Inclusive Approaches – Teaching and Learning for Trade Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Karen Alton & Steve Berry
Presented by Steve Berry

Map depicting TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute region.

Students (pie diagram)
Apprentices 50%
Mainstream Courses 30%
Customised Courses 20%

Apprentices (column graph)
Shopfitting 20
Cabinet making 12
Glass & glazing 4
Automotive 4
C&J ?3
Plumbing 3
Horticulture 3
Others 4

The following ten slides in the presentation depict a number of individual students undertaking practical training in a range of trade activities in a workshop setting.

Customised Course
Designed to meet the needs of students with intellectual disability
Practical/Workshop focus
Only entry point at Certificate 1 level
Full time  
One semester
Focus on developing social skills to maintain employment
8 students
team teaching approach
1 trade teacher
1 specialist disability teacher

The following eight slides in the presentation depict a number of individual students undertaking practical training in a range of trade activities in a workshop setting.

Work Placement
3 days a week
6 – 8 weeks
each student is supported by a teacher
Specialist Employment Services included
Support Faded 
 
The following eight slides in the presentation depict a number of individual students undertaking practical training in a range of trade activities in a workshop setting.

Trade Course
Reasonable Adjustments that are implemented:
Reduction in class size if necessary 
2 teachers  
- trade
- disability specialist 
Opportunity for individual and group repeated practice
Concrete material for abstract concepts
Trade notes in plain English
Philosophical approach – every mistake seen as an opportunity
task analysis of a process in pictorial form 

Ahmed’s Journey
Diagram illustrating Ahmes’s journey:
School
TAFE NSW Disability Services
Customised Course
Work Placement
Apprenticeship