This course is particularly suitable for teachers, school staff and education professionals who want to strengthen inclusive practice for learners with intellectual disabilities. It may also be relevant for psychologists, occupational therapists, preschool teachers, early years educators, AIM support workers, SNAs and other professionals supporting children and young people in education and care settings.

It is designed for both experienced practitioners and those newer to this area. Whether you are looking to update your knowledge, reflect on your current approach, or build confidence in applying practical inclusive strategies, this course offers a structured and supportive learning experience.

You may find this course especially useful if you want to:

  • update your understanding of intellectual disability in educational contexts

  • reflect on how cognitive, adaptive, communication and environmental factors influence participation

  • explore practical strategies to support inclusion, independence and engagement

  • connect professional learning to classroom improvement and reflective practice

What You’ll Learn

The course is structured across five modules, with a strong focus on practical application, reflective practice and inclusive school improvement.

Key areas include:

  • definitions and models of intellectual disability

  • cognitive and adaptive functioning

  • communication development and social participation

  • rights-based and strengths-based approaches

  • environmental factors influencing inclusion

  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

  • curriculum adaptation and differentiated instruction

  • task analysis and scaffolded teaching

  • structured teaching approaches and visual supports

  • person-centred planning in schools

  • supporting adaptive and functional skills

  • evaluating inclusive practice and measuring impact

  • planning next steps using the School Self Evaluation (SSE) cycle

Participants work through a structured process of identifying a focus area, gathering evidence, implementing strategies and evaluating impact in their own professional context.


Assessment & Support

Assessment is practical, formative and closely linked to professional practice. There is no examination component.

Participants complete structured assignments, reflective tasks, forum contributions and classroom-based implementation activities. These are designed to support meaningful application of learning in real settings.

Facilitator support includes:

  • ongoing tutor guidance and engagement monitoring

  • feedback on assignments and reflective work

  • moderated discussion forums

  • support with applying learning to practice

  • early intervention where additional support may be needed

Feedback focuses on practical application, inclusive practice and reflection on impact.

Forus Training is committed to supporting learners to participate as fully as possible in their course. Learners who may need reasonable accommodation or additional support are encouraged to contact their Course Advisor as early as possible so that appropriate supports can be discussed.




Career Opportunities

This course can form part of your wider continuing professional development journey. It may complement further training in areas such as inclusive education, special educational needs, neurodiversity, communication support, structured teaching, early years inclusion and reflective practice.

It is particularly suited to professionals who want to strengthen practical, classroom-based approaches and link professional learning to measurable improvements in practice.

Learner Welfare
At Forus Training, we aim to create a positive, inclusive and respectful learning environment. Our team is available to support learners throughout their experience, and we encourage participants to reach out if they need guidance in relation to course participation, access or learning support.

Learners are expected to engage in professional and respectful discussion, particularly when reflecting on real-life practice. Confidentiality and ethical practice should be maintained at all times.




Fees & How to Apply

Please refer to the current Forus Training course listing for up-to-date fee information and application details.

Where an employer, school or service is funding participation, approval should be confirmed in advance. For further information on enrolment or group bookings, contact hello@forustraining.ie.

Forus Training is committed to inclusive learning and supporting learners with disabilities and specific learning difficulties. The online environment is designed with accessibility in mind, and alternative formats may be available where appropriate.

Learners who require additional support are encouraged to make contact early so that suitable arrangements can be explored.

Terms and Conditions

  • Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis

  • Full payment or confirmed employer/funder approval is required before commencement

  • Cancellations must be made in writing

  • Fees are non-transferable unless otherwise stated

  • Course dates, times or delivery arrangements may be updated if required

  • A minimum number of participants may be required for the course to proceed

  • Learners are responsible for ensuring access to required systems and participation

  • Certification is subject to successful completion of course requirements



Delivery

Online delivery through a secure learning platform, combining asynchronous learning, guided tasks, moderated forums and offline professional application.