentations, and examinations.

Teaching:

• Experienced faculty: The program is taught by experienced academics and practitioners with expertise in disability studies, social work, education, psychology, and health.
• Innovative teaching methods: La Trobe utilizes innovative teaching methodologies, including online learning, case studies, simulations, guest lectures from people with disabilities, and field placements.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including government, non-profit organizations, education, health, disability services, advocacy, and research.
• Potential career options include:
• Disability Support Worker
• Disability Advocate
• Case Manager
• Policy Analyst
• Researcher
• Educator
• Rehabilitation Counsellor

Other:

• La Trobe is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities.
• The University offers various support services, such as disability support services, counsellors, and learning advisors.