Course Overview

Children and young people with learning disabilities often experience significant barriers to learning everyday skills and participating in daily life. This practical and evidence-informed workshop will explore how professionals can better support children to develop independence, engagement, and meaningful participation.

Workshop Content

• Understanding learning (intellectual) disability – definitions, history, and context.
• Health and co-occurring conditions – recognising and addressing long-term outcomes.
• Quality of life – values, aspirations, and what matters most to people with a learning disability.
• How children learn best – using natural environments, routines, and everyday opportunities.
• Working with families and carers – principles of effective collaboration.
• Supporting engagement and motivation in learning new skills.
• Evidence-based instructional strategies to support skill acquisition and independence.
• Active Support – enabling meaningful participation for children with the highest support needs through “just right” support, promoting choice and inclusion.
• Adapting the Active Support approach for schools and families, including co-delivery with parents.