People working with individuals with conditions such as the cerebral palsies, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, strokes and dyspraxia frequently find that they are unsure of how to assist the person in developing their level of skill.

Whilst knowledge of the condition can be gained an understanding of specific practical techniques and strategies to improve quality of life is needed if the learner is to be able maximise their independence.

Aims

This programme will provide a combination of theoretical understanding of the effects of these conditions on individuals, and practical skills to enhance everyday work. Specific skills such as teaching a person to transfer from one place to another, eating and drinking skills etc, dressing skills will be discussed, demonstrated and applied by the learners.

 

By having such detailed practical knowledge and understanding the learner will be able to seek ways of improving the level of skill of people with motor disorders and move from a role of caring to enabling independence.

On completion the learner will be able to apply skills gained into a range of working situations and as such play a role in the development of potential for children or adults with motor disorders.

Summary of content

The programme will include a range of optional units to enable the learner to study units which are most appropriate for their own situation. Three core units will be followed by all learners and these will be applicable across both childhood and adulthood. The learner will then be able to choose a route of EITHER childhood eg cerebral palsy and/or dyspraxia OR adulthood eg Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and/or stroke. Each route provides units specific to everyday situations eg daily living skills, transferring etc. The full programme will require successful completion of seven units. Three credits will be given for each unit successfully completed.

Structure of the programme

Each unit will require 32 hours of study; the total number of hours required for a Level 3 accreditation will be 224 over the academic year. These hours will comprise of a mix of 105 hours taught theory, practical skills, observation and tutorials and 119 hours self-study.

Cost: £300 for seven units (plus registration fee to OCN of £63); OR £50 per unit (plus £9 registration fee each unit) if taken as individual units.

 

Expected start date: January 2008.