Tertiary Education

Across 2022-2024, Microboards Australia partnered with Curtin University to develop TWO Post Graduate qualification pathways with future options of further study to qualify for a Masters Degree.

Microboards alongside Curtin University developed the curriculum design and course management of:

• Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support
• Graduate Certificate in Complex Communication Support Needs

The Post Graduate pathways aim to build the capability of the disability sector in relation to the support for people with complex communication needs (CCN) and/or people who may experience changes in their wellbeing which can be expressed through behaviours that can be seen to be challenging or of concern. The courses are carefull designed and linked to represent the essential knowledge for people in roles that seek to uphold human rights and help people realise a good quality of life. This includes PBS practitioners, Teachers, Disability Practice Leads, Disability Providers and Allied Health Professionals.

The courses share some units and complement each other with students who want to do all 6 units graduating with both degrees.

As an employer within the disability sector, what would your staff gain from completing these courses?

• Knowledge and skills in promoting human rights and quality of life as co-taught by lived experience educators (children and adults with disability),
• Foundational understanding of experiences, needs and behaviour that underlies the culture, knowledge and skills of support networks to better understand the needs of people and build support,
• Recognition of individual and systemic approaches to build capable environments and the practical skills of what good looks like in meeting needs and enhancing wellbeing, inclusive of communication capability,
• Knowing and practicing the core skills that promote regulation,
• Practical skills in knowing how to partner with children and adults to support self-determination and decision making in both knowing about their experiences and planning alongside them,
• Knowing the essential components of good PBS planning in response to changes in people’s coping and wellbeing.
• Realising and embedding system change principles through partnership, co-design and co-production, centrally focussed on partnership with the person and their direct supporters in the planning process.

Central to the development and teaching of these courses is that they are codesigned and coproduced alongside people with disability, inclusive of people with intellectual and communication disabilty.