The Intersection of Disability and Socio-Emotional Wellness (DST309)

Social and emotional challenges can appear in many forms, such as disruptive or distressing behaviours, or a tendency to withdraw and become isolated. These difficulties may sometimes be linked to underlying mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. However, social and emotional struggles can also stem from everyday situations that individuals perceive as insurmountable. These may include major life transitions, academic pressure and relational difficulties. This course explores multiple strategies to promote social and emotional wellbeing in persons with disabilities, thus helping them to better manage mental disorders as well as the stressors of daily life.

• The Link Between Disabilities, Special Educational Needs, and Mental Health
• Mental Health Disorders Coexisting with Disabilities and Special Educational Needs
• Types and Spectrum of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health
• Indicators of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Challenges
• Disabilities and Special Educational Needs in the Context of SEMH Treatment and Intervention
• Social, Emotional, and Mental Health of Individuals with Disabilities and Special Educational Needs
• Social-Emotional Learning for Pupils with Disabilities and Special Educational Needs
• Social-Emotional Learning for Adult Learners with Disabilities and Special Educational Needs
• Informal Counselling Approaches
• Whole-School Strategies for Behaviour and Discipline
• Professional Collaboration and Resources Supporting Mental Health in Individuals with Disabilities and Special Educational Needs
• Crisis Intervention Strategies

• Demonstrate practical knowledge of mental health in relation to persons with disabilities.
• Indicate the connection between social and emotional health and the mental well-being of persons with disabilities.
• Examine the principles guiding approaches to supporting persons with disabilities who experience mental health challenges.
• Create a plan for collaborating with professionals to support persons with disabilities who experience mental health issues.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of an organisation-wide strategy for managing challenging behaviour associated with mental health issues.
• Test for signs of social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties in individuals with disabilities.