Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education - Flinders University · Bedford Park, Australia

Year one builds foundational knowledge in disability perspectives, neurodiversity, communication diversity, and the disability service landscape at Flinders Bedford Park. You develop research and study skills while exploring critical issues in disability through core topics aligned with DEAI accreditation pathways. Choose from electives spanning inclusive education, health and social care, psychology, sociology, creative thinking, or indigenous representation to broaden your professional lens before practicum placements from year two.

Core topics

Option topics

Year two combines supervised practicum placement with core coursework in employment and disability, instructional strategies, advocacy, and legal and ethical aspects of health care. You strengthen research and study skills while learning principles of learning and instruction and disability health and wellbeing — preparing for case management, positive behaviour support, and partnership-based practice with people with disability and their supporters.

Core topics

Year three deepens professional practice through Practicum 2, communication rights and access, case management and support coordination, and building community capacity. Core topics include entrepreneurial skills for small disability services, introduction to positive behaviour support and counselling, and advanced research skills — positioning you for developmental educator roles across NDIS, schools, and community organisations.

Core topics

Year four integrates advanced positive behaviour support theory, practicum, and mentoring with therapeutic supports delivery and early childhood development. The DE specialisation practicum and professional practice capstone consolidate leadership skills for accredited developmental educator practice — graduating eligible to apply for full DEAI membership as a Developmental Educator and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner.

Core topics