A/Pr

All students are required to satisfy the applicable <a href="http://www.usq.edu.au/study/degrees/english-language-programs" target="_blank">English language requirements</a>.If students do not meet the English language requirements they may apply to study a University-approved <a href="http://www.usq.edu.au/study/degrees/english-language-programs" target="_blank">English language program</a>. On successful completion of the English language program, students may be admitted to an award program.

Core

Structure

The Graduate Certificate of NDIS Studies (GCDS) is a one-year online part-time AQF8 qualification. Unlike existing disability-focussed programs that tend to focus on graduates “fitting” people with disability into the NDIS systems, the Graduate Certificate of NDIS Studies (GCDS) adopts a unique approach that is authentic and radical: it authenticates and amplifies the experiences, voices and wishes of people living with disability as they look to disability services responding to their wishes and needs.
At its core, the program is predicated on the assumption that services should be designed to meet the needs of the people they serve. The courses and content have therefore been developed in consultation and collaboration with people with disability: their &#34;living&#34; experiences guide and shape curriculum, pedagogy and praxis. The program aims to enable students to see, think about and work within the NDIS as a critical ally. Specifically, students will not only understand how disability is constructed in contemporary society, including the impacts of ableism and systemic discrimination, but they will learn about the NDIS, its stakeholders, strengths and challenges through the eyes and experiences of people living with disability.
Positioned as an interprofessional qualification, the Graduate Certificate of NDIS Studies (GCDS) will ensure that students will learn alongside different disciplines in order to ensure voice and agency of people with disability drive services, including implementation and evaluation processes. The qualification is designed for ‘any’ professionals who are either working within the NDIS and desiring leadership roles, want to upskill with NDIS-related specialised knowledge, seek to change existing service infrastructure; or those seeking to transition into the NDIS landscape. As such it will be of interest to many different professionals including Social Workers, Human Services professionals, Psychologists, Educators and Lawyers but also NDIS support and services employees who hold undergraduate qualifications.

The <a href="https://www.unisq.edu.au/current-students/academic/dates" target="_blank">Academic Calendar and Important Dates</a> webpage will allow you to view and download a copy of the important dates for the calendar.

Demonstrate understanding of how to work alongside people with disabilities to ensure their experiences, needs and views shape, inform and drive NDIS services.

Articulate and critically analyse a range of relevant theoretical frameworks and practice tools valued by people with disability, relevant to working in the NDIS context.

Critique and examine existing disability services using micro, meso and macro perspectives, mindful of the views and needs of people with disability.

Articulate and utilise a personal practice framework that captures the importance of authentic co-design, genuine collaboration and work practices informed by the views and wishes of people with disability . 

Be purpose-led leaders while working alongside and build effective relationships with NDIS stakeholders, privileging the voice and agency of people with disability needs to shape, inform and drive NDIS services.

Embed and respect diverse cultural perspectives and experiences of people with disability in professional practice.

Be thoughtful, ethical and evidence-informed critical allies, activists and advocates who undertake anti-oppressive practice in search of human rights, equality, social inclusion and a just society.

GCDS

Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, and a minimum of 2 years' full-time relevant professional work experience in a related field at supervisory or equivalent level.

prior_qualifications_sub Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, and a minimum of 2 years' full-time relevant professional work experience in a related field at supervisory or equivalent level.

UniSQ Handbook

Graduate Certificate of NDIS Studies

GCDS

4 Units to Complete