A basic introduction for those that are new to supporting or interacting with people who have an intellectual disability.

Approximate time to complete module: 30 minutes (not including time spent looking at additional resources)

On completion of this module, you will be able to
• Define intellectual disability
• Explain the prevalence, impact and causes of intellectual disability
• Identify and correct common myths and stereotypes held about people with an intellectual disability
• Explain the social model of disability
• Use ‘person first’ and ‘identity first’ language and articulate the arguments for using each.

This module is for: Families and carers | Support workers and direct care workers | Positive behaviour support practitioners | Support co-ordinators, case managers and planners | Frontline and customer service staff | Allied health professionals | Others interacting with and supporting people that have an intellectual disability.

Sectors: Disability | Mental health | Health and Community Services | Forensic | Justice | Clinical Health | Other – entities that are striving to be more inclusive.


Level: Foundational

Emphasis is on knowledge, values and attitudes.