How To Establish A Learning Culture
Contents
Why?
In order to achieve and sustain continuous improvement in service delivery within the disability sector it is crucial that services establish a 'learning culture.'
The establishment of a 'learning culture' ensures that the disability workforce has the knowledge and skills required to promote innovative approaches that support people with a disability, based on their individual needs and preferences.
How?
A competent workforce is integral to achieving and sustaining continuous improvement within the disability sector. In order for innovative initiatives to succeed it is crucial that services identify the following:
- The core competencies and training required for all roles in the disability workforce. This should include new roles, such as community strengthening and developing personal networks to enable people with a disability to participate in their communities.
- The skills required by staff to complete tasks associated with the project or initiative.
- The 'gaps' in knowledge and skills of disability workers involved in the project or initiative.
- The amount of managerial/supervisory/coaching support required and available to staff to implement the project or initiative.
- The learning networks or partnerships supporting the project or initiative.
Outcome
Therefore, projects should clearly demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the establishment and implementation of a learning culture that enhances the knowledge and skills of disability workers, enabling them to support the individual needs and preferences of people with a disability leading to continuous improvement and quality service delivery.
