The New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) has an agreement for the Open Polytechnic to provide 50 free places for people working in organisations that are NZDSN members onto the online Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership. This arrangement is available beginning in 2022.
NZDSN has representation on the Open Polytechnic’s Social Health and Wellbeing Stakeholder Advisory Group that has had oversight of the development of this diploma. NZDSN believes that this qualification will help to address a gap in the professional development needs of many senior staff in our member organisations.
This offer is exciting and timely as our sector is positioned for “once-in-a-generation-change” with the recent commitment by government to implement the disability system transformation nationwide, that includes establishing a “Ministry for Disabled People”. We need to ensure we have strong and effective leadership at all levels of the disability sector who have a deep understanding of the Enabling Good Lives principles and can facilitate, collaborate and lead in the next phase of building new models and systems to support disabled people and their families and whānau.
The fees free positions are available to people who are either employed by an NZDSN Member Organisation OR an NZDSN Individual member.
The programme
The online Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership will prepare people to work in the rapidly transforming disability sector as confident, competent, responsive and collaborative leaders. The programme provides an opportunity for people with an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, or professional experience in the disability sector, to upskill in leadership and progress their careers in the sector.
Applications for the 2022 academic year are now open. Contact Susan Dey at the Open Polytechnic for further information about entry criteria into the programme.
The application process for an allocated NZDSN “fees free” enrolment onto the programme is now open!
NZDSN will select candidates to be put forward to the Open Polytechnic to be considered for enrolment fees free.
To apply:
- Please provide an introduction of yourself that illustrates your work history in the disability sector (minimum 2 years) and/or your lived experience of disability.
- In up to 200 words, please explain the leadership contribution you expect to make in our sector, having successfully completed the Graduate Diploma in Disability Leadership. We invite you to demonstrate strong leadership and to be brave and courageous in your message. Note: that your contribution may be published on NZDSN’s closed Facebook page for other sector leaders to view and comment.
- Provide evidence from the Open Polytechnic that you meet their academic entry criteria for the Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership.
- Provide evidence that your employer agrees to support you to undertake the course (eg by providing study time or other specified accommodations that will meet your needs for the duration of your Diploma study).
Send your application to admin@nzdsn.org.nz. Applications close Monday 13 December 2021 at 5 pm. The successful candidates will then be recommended to the Open Polytechnic for enrolment “fees free” under NZDSN’s allocated 50 spaces.
Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership Fact Sheet pdf
Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership Study Plan pdf
Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership Application form pdf
Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership Application form word