This is a presentation to a peer group highlighting the findings of your study; the presentation will look at the implementation of a contemporary issue and will demonstrate how this has promoted the individual's values and independence, the impact on the service received and what the financial implications of this have been on the service provision.

The presentation will last for 10 minutes (contributes to meeting LO's 1-4) Weighted 75%

You will write a short reflective account (500 words) assessing the implementation and impact on the service user including details on how this has empowered the service user (contributes to meeting LO 5) Weighted 25%

You will need to pass both parts of this assessment to achieve the module.

Formative Assessment:
You will identify one contemporary issue which involves the service user and a discussion with the workplace supervisor and tutor to ensure suitability for discussion/ presentation to the peer group.

This module is delivered as part of the University Certificate in Promoting Excellence in Practice in Learning Disability Services or can be offered as a single continuous professional development module.

This module will examine the impact of recent legislation and how the implementation of this impacts on service users and the teams of staff planning and providing support. There will be an emphasis on key current government papers and investigate how the changes recommended have been implemented or indeed will be recommended.

There will be an evaluation of the commissioning process and the impact of direct payments on service user¿s choices and an assessment of the effectiveness of these strategies. Alongside this analysis there will be discussion with regard to partnership working and the integration of service provision. The impacts of possible changes in social care funding and the new Welfare Reform Bill and Health and Social Care Bill will also be set into context.

In addition this module will examine the use of assistive technologies in promoting independence for service users with learning disabilities and or sensory impairments and communication difficulties and an evaluation of the effectiveness of these will be explored.

Bryant, D and Bryant B, (2010) Assistive Technologies for People with Disabilities, Second Edition, London: Pearson
Evans, M. and Whittacker, A. (2010) Sensory Awareness in Social Work, Transforming Social Work Practice, Exeter: Learning Matters
Glasby, J, (2012) Commissioning for Health and Well Being, London: The Policy Press
Hales, G., (ed.) (1996) Beyond Disability: Towards an Enabling Society, London: Sage

Contact Hours: (24)
Whole Group Sessions (12 hour)
Lectures will be used to provide exposition of the key contemporary issues in Learning Disability services including the implementation of the personalisation and methods used to further independence and empower the service user. The module will explore the changing face of social care in the current economic climate and examine current commissioning practice and local authority commissioners will be invited to give an overview of the current situation. Students will explore the use of assistive technologies in promoting independence and critically evaluate the use of these devices showing an awareness of the current academic debates as to whether these should replace human contact in some cases.

Small group Sessions (12 hour)
You will discuss a number of case studies and discuss how these relate to your current understanding and application of current issues in practice, this will allow for reflection and deep learning through actively seeking to explore the key issue from a number of perspectives. (6 hours)

Action learning Sets will be used to seek a problem solving approach to explore in what ways assistive technologies might be best used. (6 hours)

Independent Study Hours: (126 hours)
40 hours time to prepare for lectures by reading recommended resources
40 hours to consolidate face to face learning by undertaking further research and additional reading of issues raised in the face to face session
This will include using books, journal articles, newspaper articles, discussion with line managers and work colleagues and other participants undertaking this module. There will also be activities on the BlackBoard VLE for students to undertake. In addition, there will be an expectation for students to engage with organisational policies and procedures in place in their work place.
46 hours tol prepare for the presentation, through research of your chosen key issue and through your preparation of the presentation and you will write the reflection on how this has impacted on how this has impacted on your own practice

Computing facilities to access resources made available through Black board VLE, library access for online journals and e-books. Access to appropriate texts and journals.

Key government publications available online.