About the workshop:

Often we speak about focusing on the ‘ordinary’ and ‘typical’ ways and means to help people have access to the good things of life. However it’s also necessary to understand how intellectual disability can affect people in very real ways.

Presented by John Armstrong, this workshops introduces many of the main impacts of intellectual impairment. Participants will gain greater insight into the challenges that people face, and explore practical principles for supporting people to succeed and understand.

Participants in this workshop will gain greater insight into the challenges that people face in their daily lives, as well as gaining an appreciation of how easily others misunderstand and mistreat people with an intellectual disability.

The workshop will equip participants in practical ways by offering four windows to look through as a way of understanding people’s needs and how best to respond to meet those needs.

Download the accessible flyer here (word)

About the Presenter

John Armstrong has been involved in the lives of people with a disability and their families for over 40 years. He has worked as a trainer and consultant across many settings with individuals, families and agencies throughout Australia & New Zealand, affording him a large scope of experience & learning.

John is a Senior Social Role Valorisation Trainer as well as having extensive involvement with Citizen Advocacy. John has a particular interest in promoting people’s welfare and reducing the potential for neglect and harm.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is for all of those who are looking for practical ways to support people with an intellectual disability to succeed and be understood. This will include family members and workers at all levels.

Using Your NDIS Funding at CRU

For self-managing and plan-managed NDIS participants, see the Learning Objectives on the event's page. You can decide if this is a reasonable and necessary support to help you (or your family member) achieve their goals.

Learning Objectives

People who complete this event will be able to:

Identify the historical origins of the many misguided perspectives held about people with intellectual impairments.
Consider the likely impact of intellectual impairment upon a person’s cognitive understanding.
Identify some avenues of compensation for people with "movement differences".
Examine and be able to implement teaching processes that place the learner at best advantage.
Consider and seek expansion and opportunity for the many natural strengths of people with intellectual impairments.

About CRU:

For over 35 years, Community Resource Unit has been working across Queensland to help people with disability take control of their lives and take their place in their community.

The cost of this event is partially subsidised by a Department of Social Services grant. If cost is a barrier to attending, please contact CRU to discuss.

Please contact CRU if you require assistance to register, attend or participate in this event.

Ph: 07 3844 2211 or Email: cru@cru.org.au

COVID-19: Please do not attend on the day if you are unwell, if you have COVID-19 like
symptoms or have been in close contact with a confirmed case.

Contact the host of Understanding Intellectual Disability - Townsville April 2025