Key facts
UNE unit code: HSHM368
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
People living with physical and intellectual disability face complex challenges in contemporary society. They rely on support from professionals in the health, community and disability sectors, as well as their families and carers.
Demand for health care professionals who can help people living with disability is expected to increase as our population ages.
Studying this unit, you will build the skills and knowledge to future proof your career and help improve the lives and independence of people with physical and intellectual disability.
You will expand your knowledge of specific disorders and issues of chronicity within physical and intellectual disability.
Analysing theories, models and literature from a range of disciplines, you will update your understanding of best practice in managing physical and intellectual disability across health care sectors in the context of issues of diversity, discrimination, education and lifestyle.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
You must enrol in this unit by the Monday before the Trimester starts. If there are insufficient student numbers this unit will not run and you will be withdrawn from the unit and offered an appropriate alternate unit by the course coordinator.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- describe physical and intellectual disability within interdisciplinary and societal frameworks;
- compare and contrast traditional and contemporary approaches to management of physical and intellectual disability across health care sectors;
- describe specific disorders and issues of chronicity within physical and intellectual disability;
- synthesise issues of diversity, discrimination and lifestyle in living with physical and intellectual disability;
- describe the research literature and demonstrate knowledge about models and approaches in developing best practice in the areas of physical and intellectual disability; and
- synthesise an understanding of professional practice and educational issues relating to physical and intellectual disability.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Essay No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
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