TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR STUDENTS
Students in Social Work, Allied Health, Education, Architecture/Engineers (accessibility training)
Wheelchairs as a Tool for Inclusion (Introduction)
WHO: Third and fourth year allied health students from South African universities, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy students.
WHY: Seating is a specialized skill requiring postgraduate training. Current training at universities is not able to prepare students fully for the realities of wheelchair service provision.
WHAT: Participation in this program will enable students to respond appropriately to much-needed interventions once they enter the public service domain and to provide channels for development and remote support in seating. Students will have opportunities to apply theory in different contexts and will be equipped with skills to ensure appropriate clinical reasoning and problem-solving. They will be familiarised with the National tender process, spec sheets, and an understanding of what devices are locally available.
FORMAT/STYLE: Remote and In-person options available (In-person format is recommended)
LENGTH/DURATION: Ideally delivered as in-person training format at university venue: 1 full day workshop with additional self-study. Remote training format available: ±5 hours of presentations with additional self-study and feedback sessions to assess self-study activities completed.
ACCREDITATION: CPD Pending
Different types of Disabilities
WHO: All community members; Community Development and Health Workers, teachers, staff and volunteers of community based organisations/NGOs working in South African Context.
WHY: Social inclusion is a basic human need: People with disabilities and their families often experience stigma and discrimination, which leads to isolation and exclusion. Increased knowledge about different types of impairments equips people with disabilities, their families and communities with the confidence to engage with health care and other service providers.
WHAT: Learn to influence people’s perceptions and challenge the myths that cause stigma and discrimination. Community workers and service providers will benefit from this basic knowledge.
LENGTH/DURATION: ± 2 days
FORMAT/STYLE: Remote and In-person options available
ACCREDITATION: Certificate of Attendance
Inclusive Play
WHO: ECD centre (‘ inclusive’ and ‘not yet inclusive’ ), teachers, carers, programme implementers
WHY: Participants become aware of the need for play and learning for all children with the aim to understand and action play and learning opportunities for children with disabilities..
WHAT: Learn about the rights of children with disabilities to access education in their local context. ECD practitioners are capacitated with the principles of inclusive play and learning. Practical training with children with disabilities present.
LENGTH/DURATION: ±5 days
FORMAT/STYLE: Combination of remote and in-person training
ACCREDITATION: Certificate of attendance
Community Based Outreach Seating
WHO: Physiotherapists & Occupational therapists (com serve, government, private); Wheelchair Technicians; Orthotists & Prosthetists; Community health workers.
WHY: Provides mentorship through joint practice and can help alleviate skills shortages by offering advice & support for clinics/hospitals to ensure devices are prescribed and fitted correctly. Clients seated during the workshop provide practical case studies and addresses capacity issues.
WHAT: Participants develop basic understanding of WHO recommended seating steps and practical skills to run local clinics which provide sustainable, accessible seating services.
LENGTH/DURATION: +/- 5 days.
FORMAT / STYLE: In-person training.
ACCREDITATION: CPD for Therapists
'MOVE TO INCLUDE" MOVING & HANDLING TRAINING
WHO: *Anyone who is interested* to learn more about practical handling of a child with a disability. Recommended for Community Service therapists; Community Health workers; Teachers; Parents; Caregivers; Hospital staff & Nurses; Assistants, Drivers.
WHY: Inappropriate moving and handling can be a risk for both the child and carer. Every child is different, therefore the way each child is moved and handled should be adapted accordingly. With proper training facilitated by experienced SSE teams, these risks to both the child and carer can be mitigated and discomfort or injury avoided.
WHAT: Instead of creating an additional burden of having to do “exercises,” carers learn how to adapt their daily tasks to benefit the child. Participants gain confidence in moving and handling which encourages trust and builds relationships. Ideally involves hands on practice with children with disabilities during training
LENGTH/DURATION: ±5 days
FORMAT/STYLE: In-person training
ACCREDITATION: CPD for Therapists
24 Hour Posture Support
WHO: Teachers, Parents, Caregivers, Social & Auxiliary Workers, Healthcare staff (nurses; CHW’s), Orthotists/Prosthetists, Health Students, Technicians, Medical Aid Scheme administration staff.
WHY: Provision of postural support is important at all times - during activity or rest. Participants learn to maintain posture throughout the day and night. Correct positioning is sustained by good alignment when out of the device (e.g. sidelying, on the back, tummy or standing).
WHAT: Participants develop problem-solving skills to meet the changing needs of a child with a mobility impairment within the family's specific context. Training draws on National Rehabilitation Policy and WHO Steps for comprehensive wheelchair service provision.
LENGTH/DURATION: Basic programme ±3hours: awareness of the needs of clients with physical impairments; In depth programme ±3 days: in-depth instruction with hands-on demonstration & participation
FORMAT/STYLE: Remote and In-person options available
ACCREDITATION: CPD for therapists
