Dear Claire,
I would say that experience of Higher or Further Education is generally in person specifications for these posts, along with experience of working with disabled people (or students). Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude to disability issues too. A knowledge of legislation is usually essential - e.g. the Special Educational Needs Disability Act (SENDA) and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Thanks,
Bryan
Brunel University, West London
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Penny Georgiou
Sent: 02 November 2004 17:05
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: qualification / training
Dear Claire,
There are many qualities that are needed for these posts and it is not that easy to define them in advance. Each individual will intepret their role in their own way within the parametres set by the needs of the students who present for support (who instruct and train us!) as well as by the context and culture of the institution, prevailing government directives & so on...
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. on behalf of claire ozel
Sent: Tue 02/11/2004 16:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: qualification / training
A question I was going to ask when I come to Britain in 10 days, but
we could be meeting the vice-chancellor before then, so I could do
with some info:
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE ARE DISABILITY OFFICERS EXPECTED
TO HAVE, AND WHAT TRAINING DO THEY GET WHEN STARTING? If there is a
range in answers, all the better.
I'm asking because in the past I've been told that 'only someone with
a background in psychology could do this job'; but this was said by
someone who knows nothing about existing disability support programs.
What do your person specifications say? I don't need all the details,
but enough to disprove this narrow assumption - I presume you are not
all psychologists!
I would like to thank all of you who have given such prompt answers
and information concerning my visit to Manchester-London-Bristol.
I have decided that one quality for a disability support officer is
'pragmatic realism'. Is this true?
I have been very impressed with how this e-group works, and am looking
forward to meeting some of you soon.
Claire Ozel,
Ankara, Turkey.
