In a message dated 08/04/03 17:36:58 GMT Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< While we're on the subject of assessment, can anyone give me definitive
guidelines on 'suitable qualifications' for assessors of students with
physical disabilities, hearing impairment and visual impairment and learning
needs other than dyslexia? Would the Diploma in Social Work be considered
suitable? My apologies to the forum if this question has been thoroughly
aired!
Colette >>
I suggest that such a qualification may have some relevance but it *may* be
possible to gain such a qualification having never worked with a person with
a disability. Perhaps an Occupational Therapy qualification may be more
relevant??
You raise a serious point. There are no formal qualifications for needs
assessors, even the NFAC courses never claimed to train people to conduct
assessments although spome attempt was made to train additional assessors
last year. The latest recommendations being discussed at the DfES / SKILL
review of DSAs include - degree level education, experience of
teaching/lecturing and 'on the job' training including oberservation of
assessments, 'joint' assessments with an experienced assessor and supervised
assessments - a minimum of 6 for each disability area that the assessor
wishes to work in. This is combined with continuing Professional Development
in areas including disability awareness and technological developments.
Mick Trott
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