The Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education requires four years of full-time study or the equivalent part-time. The honours program may be completed in the fourth year as an alternative to the coursework program. The course is offered by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
A major in Rehabilitation Counselling may be undertaken in fourth year as an alternative to the other areas of specialisation - see the Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education (Rehabilitation Counselling).
Admission requirements
The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.
Course aims
The aim of the Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education is to equip students with specific work-integrated knowledge and skills that can be applied in a range of disability and related health and human services environments. The course prepares students for employment as disability and developmental educators, and community rehabilitation professionals.
It has a multidisciplinary focus, with contributions from special education, psychology, philosophy, sociology, health and rehabilitation. Opportunities are available in the fourth (final) year of the course to pursue theoretical specialisations which build on core knowledge and skills and are integrated with independent studies and practica.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, graduates should be able to:
- apply positive disability and human diversity perspectives to professional practice
- promote the physical and emotional well-being of people with disabilities
- teach functional skills such as social, self-care, recreational, communication and language, and employment skills
- develop and implement positive behavioural support, learning and lifestyle plans
- work with families and care-givers to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities
- assist individuals with disabilities to access and maintain meaningful vocational experiences
- utilise advocacy, negotiation and person-centred planning to facilitate community inclusion of people with disabilities
- provide case management and counselling support for people with disabilities and their associates
- apply research, problem solving and evaluation skills to professional practice with people with disabilities and their associates
- work independently or as part of a team.
Program of study
To qualify for the Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education, a student must complete 144 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study set out below.
The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purpose of the University's Policy on Student Progress.
Core - Year 1 topics
36 units comprising
DSRS1201 Perspectives on Disability and Rehabilitation (4.5 units)
DSRS1202 Lifespan Development (4.5 units)
DSRS1206 Health Issues and Disability (4.5 units)
DSRS1209 Human Diversity (4.5 units)
DSRS1210 Interpersonal and Interprofessional Communication (4.5 units)
DSRS1211 Introduction to Neurological Rehabilitation (4.5 units)
DSRS1215 Communication and Language (4.5 units)
DSRS1216 Introduction to Principles of Learning (4.5 units)
Core - Year 2 topics
36 units comprising
DSRS2230 Mentoring and Advocacy for People with Diverse Learning Needs (4.5 units)
DSRS2231 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (4.5 units)
DSRS2232 Practicum A - Disability and Community Rehabilitation (4.5 units)
DSRS2234 Direct Instruction (4.5 units)
DSRS2235 Professional Ethics for Disability Practitioners (4.5 units)
DSRS2236 Practicum B - Disability and Community Rehabilitation (4.5 units)
DSRS2237 Employment & Disability (4.5 units)
DSRS2220 Family & Professional Partnerships (4.5 units)
Core - Year 3 topics
36 units comprising
DSRS3235 Community Development, Funding & Tendering in Human Services (4.5 units)
DSRS3221 Positive Behaviour Support (4.5 units)
DSRS3222 Counselling (4.5 units)
DSRS3233 Practicum C - Disability and Community Rehabilitation (9 units)
DSRS3234 Case Management (4.5 units)
HLTH3102 Qualitative Methods in Social Health Research (4.5 units)
HLTH3105 Quantitative Methods for Social Health Research (4.5 units)
Core - Year 4 topics*
9 units comprising
one of:
DSRS4105 Independent Study 1 (4.5 units)
DSRS4113 Independent Study 2 (4.5 units)
plus one of:
DSRS4106 Practicum Specialisation 1 (4.5 units)
DSRS4107 Practicum Specialisation 2 (4.5 units)
DSRS4114 Practicum Specialisation 3 (4.5 units)
DSRS4115 Practicum Specialisation 4 (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 4 topics
Select 27 units from the following list:
DSRS4100 Rehabilitation and Mental Health (4.5 units)
DSRS4101 Leisure, Arts and Disability (4.5 units)
DSRS4102 Technological Applications and Disability (4.5 units)
DSRS4103 Community Rehabilitation for People with ABI (4.5 units)
DSRS4104 Early Intervention and Play for Young Children with Diverse Learning Needs (4.5 units)
DSRS4105 Independent Study 1 (4.5 units)
DSRS4106 Practicum Specialisation 1 (4.5 units)
DSRS4107 Practicum Specialisation 2 (4.5 units)
DSRS4108 Applied Counselling & Rehabilitation (4.5 units)
DSRS4109 Autism Spectrum Disorders (4.5 units)
DSRS4110 Transition to Adult Life for Young People with Disabilities (4.5 units)
DSRS4111 Introduction to Intellectual Disability (4.5 units)
DSRS4112 Sensory, Physical and Multiple Disabilities (4.5 units)
DSRS4113 Independent Study 2 (4.5 units)
DSRS4114 Practicum Specialisation 3 (4.5 units)
DSRS4115 Practicum Specialisation 4 (4.5 units)
Not all fourth year elective topics are necessarily available in each Semester. Students are encouraged to seek enrolment advice from staff in the Disability and Community Inclusion Unit when planning their final year enrolment.
*A student who has completed the first three years of the Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education may be accepted as a candidate for the honours degree providing a sufficiently high standard has been achieved.
Honours Degree
Refer to Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education (Honours)
