Introduction to Disability care
Disability care is not always easy, but its impact is incredibly profound. A successful disability worker has great patience, determination, and empathy—do you have what it takes to make a difference? Begin a rewarding career by studying a disability course, online through Open Universities Australia.
Explore disability care courses
Discover disability care courses
Online disability care subjects and short courses
Health and Wellbeing in Social and Cultural Contexts
UndergraduateCUR-NURS1003
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Jun 2025, 1 Dec 2025
Next enrolment closes 25 May
Understanding and Support for Autism
UndergraduateLTU-PSY3ASD
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 28 Jul 2025
Contemporary Disability Practice
UndergraduateTAS-ZAC118
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care
UndergraduateUSA-WELF3024
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Online disability care degrees
Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies
PostgraduateGRF-AUS-GCE
Bring a whole-of-life approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Creative Arts and Community Wellbeing (Visual Art)
UndergraduateUSQ-CAV-DEG
Your creativity can improve the lives of others
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateSCU-CMW-DEG
Help and support people and families in need
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology
UndergraduateUSA-PSY-DEG
Choose a career with a human touch
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Need help before enrolments close?
Our student advisors are here to guide you with expert advice on:
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- Finding a study option that suits your needs
- Understanding your funding options
Get unbiased advice at no cost, before 25 May
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Disability care study FAQs
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.
For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.
How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.
Chat with us to find out more.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We’ll help you navigate the university world Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
Areas you'll explore in a disability course
Special needs care: Manage and improve the behaviour of those with complex or challenging needs.
Special needs education: Support learning and development, design tailored learning plans to cater to individual needs.
Disability and the law: Develop policies and procedures to ensure that disability care is effective and ethical.
Social inclusion: Work on strategies for integrating people with disabilities into the community.
Career paths to take
With increased funding for Australians with disabilities under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the demand for disability care professionals is growing. Careers that graduates often pursue include:
Disability support work - For example, personal care, domestic support or transportation.
Job facilitation - Prepare people with disabilities for the workforce.
Specialist support - For example, physiotherapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy (requires specialist study).
Disability organisation work - Play a role within a disability-based organisation.
Disability policy work - Examine and amend the law to ensure a better future for people with disabilities.
Student stories and study advice
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5 inspiring reasons to pursue a community services career
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5 rewarding jobs in disability services (that aren’t support work)
If you’re drawn to a career that sees you making a difference in people’s lives every day, disability services could be your perfect fit, even if support work isn’t your goal.
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Unclear on the Voice to Parliament? Here’s what you need to know about Australia’s upcoming referendum, which will decide if Indigenous Australians can advise on matters that affect their lives.We’re here to guide you to the right uni course
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.
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Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.
You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni
We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.
You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year
We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.
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