Training Become a Rehab worker My Route to Rehab
My Route to Rehab
Jayne Rogers, a qualified KAB Rehab worker, describes her experience of taking KAB's Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care and explains how the qualification has helped her career
I have worked for KAB since 2005, joining as a trainee Rehabilitation Worker. In 2007 I applied to join the second cohort of the Foundation Degree Health and Social Care (VI Pathway) and was accepted onto the programme.
Having not studied at Higher Education level I found the first module "Skills for Prior Learning" particularly helpful as it enabled me to gain an understanding of the standard of work expected, how to reference material appropriately, how to find things in the library (no mean feat to begin with!) and also to begin to relate theory to practice in terms of my own work with service users and to recognise the need and value of being an independent learner, able to utilise information to take forward work with service users.
By understanding how the eye and its associated structures work it is possible to gain an appreciation of the likely difficulties that service users will encounter.
The Foundation Degree can be completed in either two or four years and I opted for the two year programme, studying two modules each term. The programme includes generic modules in Health and Social Care and specialist modules in Low Vision, Rehabilitation and Orientation and Mobility (specialist modules are studied at levels one and two over the two years).
The Low Vision modules were fascinating and, to me, the backbone of the specialist modules. By understanding how the eye and its associated structures work it is possible to gain an appreciation of the likely difficulties that service users will encounter. Lectures were the starting blocks for acquiring knowledge and I found that the books listed in the bibliography were a good basis, but that I needed to gather information from other sources in order to ensure that I gained a contextual understanding of subjects. As my knowledge expanded I was able to use it to inform the development of rehabilitative programmes appropriate to individual service users. Alongside the acquisition of the specialist knowledge we gained experience in delivering presentations and in carrying out assessments.
If you decide to go for this qualification you will work (very!) hard but you won't regret it - it is one of the most rewarding jobs and you will change people's lives.
The Orientation and Mobility modules covered both indoor and outdoor mobility and, as with all specialist modules, we had an opportunity to practice our skills with service users/work colleagues. The modules were delivered in an informal, relaxed, manner with the emphasis on the acquisition of practical skills, both in the role of service user and teacher.
In learning how to teach Orientation and Mobility I was conscious of the responsibility I held for teaching those with sight impairments how to move safely and confidently. Such responsibility is quite daunting but opportunities to practice the necessary skills alongside lectures and to integrate practical skills with theoretical knowledge related to the environment enabled me to transfer my knowledge and skills in order to enable service users to travel independently, whether that be a short distance or on longer routes using public transport.
The Rehabilitation modules incorporated equipment, including Assistive Technology, and enabled us to acquire teaching skills. Having to teach a group whilst colleagues look on is no easy task but honesty from one's peers is certainly worthwhile.
The generic modules focused on the way in which Health and Social Care work together in enabling service users. The modules were delivered to workers from differing backgrounds and I was the only person in my group following the VI pathway. It was very useful to work with others, most of whom worked in hospitals, as we were all able to gain a different perspective. By the end of these modules I had gained a good understanding of the interface between Health and Social Care. My final module was to write a report on a subject of my own choice related to my work. The report brought together all of the knowledge I had acquired on other modules, specialist and generic.
We had excellent lecturers for all of the modules and the feedback given enabled my role as a Rehabilitation Worker to develop. I now work full time at the Dover Sight Centre, dealing with complex cases, working with people who have sudden, significant sight loss as well as children and those who are Deafblind. My work is varied and I continue to learn.
If you decide to go for this qualification you will work (very!) hard but you won't regret it - it is one of the most rewarding jobs and you will change people's lives. Good luck.
Jayne Rogers
KAB Rehabilitation Worker