COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to promote inclusion, equity, and meaningful participation for people with disabilities across all stages of life. The program provides a balance of theory, research, and practice, ensuring that graduates are able to deliver evidence-based services and supports, advocate for social change, and contribute to building more accessible and just communities. In the first year, students are introduced to key areas such as disability across the life course, critical issues in disability, and the foundations of research and study skills, along with an option topic to explore individual interests. The second year builds on this foundation by introducing more applied learning, including a practicum placement and topics that address employment and disability, advocacy and working in partnership, and the legal and ethical aspects of health care. This provides students with an understanding of how policy, rights, and services intersect with disability. The third year expands professional expertise with advanced study in positive behaviour support, counselling skills, and building community capacity, complemented by another practicum to apply these skills in real-world contexts. The final year focuses on specialised areas including early childhood development, delivering therapeutic supports, and advanced positive behaviour support, while also offering a practicum and mentoring program to refine professional competencies and prepare students for their chosen career path. Graduates of this degree are equipped for careers in disability services, government agencies, community development, education, and health sectors, with roles such as developmental educator, disability support coordinator, case manager, or therapeutic support practitioner. The combination of academic knowledge, hands-on practice, and emphasis on advocacy and inclusion ensures graduates are ready to lead change and improve the lives of people with disabilities.