GSDD5001 Critical Issues in Developmental Disability (Core Unit)

Listen to a brief audio introduction by Trevor

As potential leaders in the field of developmental disability, students undertaking this unit will develop a framework for considering the major concepts in the field from a variety of viewpoints. This unit will form the basis for introducing students to effective multidisciplinary practice. This unit forms a conceptual underpinning for the course and introduces students to basic concepts.

At the end of this unit students will have knowledge of the basic concepts of models of disability, classification, aetiology, models of intervention and life span issues. The unit will also cover historical developments, biopsychosocial aspects (including physical and mental health and family issues), disability legislation and other legal issues as consent and guardianship. Students will work together in this unit of study in multi-disciplinary ways. All students will undertake and must satisfactorily complete this core unit of study.

Professor Trevor R. Parmenter is Director of the Centre for Developmental Disability Studies and the Foundation Professor of Developmental Disability, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Sydney and is Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney. His international academic standing in the field of developmental disability is marked by his past appointment as the President of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID). His major research interests include quality of life, dual diagnosis, employment and policy development.