IWA offers a full or part-time life skills training programme for people with physical disabilities in Clontarf, Kilkenny and Wexford.
IWA’s Skills Development programme is a two-year QQI-accredited course with a strong focus on developing life skills and working towards personal goals.
Also known as Rehabilitative Training, the Skills Development Programme is funded by the HSE. It’s an ideal option for school leavers and young adults and is open to anyone with a primary physical disability.
What training is part of the programme?
The Skills Development Programme is based around training modules that lead to a QQI Major Award in General Learning.
The programme also offers options to take part in ASDAN Lifeskills Challenges, work towards personal goals, and participate in other informal learning activities. Younger adults can attempt Gaisce, The President’s Award.
Each learner develops their own Individual Service Plan based on their needs and interests, which can include a mix of the above options.
The main training modules (leading to QQI awards) are:
| Mandatory Modules | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications | Personal Development | Everyday Maths | Computer Skills |
| Optional Modules | |||
| Self-Advocacy | Healthy Living | Money Management | Internet Skills |
| Art | Gardening | Drama | Photography |
| Career Preparation | Work Experience | ||
How is the training accredited?
The Skills Development Programme is centred around the QQI Level 3 Major Award in General Learning (3M0874).
Learners who successfully complete all four mandatory modules and any two or more optional modules will receive a QQI Level 3 Major Award in General Learning.
Learners will also receive a minor award certificate for each individual module that they successfully complete.
Learners can also take part in a wide range of ASDAN accredited Lifeskills Challenges which focus on individual life skills task and challenges are selected based on the individual interests of each learner.
IWA also provides other informal learning workshops and activities based on each learner’s personal goals and interests.
Who can join the Skills Development Programme?
You must be between 18-65 years and have a primary physical disability. You do not need to be a wheelchair user.
You will need to have basic reading, writing and numeracy skills – or a strong interest in improving these skills.
You will need be motivated to take part in a training course and be interested in learning new skills and working on personal goals
What supports are there for participants?
The Skills Development Programme is based in Irish Wheelchair Association centres where trained IWA staff members are available to support participants in taking part in training activities and with other personal care needs.
The programme runs in Dublin, Kilkenny and Wexford.
Contact our team:
Clontarf, Dublin
Sara Gregson, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3.
Email sara.gregson@iwa.ie or phone 01 818 6478.
Kilkenny
Eimear Phelan, Irish Wheelchair Association, Claddagh Court, College Road, Kilkenny.
Email eimear.phelan@iwa.ie or phone 056 776 2775.
Ballycanew, Wexford
Lorna Earle, Irish Wheelchair Association, Lochrann House, Cinema Lane, Wexford.
Email lorna.earle@iwa.ie or phone 053 948 2522