Level 2 Award in Understanding the Needs of Individuals with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities

What is the course about?

People with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) are, like everyone else, unique individuals (MENCAP). The term PMLD is a description rather than a clinical diagnosis. Whilst there is no definitive set of characteristics for PMLD it is widely acknowledged that there are a diverse group of people with learning disabilities who have a complex range of difficulties. All, however, have the capacity to participate in everyday life in a way which is personalised to their needs and abilities, to benefit from good health care and education and are able in various ways to communicate their satisfaction or otherwise with their quality of life.
The OCNLR Award in Understanding the Needs of Individuals with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities has been developed in conjunction with specialist practitioners and through consultation with a range of learning providers working with learners with learning disabilities.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

There is one unit on this course: 'Understanding the Needs of Individuals with Profound and Multiple
Learning Disabilities'
Within this unit you will cover the following learning objectives:
Understand the meaning of Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)
Understand the needs of individuals with PMLD.
Understand the effects a communication impairment has on individuals with PMLD.

Understand good practice communication with individuals with PMLD.
Understand how sensory exercises affect individuals with PMLD.
Understand ways in which current legislation has affected individuals with PMLD.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

The content of the qualification will enable learners to:
Understand the meaning of Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD);
Recognise the impact that communication impairment has on individuals with PMLD and compare effective and non-effective communication practice;
Explain how sensory exercises impact on individuals with PMLD;
Identify ways to overcome negative attitudes and assumptions towards people with PMLD.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a level 2 course. You will need to complete a literacy and digital skills assessment to at least a level 1 standard to complete the course. A good understanding of English is needed and you will need to be able to access emails, upload work to an online platform, and use zoom.
We run regular Google classroom and zoom workshops before courses so that you can build on your confidence.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

We try to foster a learning community in our courses, therefore there will be lots of discussion and collaboration on this course. We will use a variety of methods, including lecture style talks, small group or pair work and independent research. We ask learners to find a quiet, calm place to take part in the course and to keep their video on, unless there is a reason not to do so, which has been discussed with the tutor.
You will complete a workbook throughout the course, which will be assessed by your tutor. You will receive feedback on your work to enable you to improve throughout the course.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no other costs, but you will need good internet access and a laptop or PC to complete coursework and take part in lessons.
You should keep notes of each lesson to refer back to, but we will also keep materials on Google Classroom for you to access and look back at.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

When you have finished this course you may want to apply for jobs in this area. For example, a learning support assistant in a school, a care worker, or a care assistant. You could also apply for one of our other courses in care and support, for example, Understanding working with people with mental health needs, or mentoring a young person.