Supporting a Wheelchair User. Distance Learning

Course details

The Certificate in Supporting a Wheelchair User distance learning course in intended to give the student an insight into the issues around mobility disabilities and how to best support a person who is a wheelchair user. This course explores the barriers experienced by people with mobility disabilities such as spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis and motor neuron disease to name but a few. Do we see the person first or the wheelchair? What are the practical factors involved in transport shopping, socialising, sport and holidaying for these individuals? This course aims to teach the student how to treat a wheelchair user with dignity and respect, always thinking about the person first and the disability second.

Qualifications Gained

• Portobello Institute Certificate in Supporting a Wheelchair User

Entry Requirements

• Entry to this course is by direct application to the college. There are no previous academic requirements.

Course Content Modules

• The incidence of physical disability leading to mobility difficulties
• The different ways to communicate with a person who uses a wheelchair
• Guidelines on ‘Best Practice’
• How best to support a wheelchair user, approached to different situations
• Use of language and terminology
• Myths and fears surrounding mobility difficulties
• The type of physical training available and necessary for carers (Health and Safety)

Assessment Criteria

• One short assignment will be required to successfully complete this course.