Skills Teaching (2 days)

Institutional attitudes of “can’t” have significantly shifted to “could” (with appropriate assistance). Thus the limits placed on people with Learning Disabilities have, and at least to some extent lifted, leading to more opportunities for development and reaching of potential.
This course is designed for support workers in the field of Learning Disabilities and aims to help them develop their own skills in supporting people in everyday and longer term tasks and pursuits.

Learning objectives:

By the end of the course learners should understand:

• Why the chains of “can’t” need to be cut
• How to establish potential
• How to help people through skills teaching reach their potential
• A seven-phase sequence for balancing natural support and individual needs
• Links between participants' experiences as learners and those of service users
• The importance of teaching skills in real ordinary settings. The links with O’Briens 5 Accomplishments
• How to “break” the task into a series of manageable components
• Assessing risks to people and equipment and applying safeguards
• How to vary the type and level of assistance the teacher can offer
• The appropriate communication levels whilst teaching individuals with limited communication skills
• Deciding the setting the person should be able to carry out the activity
• Ideas as to how the person can use acquired skills
• How good teaching enhances the quality of people’s lives
• The importance of “keeping track” of the acquired skills so they become a part of the persons “everyday” lives

Training methods:

• Warm up exercises
• OHP/PowerPoint
• Tutor Presentations
• Role Play
• Practical exercises
• Discussion
• Pairs & group work
• Handouts

CP118/4.9