Disability Awareness Training

Disability Awareness Training focused on understanding barriers, inclusive communication, Welsh legislation, and person-centred support.

This Disability Awareness Training course provides a clear, practical understanding of disability and inclusion for staff working across health, social care, and community settings in Wales. The session explores a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, cognitive, mental health, and progressive conditions, using real-life scenarios and reflective discussion to build confidence and understanding.

Grounded in the social model of disability, the training focuses on recognising and removing barriers, promoting dignity, and supporting disabled people respectfully and effectively. The course also highlights key Welsh legislation, reasonable adjustments, inclusive communication, and person-centred practice in everyday professional roles.

Further bespoke or in-depth training can be delivered on request, and standalone modules are available to meet organisational needs.

What the Training Will Cover

1. Introduction to Disability Awareness

• What disability means in modern practice
• Challenging common myths, assumptions, and stereotypes
• Understanding disability within a Welsh context

2. Models of Disability

• The medical model of disability
• The social model of disability
• How attitudes, systems, and environments create barriers

3. Diversity of Disabilities

• Physical disabilities
• Sensory impairments (sight, hearing)
• Cognitive and learning disabilities
• Mental health conditions
• Progressive and long-term conditions
• Invisible disabilities

4. Barriers to Inclusion

• Physical and environmental barriers
• Communication barriers
• Attitudinal and organisational barriers
• Barriers within health, social care, and community settings

5. Language, Attitudes & Behaviour

• Using appropriate, respectful, person-first language
• The impact of language, tone, and body language
• Recognising unconscious bias and assumptions

6. Dignity, Respect & Person-Centred Practice

• Supporting choice, independence, and autonomy
• Promoting dignity in everyday interactions
• Seeing the person, not the disability

7. Welsh Legislation & Rights

• Key Welsh legislation and policy frameworks
• Equality and human rights principles
• Reasonable adjustments and inclusive practice

8. Case Studies & Real-Life Scenarios

• Responding appropriately to everyday situations
• Reflecting on attitudes and professional responsibility
• Applying learning to practice

9. Accessible & Inclusive Communication

• Adapting communication styles
• Supporting understanding and engagement
• Creating inclusive environments

Who Should Attend

• Health and social care staff
• Support workers and carers
• Community and voluntary sector staff
• Managers and team leaders
• Anyone working with, or supporting, disabled people

Outcome

Participants will leave the training with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support disabled people respectfully and effectively. Learners will be able to recognise and remove barriers, apply Welsh legislation and reasonable adjustments, use inclusive language, and promote equality, dignity, and person-centred practice within their professional roles.