The Blended Experience: Disability and Continuing Professional Development Chrisann Schiro-Geist John Davis Alan Br

1. The Blended Experience: Disability and Continuing Professional Development Chrisann Schiro-Geist John Davis Alan Bruce Stephen Farrier

2. Abstract The presentation will discuss a number of key themes: Professional sectors Professional development Disability and diversity. Capacity building and sustainability of social capital Abstracted Learning Blended approach to learning

3. Introduction Professional Context Theoretical Perspectives Focus: Inclusivity Creative Approaches to Learning Implications

4. Professional Context Existing and Emerging Professionals Community Disability Educators Health and Social Care Legislators Policy makers

5. Theoretical Perspectives • Social Model Shift • Emancipation and Power • Structural, Cultural and Individual • ICIDH - Amundson (2000) • Impairment/Disability - Biomedical • Handicap - given environment

6. Theoretical Perspectives • Social Capital • Employment, Community ties, Values, Morality, Space, Dialogue, Corporate Responsibility • Social Capital Critique • Blaming, Ethnocentric, Materialist, Creates Social Victims, Stigmatises, power, politics

7. Focus on Inclusivity • Social Capital Theory Creates A Deficit • Social Dynamic Discourse • Abstracted Learning • The Blended Approach

8. Context of Change • Labour market characteristics • Globalization • Structure of work • Demographics and urbanization • Environmental challenges

9. Strategic Issues • Change • Conflict • Communications • Research and innovation • Learning anew (learning to learn/learning to adapt)

10. Key Issues • Migration • Regional imbalance • Increased participation rates for women • Changing nature of work • Legislation and disability

11. Equality Themes • Historic framework • Civil rights • Ethical practice • Conflict resolution • Equal opportunities

12. EU Perspectives • Principles of equality • Anti-discrimination legislation • Social inclusion • Lack of common standards

13. EU Issues • Expansion • Lisbon Declaration • Thematic pillars: • Innovation • Adaptability • Lifelong learning • Equal opportunities

14. Linking Diversity • Learning and learning solutions • Creativity • Problem resolution • Change management • Improved communications • Identifying potential • Innovation

15. Embedding Diversity • Ensure continued competitiveness • Maintain employment levels • Increase work opportunities • Fund imaginative social programs • Establish a platform for meaningful inclusion

16. Addressing Opportunity • Innovation • Flexibility and adaptability • Learning organization • Best practice • Consistent excellence

17. Addressing Barriers • Training • Education • Social partner dialogue • Expanded HRM function • Glass ceilings • Expanded R&D • Demonstrated organizational support

18. Creating Learning • Waterford Crystal - NUI Cork • NUI Maynooth • Open Learning Centre - NUI Galway • Dunhill Learning Centre - NCI

19. University of MemphisGraduate Certificate in Disability Studies • Balance Between Disability, Law & Policy • For Continuing Education of Legal and Disability Professionals • Stems from perceived need in pre-professional education of law and rehabilitation professionals/advocates

20. Proposed Coursework • 2 rehabilitation courses • 2 law/social policy courses • An integrative project

21. Creative Approaches To Learning Pedagogy Meets Pragmatism Dialogic Intervention Quality and Media Choice Constructive Alignment and Learning Design

22. Creative Approaches To Learning Person Centred Knowledge Architecture Complexity Theory (Prout 2005) Meta Cognition Creative Learning Interventions Scenario Based Learning Enquiry Based Learning Virtual Learning Environments (Bespoke)

23. Innovative Practice – example 1

24. Innovative Practice – example 2 • MS in Rehabilitation Counseling • Example of program mobility • University of Memphis faculty and degree • Offered to a cohort in Ireland • In partnership with Tipperary Institute • Mixed model: face-to-face, synchronous, asynchronous components

25. Of interest to professionals in… • Disability support services • Substance abuse • Guidance counselling • Assessment • Placement services • Occupational therapy • Employee support & assistance • Human resources & Personnel • Vocational training /integration • Social inclusion programmes.

26. 2 Year Program – 6 Modules

27. Alternate weekends: First class session: faculty member travels to Ireland Subsequent courses via interactive video Timetable

28. Implications • Intellectual capacity building • Reinforcement of a pedagogical approach rather than a technological solution • Staff development and learning support within a new and demanding pedagogical approach to learning solutions • Redefinition of learning, teaching and assessment strategies • Commitment • Resources (both logistical and intellectual). • Risk Assessment, • Sensitive curriculum design

29. Conclusions Edinburgh Memphis Northumbria ULS

30. Collaborators • Dr Chrisann Schiro-Geist Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, University of Memphis cschrgst@memphis.edu • Dr John Davis Head of Department CS &Education Studies University of Edinburgh john.davis@education.ed.ac.uk • DrAlan Bruce Independent Academic Consultant Universal Learning Systems abruce@ulsystems.com • Stephen Farrier Academic Adviser Northumbria University stephen.farrier@unorthumbria.ac.uk