Course coordinator
Dr Kathy Ellem
Consultation is by appointment.� Please email Kathy to make a time.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk
This course introduces students to social work practice in the field of disability. The content is structured around weekly workshops covering the experience of disability for individuals and families, and current policy and programmatic issues in the disability sector. It adopts a strong focus on the lived experiences of disability and reflects on the important presence of family and community in the lives of people with disability. Topics covered include person-centred and family-centred practice, advocacy, local area coordination, supported decision-making, direct payments, NDIS and other relevant policy and legislation in the Australian context.
This course introduces students to the field of disability.ﾠThe course begins by introducing students to the field of disability studies and theoretical, social and politicalﾠunderstandings of disability.ﾠ SWSP3076 draws upon the lived experience of people with a disabilities and their families andﾠexplores local and international perspectives on disability.ﾠ The disability service system in Australia has undergone radical change under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and the course equips students to better understand the practical and social implications of individualised service delivery.ﾠ Students will consider the position of social work in the new service context, including the place of disability advocacy and community development, the role social workers take with other professions, and how issues concerning disablement affect many different practice fields.ﾠﾠ
ASWEAS Required Curriculum Content Areas covered in this course:
The Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers.
The Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (2020) stipulates that accredited social work programs are required to include content that addresses the five core curriculum areas listed below. This course contains content in the following curriculum areas:
1. Constructions of social work purpose, place, and practice: YES
2. Power, oppression, and exploitation: YES
3. The history and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: NO
4. Culture, identity, and discrimination: YES
5. Psychosocial health and wellbeing across the lifecycle: YES
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course aims to assist students to develop the capacity to use the social work knowledge base to inform practice, specifically in the field of disability.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Kathy Ellem
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note the change of venue and day in Week 8 of the semester for the inter-professional workshop.
Aims and outcomes
Disability is a universal phenomenon affecting all ages,ﾠsocial and cultural groups across the span of human history. In contemporary Australia, there are significant conceptual debates about the nature of disability, and the remedies to the disadvantage and social exclusion experienced by many people with disability.ﾠSocial workers work in the disability field in a variety of roles across a range of contexts: as policy practitioners, managers of government and community services, family workers, case managers and direct care providers. To undertake work in this field, practitioners need to have a thorough knowledge of the major policy, theoretical and practice issues and need skills in individual, family, group and community work.ﾠThis elective aims to provide students with an overview of the field, an understanding of major policy debates, theoretical perspectives and social factors, which shape the experience of disablement in diverse ways.
ﾠ
At the end of the social work program, graduates will be able to demonstrate they are “competent, effective, skilled, knowledge-based, ethically aware and confident practitioners.”ﾠ As per the AASW accreditation guidelines, they will “have a commitment to social justice and social change in the interests of the citizens of their society, recognising that there are competing views of desirable approaches to the organisation of society and the provision of social services. They will have the ability to think critically and reflectively about their practice, and a commitment to intervene in the interests of the client groups they serve.”
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the impact of disability on individuals and families
LO2.
outline the main theoretical frameworks for understanding disability
LO3.
describe and analyse the social, political, legal and organisational contexts of social work practice in the disability field both locally and internationally
LO4.
demonstrate familiarity with consumer-directed care, advocacy and community development approaches as they relate to working with people with disabilities and their families
LO5.
demonstrate ability to critically analyse the choice of intervention, its implications, strengths and disadvantages in given scenarios
LO6.
as professionals, engage in interventions and interactions that are flexible, responsible and responsive to people with a disability and their families
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Practice response | 50% |
20/09/2024 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Disability Advocacy Strategy | 50% |
4/11/2024 1:00 pm |
Assessment details
Practice response
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
20/09/2024 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This description is only a summary of the task. For full details, including the marking rubric, please refer to the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site.
This task requires you to develop a practice response to assist a person with a disability to access supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). A fictitious case scenario will be provided to you at the beginning of semester via Blackboard. You will be required to answer a series of questions (listed below). Using a critical disability lens, you will provide an analysis of the situation for the person and their family in this case scenario. You will also write an account of your practice approach.
This task also has an interprofessional component; on Friday 13th September, 10am-12pm students will participate in a workshop with speech pathology students to discuss the case and practice approaches. Your summary of your approach as a social worker will include some discussion about how you would work with a speech pathologist to assist the person and family. Your assessment should also make reference to relevant sources (including quality academic and grey literature, relevant websites).
Details of the case study will be provided on Blackboard early in the semester.
Submission guidelines
All courses require students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.
The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN as instructed on the companion website.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Applying for an extension
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved.
Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ.
Extension guidelines
- Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request.
- The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than the specified maximum extension length.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Outcome of application
- Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days. Students can see the outcome of their application by logging in to my.UQ.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for late submission
- Assessments submitted late will have 10% of the mark available deducted per day (including weekends and public holidays).
- Work submitted more than 7 days after the due date without an approved extension will not receive a mark.
- Please note for pass/fail assessment there is no daily loss of marks. Assessment that is submitted late is given zero marks.
Disability Advocacy Strategy
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
4/11/2024 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L06
Task description
This description is only a summary of the task. For full details, including the marking rubric, please refer to the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site.
Overview: Your task for this assessment is to explore a contemporary social issue for people with disability and devise a systemic advocacy plan to address the issue.
What you will do:
- Research on a particular social issue affecting people with disability. The issue may be drawn from topics discussed in SWSP3076 workshops.
- Explore your local community, observe and take photos of objects/places which may be symbolic or illustrative of the social issue (N.B. Please do not photograph people for this assessment, and gather permission to photograph when necessary).
- Research and devise relevant systemic advocacy strategies to overcome or ameliorate your chosen social issue.
- Consider how your advocacy strategies address Wolfensberger’s principles of advocacy, and the principles of co-production with people with disability.
Submission guidelines
All courses require students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.
The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN as instructed on the companion website.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Applying for an extension
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved.
Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ.
Extension guidelines
- Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request.
- The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than the specified maximum extension length.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Outcome of application
- Extension requests are generally processed within 2 working days. Students can see the outcome of their application by logging in to my.UQ.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for late submission
- Assessments submitted late will have 10% of the mark available deducted per day (including weekends and public holidays).
- Work submitted more than 7 days after the due date without an approved extension will not receive a mark.
- Please note for pass/fail assessment there is no daily loss of marks. Assessment that is submitted late is given zero marks.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0.1 - 29.9% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 30 - 46.9% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47 - 49.9% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50 - 64.49% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 64.5 - 74.49% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 74.5 - 84.49% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 84.5 - 100% |
Additional course grading information
All items of assessment must be submitted for the student to be eligible to pass the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
In the case of a student requiring a supplementary assessment for this course the supplementary assessment will be graded against a marking rubric which will be made available with the release of the supplementary assessment item. The marking rubric will be reflective that a passing grade (4 ) is the highest grade possible in this course. Supplementary assessments will be designed based on what aspects of the previous course assessments the student produced unsatisfactory work.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Please be aware of the student responsibility to check their student email account often - this is the way the University communicates with you.ﾠ Please note you can link your UQ email account to your private email account. ﾠ
Internet Sites of Interest
The internet can be an extremely helpful resource to complement material covered in this course. Some suggestions to get you started are:
https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/
The official website for the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.ﾠ There are many issues papers presented here, links to hearings, etc.
The site for the National Disability Insurance Agency.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of which Australia is a signatory
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/disability-studies/
ﾠ
This is the site of the Disability Studies Unit at Leeds University. It is here that a great deal of the work on developing a social model of disability occurred. Noted writers have included Colin Barnes, Mark Priestley, Tom Shakespeare.
ﾠ
https://www.carergateway.gov.au/
This site is a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers.ﾠﾠ
ﾠ
http://www.hi-us.org/
Humanity and Inclusion website (formerly Handicap International) - a global organisation that works alongside people with disabilities in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster.
http://www.disabilitymuseum.org/dhm/index.html
A great site on disability history from USA, with lots of pictorial exhibitsﾠ ﾠ ﾠﾠ
ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Workshop |
Week 1: Introduction to the field of disability Wednesday 24th July: This workshop is a beginning exploration of the impacts of disability and disablement on individuals, families and communities. Definitions and theories around disability are introduced and students will be encouraged to reflect upon their own personal values, understandings and experiences of difference, and their use of language and discourse. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 2: Further exploration of disability theory Wednesday, 31st July: This week we delve further into disability theory, reconciling the tensions between individual and social analyses of the disability experience. Students will hear from guest speakers with lived experience. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 3: Disability History in the Global North Wednesday, 7th August: This week we will explore a recent history of social responses to disability in Australia and other developed countries. In particular, we will look at the positioning of people with a disability from European colonisation until the present day in Australia. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Workshop |
Week 5: The National Disability Insurance Scheme Wednesday, 21st August: The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a major reform in the way supports are provided to people with a disability and their families in Australia. This week we will cover the major principles and processes behind the scheme and discuss its implications for practice. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 6: Person-centred approach & direct payments Wednesday 28th August: Person-centred planning and self-direction are important practice approaches in the current service system in Australia. We will explore the intentions behind these approaches and consider the opportunities and challenges in their application. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 7: Working with families Wednesday, 4th September: What skills do we need to effectively work with families who care for a person with a disability? What are the opportunities and challenges of being family-centred? Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 8: Inter-professional collaboration Friday, 13th September 10am to 12noon: THIS WORKSHOP IS HELD ON THURSDAY THIS WEEK. What do other disciplines have to offer in providing services to people with a disability? How can social workers collaborate with allied health professionals? In this workshop we will discuss this and more with professionals from other disciplines. THIS IS A COMPULSORY FACE TO FACE WORKSHOP RELATED TO THE FIRST ASSESSMENT. You will be working with Speech Pathology students on a case study. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Workshop |
Week 9: Disability in the Global South Wednesday, 18th September: This workshop will examine different cultural understandings and experiences of disability. We will look at the connection between the cycle of poverty and disability and understand the problem of applying a purely Eurocentric view to disability studies. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 10: Disability advocacy Wednesday 2nd October: This workshop will examine different approaches to disability advocacy including tips on completing the second assessment. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 11: Violence against people with disability Wednesday 9th October: Today's workshop will explore some of the findings of the Disability Royal Commission and consider strategies for change to improve the lives of people with disability and those who support them. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 12: Inclusive research and governance Wednesday 16th October: Today we will explore how projects, programs and organisations can engage in co-production with people with disability. Learning outcomes: L04, L06 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Workshop |
Week 13: Community belonging and inclusion Wednesday 23rd October: What does it take to achieve social inclusion for people with a disability? How can social workers help people with a disability to become active and welcome citizens in their local communities? Some time also spent on reviewing the semester and assistance with final assessment. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L06 |
Additional learning activity information
Teaching and learning in this course are based on a combination of face to face lectures, small group learning, and self-directed learning.
Please note that there is a compulsory face to face workshop in Week 8 on Friday 13th September from 10am to 12noon related to the first assessment.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.