Short Course in Disability Support



Course Overview
Looking to explore a career in disability support or build essential skills to help others live more independently? The Short Course in Disability Support is a nationally recognised short course that gives you the confidence and foundational knowledge to get started in this rewarding field.
If you're considering working in disability support but want to test the waters first, this short course is an ideal starting point. Whether you're exploring the sector before committing to a full Certificate III qualification, prefer to study online, or need a Statement of Attainment to begin working in the field, this course offers a practical and flexible entry pathway.
This online course leads to a Statement of Attainment from the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) and includes three key units focused on diversity, ethical practice, and supporting people with disability to participate fully in community life.
Whether you’re new to the industry or want to upskill quickly, this self-paced course provides job-ready skills and a pathway to further study or employment in the disability support sector.
What You Will Learn
By completing this short course, you’ll gain key skills to support people with disability and promote inclusive practices. You’ll learn how to:
Work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
Understand and apply legal and ethical responsibilities in a care setting
Support individuals with disability to participate in community life and social activities
Build communication and collaboration skills for working in disability support
Promote inclusion, dignity, and independence in your day-to-day practice
Career Outcomes
Introducing the Upskilled Health and Community Services Job Portal
Dive into a world of career opportunities in healthcare, community support, and disability support with Upskilled's dedicated platform. Connect directly with leading employers who value your skills and passion for making a difference. Our streamlined platform lets you personalise your job search, explore targeted courses to boost your career readiness, and find flexible employment options that fit your lifestyle. Join the Upskilled Health and Community Services Job Portal today to start shaping a brighter future.
Possible Careers
Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue the following career outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Upskilled’s Short Course in Disability Support is a flexible, online training option that helps you develop essential skills through nationally recognised learning. This short course includes core disability support units from the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), and leads to a Statement of Attainment. If you're looking for a disability support short course, want to study disability online, or need a Statement of Attainment in disability support to get started in the sector, this course offers a practical entry point. Below are some FAQs to help you learn more about Upskilled’s Short Course in Disability Support.
Upskilled’s Short Course in Disability Support is a nationally recognised online course designed to help you explore a career in the disability sector. It comprises three essential units from the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) and results in a Statement of Attainment. The course provides a flexible and practical approach to gaining foundational knowledge and determining if a career in disability support is right for you.
Yes. The Short Course in Disability Support leads to a Statement of Attainment for three units that form part of the nationally recognised CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). You can use these units as credit towards the full qualification in the future.
This course is delivered 100% online, allowing you to study at your own pace, from anywhere in Australia. You’ll have access to Upskilled’s interactive learning platform, digital resources, and trainer support throughout your studies.
This course is ideal for anyone interested in working with people with disability, including school leavers, career changers, or support workers looking to upskill. If you're not ready to commit to a full qualification but want to build confidence and capability, this short course provides a great starting point.
Absolutely. The units you complete in this short course can be credited towards the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or other relevant qualifications, helping you save time and reduce duplication if you choose to continue your training.
Yes. This short course equips you with practical skills that are valued in the disability sector. While it’s not a full qualification, it can help you qualify for entry-level roles or provide a strong foundation to continue studying towards the full Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability).
Course Modules
To satisfy the requirements of this nationally recognised short course, you'll need to complete the following units of competency.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work with basic information about healthy body systems and the impacts of ageing and disability. It includes recognising and reporting any changes in healthy bodies involving people who are ageing or living with disability. Any identified issues of concern to be reported to the supervisor or professional health staff. This unit applies to workers across a range of community services contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist with supporting people with disability in community participation and social inclusion using a person-centred approach. This involves enabling people to make choices to maximise their participation in various community settings, functions and activities to enhance psychosocial wellbeing and lifestyle in accordance with the person’s needs and preferences. This unit applies to workers in varied disability services contexts. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and may be carried out under regular direct, indirect or remote supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Payment Options
Spread the Cost - Payment Plans
You pay
$62 per week
All amounts are in AUD. Speak to our friendly Education Consultants at 1300 009 024 to learn about flexible payment plans.
*Terms & Conditions Apply. Please contact our education consultants to learn more.
Industry Outlook
Discover why Community Services is a vital and rewarding field, making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Annual Employment Growth
30,200
Median Age
41
Education pathways
If you successfully complete the Short Course in Disability Support, you may be able to pursue the following related qualifications:
Studying with Upskilled
What's Included?
By choosing Upskilled's Short Course in Disability Support, you'll gain access to resources that enhance your online learning experience, making it interactive and engaging:
Benefit from expert career advice provided by our trainers as you study.
Connect directly with employers seeking your new skills
Access top vendor content like Microsoft and prepare for certifications.
Access course materials through our customised learning platform.
Get help from our dedicated Australian-based support team.
Learn from experts with decades of industry experience.
What you need to know
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. To make sure you get the most out of training with us, the following enrolment process applies:
- Once you have inquired, one of our friendly Education Consultants will contact you to ensure you have the right pre-existing knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification.
- A short language, literacy and numeracy assessment will need to be completed upon enrolment.
Recommended Skills and Resources:
- Have the ability to read and write in English and display numeracy skills up to a minimum level of Year 10.
- Have access to a modern computer with high-speed internet.
- Have access to a device with audio/video recording and playback capabilities.
- Have basic computing skills, including the ability to make and upload short videos.
Dedicated Community Service Trainers
Upskilled's community services trainers bring comprehensive skills and industry experience to prepare you for a rewarding career. They approach training with empathy, compassion, and openness, helping you develop job-ready skills. Support includes recorded assessment walkthroughs, academic support sessions, additional resources, professional development opportunities, peer support, practical practice sessions via Zoom, and online recorded training.
Hear from our past students

Personally I enjoyed the selected content of the course! What I appreciate most is the way is organised! I never found a school website/platform so well organised in every details!! I personally struggle with concentration and find the “immersive reader” tool was truly a gift! Jackie is an incredible teacher: very efficient, supportive, helpful and friendly! I wish the school is gonna introduce soon the Certificate IV of Individual Support !!! Thank you all!

My experience with Upskilled has been excellent. The variety of resources and flexible scheduling have made learning convenient and enjoyable. I had access to diverse learning materials, including Zoom meetings, discussions, and reading materials. I particularly appreciated the teachers' availability to answer messages or reschedule meetings as needed. This support significantly enhanced my studying experience.

My Experience with upskilled's coordinator Mr Ronnie, is absolutely amazing, his such a great teacher and his explanation in regarding the course are very clear and very helpful. Since I started he was always there when needed help with the course. Mr Ronnie makes you understand how to reach your goal of understanding of each session and the progress is very successful. Keep up with the good work Ronnie, and i recommend Upskilled's and Ronnie to every student and do not hesitate to contact all staff there as there a very grateful and will attend helping you straight away. One more think, I wouldn't be able to do this with out you (Ronnie) helping and supporting me, overall his fantastic. I look forward to the next meeting.
Our Trainers
Upskilled Community Service trainers are industry professionals with extensive experience and expertise, dedicated to providing practical, hands-on learning. They are committed to helping students develop the skills to succeed in the impactful and evolving community services industry.
Upskill to stay ahead of the curve.
Speak with an Upskilled Education Consultant to gain insightful guidance on identifying the ideal course for your career path and future aspirations.