Intellectual Disability Support Courses
Empower your team with accredited QQI training in Intellectual Disability Support. Our Level 5 and Level 6 online programmes are tailored for decision-makers in social care who want a qualified workforce equipped for today's standards.
Enrolments Open Now — Irish policy now requires frontline disability support staff to hold at least a Level 5 qualification. Ensure your team meets the standard today.
Send Me DetailsAccredited QQI Training in Intellectual Disability
These accredited courses (codes 5M1761, 5M4339, 6M4978) ensure staff develop person-centred skills, leadership abilities, and compliance knowledge — all aligned with national disability strategy and human rights frameworks.
Our curriculum reflects a rights-based, person-centred approach demanded by Irish disability policy. Courses train staff in the principles of the HSE's New Directions framework — emphasising independence, personal choice, and community integration. We also align with HIQA's regulatory standards, ensuring learners gain the competencies needed to maintain a safe and high-quality care environment.
These programmes also support Ireland's commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Having ratified the UNCRPD in 2018, Ireland emphasises equal human rights and access to high-quality services. Our training embeds UNCRPD principles — choice, dignity, equality — into everyday practice.
Compliance with Irish Disability Policy
Irish policies now require frontline disability support staff to hold at least a Level 5 qualification. Our Level 5 awards directly address that mandate. The HSE's New Directions framework calls for "individualised outcome-focused supports" so that people with disabilities can live according to their own wishes and aspirations — our courses train staff in these principles.
Core QQI Programmes
Three nationally accredited programmes — choose the right level and pathway for your team.
QQI Level 5 Intellectual Disability Practice (5M1761)
This 120-credit Level 5 programme is designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed for high-quality disability support. Learners master topics such as Intellectual Disability Studies, Community Inclusion, Empowering the Individual, Challenging Behaviour and Communication.
On completion, graduates can work independently or under supervision to apply best practices that help individuals with intellectual disabilities "reach their potential and live the lives of their choice." The curriculum is strongly person-centred, emphasising choice, empowerment and community inclusion — directly supporting the HSE's vision of individualised, outcome-focused supports.
QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support — Intellectual Disability Stream (5M4339)
This 120-credit Level 5 major award prepares healthcare assistants for disability services. It combines core care skills (e.g. personal care, mobility support, nutrition) with psychosocial skills (Care Support, Communications, Safe Work Practices) to ensure learners can provide safe, person-centred, high-quality care in line with best practices.
Graduates are qualified to work in nursing homes, day services, community groups and home support. The course content — including mandatory modules like Care Skills and Care Support — aligns with professional standards and regulatory expectations, ensuring staff can meet national quality standards (HIQA) and deliver compassionate, rights-based support.
QQI Level 6 Health Services Supervisory Management Skills — Social Care Stream (6M4978)
The Level 6 Health Services Supervisory Management Skills award (Social Care Stream) is a 120-credit programme that builds leadership and supervisory capacity within social care settings. It covers conflict management and supervisory management (mandatory modules) plus advanced electives in Communication and Leadership.
Graduates learn to manage teams effectively in community disability services, handle multi-disciplinary challenges, and maintain compliance with healthcare regulations. This programme suits those moving into Team Leader/Supervisor roles or seeking further study — providing a clear career progression pipeline from Level 5 to managerial levels.
Flexible Learning & Organisational Benefits
Designed for organisations who want to upskill their teams without disrupting services.
Online Anytime
All programmes are delivered fully online, allowing employees to study at their own pace around shift patterns and service needs. Our LMS and tutorials ensure continuous support.
Improved Care Quality
Trained staff deliver more person-centred, competent care, boosting service user satisfaction and meeting HIQA's quality standards. A stronger skill-set also reduces incidents and improves outcome metrics.
Staff Development Pipeline
These programmes create a clear career path — from entry-level support to supervisory roles — helping organisations retain talent. Investing in staff skills enhances morale and positions the organisation as an employer of choice.
Compliance Advantage
Having accredited QQI qualifications on-site makes audit preparation simpler. You demonstrate regulatory compliance (HIQA, New Directions, Health Act) and evidence of ongoing staff development.
Quality, Compliance & Human Rights Alignment
All Forus Training programmes incorporate the latest standards and policies in disability services. Our curriculum reflects a rights-based, person-centred approach demanded by Irish disability policy. For example, the HSE's New Directions framework calls for "individualised outcome-focused supports" so that people with disabilities can live according to their own wishes and aspirations.
Our courses train staff in these principles — emphasis on independence, personal choice and community integration. Likewise, we align with HIQA's regulatory standards, ensuring learners gain the competencies needed to maintain a safe and high-quality care environment. In fact, Irish policies now require frontline disability support staff to hold at least a Level 5 qualification; our Level 5 awards directly address that mandate.
These programmes also support Ireland's commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Having ratified the UNCRPD in 2018, Ireland emphasises equal human rights and access to high-quality services. Our training embeds UNCRPD principles (choice, dignity, equality) into everyday practice. Instructors model a human-rights focus, and course projects involve person-centred planning exercises mirroring UNCRPD goals.
Emma — Social & Community Care Expert
Emma has 20 years of experience in Social and Community Care and Education. She excels in training and programme development. Holding degrees in Social Studies and Digital Media, she is a skilled assessor and verifier for QQI Levels 3 to 6.
We offer ongoing support: technical assistance for online learning, study skills workshops, and dedicated tutors for feedback throughout your programme.
Why Learners Choose Forus Training
Trusted by thousands of learners and organisations across Ireland since 2000.
Explore Individual Course Pages
Find out more about each programme, including full module lists, delivery options and fees.
Ready to Qualify Your Team in Intellectual Disability Support?
Send us your details and a course advisor will get back to you with everything you need — programme options, group rates, and how to get your team enrolled.
