This e-learn provides the learner with a single place to access much of what is needed to be able to provide the best health care to people with Down syndrome. The e-learn also invites and equips the learner with information and tools to challenge bias and stigma towards intellectual disability and to advocate for a more inclusive society. 'Down syndrome: The Essentials' is an action towards positively influencing the current appalling health statistics for people with intellectual disability in Australia.

In 2020, Down Syndrome Australia (DSA) asked members with Down syndrome what they wanted health professionals to know. People with Down syndrome want health professionals to not only know more about Down syndrome but also about communication with people with Down syndrome.

“...don’t talk to me like I AM Down syndrome. I am a PERSON who has Down syndrome.”

This e-learn addresses the wants and needs of people with Down syndrome.

In 2018 the first national survey on attitudes toward people with disability was undertaken and 78% of respondents agreed that they were unsure how to act toward people with disability.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities states: People with disability have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination.

There is currently great disparity between the health of Australian’s with intellectual disability and the general population. People with intellectual disability have;

• twice the rate of avoidable deaths
• low rates of preventative healthcare and there is minimal training for health professionals
• the average medical degree only has 2.6 hours of training in intellectual disability

This course provides the evidence-based much-needed further education for health professionals.

Designed For

This course is designed and useful for anyone who is working or studying in health. Most health professionals in their career will care or treat someone with Down syndrome or intellectual disability more broadly. The benefits of this course are multi-faceted:

1. Health professionals will gain knowledge and confidence when working with and caring for people with Down syndrome
2. People with Down syndrome will receive more informed and inclusive care from health professionals who have completed this course
3. People with Down syndrome will therefore have better health experiences
4. People with Down syndrome will have better health outcomes

Although this course is designed with health professionals in mind, family members, support workers and organisations who work with people with Down syndrome will also find this course interesting and educational

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, the learner will be able to:

1. Identify initiatives in Australia that can improve the health and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome
2. Demonstrate appropriate terminology, language, and communication when speaking to or about someone with Down syndrome
3. Compare resources available to better care for people with Down syndrome and their families, from prenatal diagnosis through to ageing
4. Compare possible intervention on quality of life for a person with Down syndrome in Australia
5. Evaluate initiatives that promote the inclusion of people with Down syndrome in healthcare, education, workplace, and community in Australia

Course Units

1. Healthcare for people with Down syndrome - what you need to know in Australia today
2. Inclusive communication in healthcare for people with Down syndrome
3. Down syndrome - genetics, prenatal screening and diagnosis
4. Down syndrome - health screening and co-occurring health concerns
5. Supporting people with Down syndrome in contemporary society

Assessment

This e-learn is designed to support the learner to provide the best health care to people with Down syndrome and to equip learners to challenge bias and stigma and advocate for a more inclusive society.

Delivery Mode

This course is delivered 100% online and can be accessed via web browsers.

Knowledge and Skills

• Improved communication skills
• Improved language skills when talking to or about people with disability
• Increased knowledge of the disability rights movement
• Increased knowledge of Down syndrome
• Increased knowledge of the potential of people with Down syndrome
• Increased knowledge of inclusive practices
• Increased knowledge of initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome in Australia
• Increased knowledge of where to access appropriate supports to assist people with Down syndrome and their families
• Increased knowledge of how to make a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome in Australia

Course Director

Natalie Graham
Health Program Manager DSA, RN, MPH, Cert IV Assessment and Training, 2022 Churchill Fellow

Contact Us

E: mobile-learning@unimelb.edu.au

T: +61 3 8344 5673