Course Description
This course provides students with an understanding of the unique needs and issues facing adults with disabilities utilizing services. Emphasis will be placed on current research and practical knowledge related to inclusive post secondary education, employment, and supports associated with aging and end of life care.
Course Content
The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:
- The domains of self-determination, personal development, interpersonal relations, social inclusion rights, emotional, physical and material wellbeing are necessary for quality of life and guide policy and practice.
- Ethical practice is situated in the strengths and asset based perspective that guides individualization and personalization of supports and services at all stages throughout adult life.
- Policy and legislation provide the framework for enhancing citizenship for adults with disability, although implementation continues to challenge our society.
- Practitioners are required to utilize various accountability measures to enhance service and alternative community based options for adults across their lifespan. The use of theoretical models and practice frameworks resulting in evidence-based outcomes are essential for innovation and sustainability where resources are scarce.
- Employment is essential for economic, social and psychological wellbeing. Practitioners must develop a conceptual and practical understanding of employment supports as a critical component of adult life.
- Aging adults present unique challenges to families and their support networks. Access to information and proactive planning strategies is critical to their changing roles and responsibilities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Explore the relevant legislation, policy and funding for adults with disabilities
- Consider youth service outcomes and evaluate ongoing service planning throughout adulthood
- Examines accountability measures utilizing the program logic model and the outcomes measurement framework to inform meaningful action and change.
- Describes disability benefits and their implications for employment and housing
- Examine mechanisms for adult consent and supported decision-making
Examine the strengths and limitations of education and community supports service options for adults
- Explores current models of inclusive post-secondary education and adult special education
- Examines the variety of community inclusion programs
- Describes various models of supported housing
Demonstrate an understanding of practices associated with employment and citizenship.
- Examines the current models of employment, including supported employment, customized employment, and self-employment.
- Examines best practices associated with individualization and personalization, including vocational profiling, vocational assessment and customization
- Explores community engagement strategies to facilitate and sustain employment opportunities, including community mapping, marketing, job coaching and long-term supports.
Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the needs and issues of aging adults
- Examines key transition points and the implications for families and support networks
- Articulates an understanding of issues associated with increased independence including living together, marriage, domestic abuse, addictions, children, and poverty.
- Describes the challenges and issues facing individuals and their families, including access to information, system navigation and end of life care (including DNR orders).