Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3)

Credits : 70

Duration : 22 teaching weeks plus 2 study break weeks (plus 4 weeks summer break depending on intake start date). Face to face learning activities / Clinical Placement are normally scheduled over 3 days per week.

Delivery : You can expect the following workload for the theory modules:

20 hours per week engaging in face-to-face learning activities.
10 hours per week completing independent study tasks.

For 5 of the last 6 weeks of the programme you will be required to complete 120 hours of practicum in a commercial disability setting (24 hours per week). The 6th week is for feedback activities relating to the practicum

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Graduates will be able to...

Apply knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and codes in a health and wellbeing setting to provide health and wellbeing services in an ethical and professional manner.
Recognise and respond to signs of vulnerability and abuse in a health or wellbeing setting.
Communicate effectively in a culturally appropriate manner to support a person's health or wellbeing.
Provide culturally appropriate person-centred health and wellbeing support to maximise a person's independence.
Recognise and respond to signs of functional, behavioural, environmental or other health or wellbeing change in a person, in a home or community setting.

Career Pathways

This programme aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge to work in the disability sector or further study in health and disability.

Domestic students –

At least 16 years of age at programme start date.
8 credits at NCEA Level 1 in English (4 in reading, 4 in writing) or equivalent.
Minimum of 3 years secondary education.
There are no minimum academic requirements for applicants 20 years of age and over

International students –

At least 18 years of age at programme start date.
Year 12 or 13 qualification or equivalent (high school) including at least one science subject.
IELTS 5.0 with individual no bands less than 5.0 or equivalent as per the English Language Proficiency Requirements for International students determined by NZQA.
These are specified in the table found at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/

Entry Requirements

Core Papers Included

CDS 1.1 Key Accountabilities of a Support Worker

Investigate identified signs of vulnerability and abuse in a disability setting and provide support.
Show professionalism and ethical behaviour in a disability setting.
Employ effective communication and actions to identified functional, behavioural, or environmental changes in a disability context.

CDS 1.2 Disability Communication and Support

Employ effective communication and behavioural management strategies in a disability context.
Demonstrate a range of communication methods that can be used in a disability setting.
Apply knowledge of safe practice for medication assistance, safe handling, and infection control in a disability setting.

CDS 1.3 Personal Disability Support

Use advocacy strategies that may be employed in a disability context.
Employ personal cares and activities of daily living to maximise independence.
Implement reporting and record keeping which supports the maximisation of independence for a person in a disability setting.

CDS 1.4 Support of Aspirations

Use natural supports and community participation in the support of independence for a person living with disability.
Provide support which uses knowledge of associated disability conditions and maximises independence for a person living with disability.
Apply safe cultural practices and awareness of cultural differences in a person-centred care model.