Contemporary Disability Practice unit (ZAC118)

Online

Introduction

Support services, both mainstream and specialised, are adopting contemporary disability practices to enable self-determination, choice and control by people with disability. This unit examines the evolution of disability practice with particular emphasis on the reforms arising from the Disability Royal Commission and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Using a rights-based framework, you will explore themes of participation and inclusion and develop professional skills in effective communication, advocacy, support coordination and capacity building. 

Summary

Unit name	Contemporary Disability Practice
Unit code	ZAC118
Credit points	12.5
College/School	University College
Discipline	Pathways
Coordinator	Mr Nick Arnott
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise evidence-based principles, policies, models and frameworks for contemporary disability practice
• Reflect upon self, and the experiences and perspectives of people living with disability, to inform contemporary practice
• Apply professional communication, advocacy and reporting skills and standards.
• Plan, promote and support inclusion, participation, self-determination, choice and control for people with disabilities.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
061309	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,919.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	2 x 2-hour online tutorials and 1 x 3-hour online workshop per semester. 6-hours per week of asynchronous, self-directed engagement with online learning materials and activities. 4-hours per week (on average, peaking around assessment task due dates) of independent study associated with the completion of assessment tasks.
Assessment	AT1: Online Discussions - Contemporary Disability Practice (15%)|AT2: Practice Development Interview and Report (35%)|AT3: Evolving Case Study (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.