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Unit of study_

OCCP5248: People with Intellectual Disability

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Cumberland, Sydney

This unit aims to develop students' knowledge, skill and attitudes about people with intellectual disability, with a focus on participation and support needs. Students will study three modules: Module 1 - Foundational concepts including: conceptions of disability; advocacy; empowerment; person centred approaches; individualised supports; policy; and legislation. Module 2 - Strategies and techniques for support: Active support; skill development; visual communication; person/environment fit; and goal setting. Module 3 - Lifespan and contextual perspectives: Children, young people and families; inclusive education; transition from school; employment; end of life supports; rural issues; and cultural perspectives. Classroom teaching will be supported by a small-group fieldwork project.

Unit details and rules

Unit code OCCP5248
Academic unit
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Kim Bulkeley, kim.bulkeley@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Fieldwork report
Report
55% Formal exam period
Due date: 08 Jun 2020 at 23:00
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Discussion board posts
Discussion participation
10% Week 03
Due date: 12 Mar 2020 at 23:00
300 words each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Small test Open book quiz
MCQ
25% Week 05
Due date: 27 Mar 2020 at 12:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3
Assignment group assignment Fieldwork client Progress Notes
Submit progress notes to date on fieldwork
0% Week 07
Due date: 09 Apr 2020 at 23:00
Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO3
Assignment Discussion board post
10% Week 11
Due date: 14 May 2020 at 23:00
300
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Discussion board posts: Two separate submissions in week 3,  and week 11. Discussion board posts; submission via discussion board through Canvas.
  • Open book quiz: This exam is multiple choice and will be based on material presented in class in weeks 1-4. Each student will complete 25 multiple choice questions, randomly selected from a question bank.
  • Fieldwork report: Students are required to work in pairs to support a person with an intellectual disability in a community setting throughout the semester. In week 7 you will submit your progress notes on your work with the client to date. A final report  (including full progress notes as an appendix ) outlining the goals established with your client and their carers; the approach taken; and support provided will be submitted in week 14 by each pair.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Conceptions of disability and self advocacy Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Legislation, policy and the NDIS Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 1. Person centred approaches; 2. The language of disability Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Positive Behaviour Support and legislation Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Introduction to active support Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 06 Practical Skill development Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 08 Supporting skill development and communication Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 09 Assistive Technology Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 10 A focus on children Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 11 Transition to adulthood and parents with an intellectual disability Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with a disability- cultural responsiveness Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Ageing and end of life supports Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students must attend the workshop presentation each week (note the workshop presentations are not recorded). Attendance and active participation in all workshops, classroom activities and the fieldwork project will ensure you gain the most benefit from this unit of study. Discussion board posts form part of the assessment in this unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available in the Canvas site for this unit.

  • Dempsey, I., & Nankervis, K. (Eds.). (2006). Community disability services: An evidence-based approach to practice. Sydney: UNSW Press.
  • Shakespeare, T. (2014). Disability rights and wrongs revisited. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis. Second edition
  • United Nations (2006) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • NSW Government (2014) Disability Inclusion Bill

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. critique the role of legislation and appropriate language when working with people with intellectual disability
  • LO2. understand the active support model, and analyse its association with participation by people with intellectual disability, the nature of intellectual disability, and provision of appropriate support
  • LO3. analyse important service-delivery processes such as individual planning and individualised funding. Explore key issues related to the disability service system, including factors that affect access to services, as well as participation in domestic, community, vocational and leisure activities
  • LO4. evaluate how informal curtailment of rights affects the lives of people with intellectual disability. Analyse the tension between rights/freedom, such as self-determination, and support/protection of people with intellectual disability
  • LO5. analyse the role that contextual factors play in the lives of people with intellectual disability and the implications for participation in the community. These factors include family support, guardianship, policy settings, encounters with the criminal justice system, challenging behaviour and loss of functional skills due to conditions such as dementia.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
1.10 A Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise
1.11 A Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts
1.12 A Identifies and uses relevant professional and operational support and supervision
1.13 A Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively
1.14 A Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice
1.15 T Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice
1.16 A Contributes to education and professional practice development of peers and students, and
1.17 A T Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients.
1.2 A T Adheres to legislation relevant to practice
1.3 A Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships
1.4 A T Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships
1.5 A Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups
1.6 A Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
1.7 A T Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice
1.8 A Adheres to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice
1.9 A T Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice
2.1 A T Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
2.10 A T Maintains digital literacy for practice.
2.2 A T Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making
2.3 A T Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making
2.4 A Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices
2.5 A Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting
2.6 T A Maintains and improves currency of knowledge, skills and new evidence for practice by adhering to the requirements for continuing professional development
2.8 A T Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice
2.9 A T Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and
3.1 A T Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement
3.10 A T Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes
3.11 A T Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice
3.12 A Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning
3.13 A Uses appropriate assistive technology, devices and/or environmental modifications to achieve client occupational performance outcomes, and
3.2 A T Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals
3.3 A T Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
3.4 A T Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals
3.5 A T Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client
3.7 A T Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making
4.1 A Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively
4.10 A T Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and
4.11 A T Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
4.2 A T Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context
4.4 A Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies
4.5 A Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice
4.6 A Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice
4.7 A Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian
4.8 A T Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others
4.9 A T Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The weighting of assessment tasks has been adjusted slightly. One of the discussion board posts has been changed into a progress note submission for the final report as a progressive task in the final assessment, adding 10% to the final report weighting.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.