Disability Awareness Training Course

Everybody deserves inclusive and respectful support, but not everyone faces the same barriers. Disabilities come in all forms—physical, cognitive, sensory, visible, invisible—and they affect people differently. For those in health and social care, understanding this diversity is essential to creating positive experiences for people who use services.

This free online Disability Awareness Training Course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to recognise and address barriers, communicate effectively, and create supportive environments for individuals with disabilities. You’ll learn how to meet legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010, better understand the challenges people face, and take real steps to promote inclusion in your practice.

By taking this course, you’re contributing to a future where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered in all areas of life and work.

Why Take This Course?

Addressing disability awareness isn’t just about meeting legal obligations—it’s about ensuring each individual you support or work with feels seen, respected, and enabled to thrive. Here’s why this course could be a game-changer for you:

• Understand how disability intersects with everyday environments: Learn practical ways to remove barriers, improve accessibility, and make workplaces and services welcoming to all.
• Communicate inclusively: Gain confidence using appropriate language, interacting positively, and ensuring your communication respects everyone’s preferences and abilities.
• Support equality in social care roles: Understand the laws and responsibilities tied to disability in your role under the Equality Act, including how to make reasonable adjustments and recognise forms of discrimination.
• Create impactful change: This course provides actionable insights you can immediately apply in your day-to-day work, whether that’s developing policies, improving your relationships, or setting new standards in your organisation.
• Be confident in using modern tools: Discover assistive technologies and how they can break down barriers for individuals in workplaces and services.

If you work in social care, this course isn’t just relevant—it’s tailored to the challenges you face. Expand your understanding, develop your skills, and be better prepared to help people navigate the difficulties disabilities can present.

Learning Outcomes

Through this training, you’ll cover key areas that will build your understanding and confidence in supporting individuals with disabilities. These are just some of the things you’ll take away:

• Learn how disability is defined legally in England under the Equality Act 2010 and why this matters in your work.
• Understand the different types of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, sensory, visible, and invisible ones—and explore what these terms actually mean in practice.
• Discover the two main ways disabilities are conceptualised: the social model vs. the medical model. Learn why embracing the social model empowers individuals by removing barriers.
• Recognise examples of discrimination, harassment, and victimisation—so you can spot unfair treatment and know how to prevent it.
• Master inclusive communication techniques, from using respectful language to interacting confidently with individuals according to their preferences and needs.
• Explore solutions for making environments more accessible, removing barriers like physical obstacles, visual impairments, hearing differences, and challenges related to neurodiversity.
• Learn actions you can take to create a workplace culture where inclusion is valued.
• Get practical advice to improve accessibility in your workplace or services, with examples of what small changes can lead to big improvements.
• Discover assistive technologies and tools, helping you understand how they work and how they benefit individuals and organisations.

You’ll also hear real-life experiences directly from individuals with disabilities. By learning their stories, you’ll develop deeper empathy and a clearer understanding of the impact of barriers—and actions you can take to make a difference.

Target Audience

This free Disability Awareness Training Course is perfect for:

• Social care professionals, including carers, support workers, and healthcare assistants.
• Managers and team leaders who want to promote disability-inclusive practices in their workplace.
• Others working in roles where supporting people with disabilities is part of the job—like outreach workers, HR teams, and volunteers in community services.
• Those who want to learn practical tools and gain new understanding, whether just starting in social care or working to improve current practices.

Whatever your role is, if you interact with people who use services or work to improve inclusivity in your organisation, this course is designed for you.

FAQ

Does the course cost anything?
No, it’s fully free. You can access all materials without worrying about costs.

How long does the course take?
You can complete it in your own time. It takes about 90 minutes when done in one sitting, but you can break it into shorter sessions to suit your schedule.

Will I get a certificate after completing the course?
Yes, you’ll receive an electronic certificate when you finish the training, which you can use to demonstrate your awareness and understanding of disability inclusion.

Do I need previous knowledge on this topic?
No background knowledge is needed. This course covers everything you’ll need from start to finish, so it’s perfect for beginners or those looking for a refresher.

How can I apply what I’ve learned?
The course provides actionable advice and strategies you can implement immediately—whether it’s improving communication, suggesting accessibility changes in your workplace, or recognising assistive tech options for daily operations.

What if I need help during the course?
Support is always available for learners. You can reach out with any questions while you’re working through the material.

Is this CPD accredited?
No, but it will be shortly.

Join now to explore how you can create a future where every voice is heard and every individual has the chance to thrive. Let’s build a more inclusive, empowering, and accessible social care sector—one step at a time.

Start your free disability training today!