Developmental Services Worker

Course Code: DSW 100

Students will gain an understanding of the role of significant others and the community in the maintenance of emotional well-being and happiness as resiliency factors for persons with developmental delay. Rudimentary skills necessary for case management, group development, community assessment, and the teaching of the social skills for the acquisition and maintenance of community relationships will be emphasized.

Course Code: DSW 101

This course examines the broad field of developmental disabilities from many perspectives. Topics covered include:

historical perspectives
changing attitudes to developmental disabilities
laws protecting people who have intellectual disabilities
causes, prevention and emerging research
advocacy, growth, inclusion, and empowerment of people who have developmental disabilities
issues facing families with members who are intellectually disabled
inclusive education.

Course Code: DSW 103

This three-week block placement will introduce you to the role of the developmental services worker in a community setting. The primary focus will be on meaningful interaction with people who have developmental disabilities and their supportive networks.

Course Code: DSW 104

This course will introduce the developmental process that occurs from fertilization to middle childhood. The main focus will be on normal development, but some attention will be placed on variations from the norm in such areas as physical, developmental and/or learning disabilities. The cognitive, physical, social and emotional aspects of development will be addressed.

Course Code: DSW 105

This course is designed to introduce students to the theories and concepts that apply to interpersonal communication. The aim is to enhance the development of effective interpersonal skills in formal and informal, professional and non-professional situations.

Course Code: DSW 106

What makes us behave as we do? How can behaviour be changed? This course is a general introduction to the principles of behaviour management. It will provide an overview of theory, plus the major concepts related to positive behavioural approaches, including classical and operant conditioning. The key elements of the ABC model will be reviewed, in particular the use of reinforcement strategies to promote learning. There will also be an emphasis on the ethical utilization of behavioural techniques to enhance the probability that people who have developmental disabilities will develop effective behaviours that are personally fulfilling, productive and socially acceptable.

Course Code: DSW 107

This course introduces students to a wide variety of formal and informal community support services that work together to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Methods of researching and accessing services are addressed. It also introduces the competencies involved in successfully fulfilling the role of a developmental services worker and encourages students to identify with and demonstrate professional ethics and behaviour. Strong emphasis will be placed on the development of the student?s skills in working effectively within a group. Information gathered regarding community support services will also enhance the student?s awareness of possible placement opportunities. Students will prepare for their field placement experiences. This course is a prerequisite for all field placements.

Course Code: WRIT 100

College Writing Skills emphasizes elements of the writing process. Although subject matter and format may change from one program to another, the skills necessary for effective writing remain the same, as do the professional standards that all Humber students are expected to attain. Students will practice the reading and writing skills that will be valuable in their college programs and build a strong base for professional business writing. Those students who plan to further their studies will develop the fundamental skills for writing acceptable academic English. To help students reach these goals, the course covers the following: analytical reading and critical thinking; essay organization and development; and the elements of clear writing, including grammar and punctuation skills. To complete WRIT 100 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the attached criterion sheet.

Course Code: DSW 152

This course presents the underlying philosophy and basic components of a planning process that will provide co-ordinated, comprehensive and effective support to people who have intellectual disabilities.

Course Code: DSW 153

The aim of this course is to develop in students the skills and techniques to modify teaching activities and materials for students with developmental, physical and/or learning disabilities. Strategies for effective adaptation of teaching plans and increasing student social skills will be presented throughout the course. The interactive roles of the developmental services worker and teachers in the Ontario educational system will be examined.

Course Code: DSW 154

This course will explore the nature of abuse towards people of all ages in our society. The course will result in greater awareness of the vulnerability of people with intellectual disabilities and the latest approaches in prevention and response to abuse towards this group. It will focus not only on family violence but abuse in support and care environments such as residential, school and day programs. Particular emphasis will be placed on the detection, prevention and reporting of abuse specific to the role of the developmental service worker. In light of society?s increasing commitment to overcoming this problem, the response of the community, laws and protection orders will be examined.

Course Code: DSW 156

During this three-week block placement, you will be placed in a community setting where you will continue to develop and sharpen your skills as a developmental services worker. You will build on the practical knowledge gained in Field Practice 1.

Course Code: DSW 157

The primary purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the developmental issues from puberty to adulthood, and the growth and behavioural patterns in the development of the physical, mental, emotional and social aspects of these life stages.

Course Code: DSW 158

This is a course that explores ways of promoting the growth and empowerment of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and ways of developing inclusive communities.

Course Code: DSW 159

The purpose of this course is to provide students with information and skills, which will increase their effectiveness in supporting people who have a dual diagnosis (a developmental disability and a mental health problem). The course will review why people who have developmental disabilities are vulnerable to mental illnesses; diagnostic issues; the biopsychosocial model of mental illness; six major types of mental illnesses and how they present in people who have a developmental disability; how to prepare comprehensive information for a mental health consultation; diverse intervention modalities and how to provide comprehensive supports. There will also be a focus on how the mental health system operates and the systemic issues, which act as barriers to accessing services for people with a dual diagnosis.

Course Code: DSW 163

The course will focus on core skills, which define professionalism and lead to effective leadership within social service agencies. Personal integrity, emotional intelligence and the ability to prevent and resolve conflict are course highlights. Students will learn to advocate on behalf of those with developmental delay as well as to promote the profile and welfare of their own profession.

Course Code: DSW 201

This course introduces students to the relationship of health and wellness to the role of the developmental services worker. It introduces students to body systems and some of the disorders associated with each. Students will also appreciate the interaction of the mind, the body, and the spirit of the people they support in general health promotion and illness prevention.

Course Code: DSW 202

Students will begin with counselling skills for verbal adults. In the second half of the course, students will adapt listening skills and problem-solving techniques to individuals with developmental delay. Students will learn verbal and projective techniques to assist individuals to define emotions, communicate information and overcome current emotional challenges and past traumas.

Course Code: DSW 203

This course is designed to introduce you to the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) and augmentative communication. Students will learn ASL skills appropriate in a variety of settings and with the different functioning levels of people who have developmental disabilities and/or physical limitations. Augmentative communication options appropriate for people who have developmental disabilities will be discussed in class and researched for an assignment. Students will learn how to design and implement visual tools within developmental services settings.

Course Code: DSW 204

This course will explore autism spectrum disorder and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. There will be an investigation of the current knowledge base regarding the causes of both disorders. The course will focus on presenting current best practice with respect to the most effective strategies to use when supporting individuals with these conditions, including medical, behavioural, and clinical interventions. The main goal of the course is to assist individuals with autism spectrum disorder or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder to be fully integrated citizens with a positive quality of life.

Course Code: DSW 205

This course presents an introductory overview of drug therapy and the role of the developmental services worker in the administration of medications. It will also provide students with a foundation of knowledge about medications that can be supplemented throughout their professional lives. Medications used for the integumentary, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system's diseases and disorders will be examined in more detail.

Course Code: DSW 206

This course will examine the impact of biological, psychological and sociocultural forces on human sexual behaviour. Emphasis will be given to the development and expression of sexuality and the education and prevention of sexual abuse in persons with developmental disabilities.

Course Code: DSW 213

This course builds upon the general principles of behaviour management techniques that were introduced in DSW. 215 Intervention Techniques 1. The emphasis will be upon the utilization of positive behavioural approaches, specifically with people who have developmental disabilities. There will be a focus on conducting functional assessments and developing programs, which will enhance the quality of life of these individuals. There will also be a review of specific behavioural topics that are connected to developmental disabilities. Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on supporting individuals to accomplish their goals, while assisting them to attain socially acceptable behaviours.

Course Code: GNED 101

The humanities course focuses on fundamental questions individuals ask of themselves as they proceed through life. Why are we the way we are? Do we have free will or are we prisoners of our past experience or our biological inheritance? What motivates societies to change? Why do societal changes so often divide people into opposing camps? Why do so many people find contemporary life at home, at work, and in the community unfulfilling? What constitutes good government? How should injustice be fought? Can nations successfully deal with global problems? What is science and how does it differ from other kinds of inquiry? Can scientists provide solutions to the problems we face? What is art and does it offer answers of its own? What is its relationship to beauty, to knowledge, and to ethics? Is objectivity about art (or anything) possible? These questions are organized into units that begin with issues concerning the nature of the individual and then extend outward to various social, cultural and physical contexts.

The issues explored in this course are too complex to have any one right answer. Rather, individuals must search for answers that make sense of their experiences via various theoretical perspectives. The humanities course supports this endeavour through study of different thinkers presented in the readings and exploration of different points of view explored in class discussions.

Course Code: WRIT 200

Business Writing Skills introduces students to the strategies of effective written workplace communication. This course is designed to build on and reinforce the writing skills developed in WRIT 100 and requires students to apply these skills to vocationally relevant assignments. Students will learn how to select and organize pertinent information according to purpose and audience and will practise presenting their ideas clearly, precisely, and effectively in various written formats. To complete WRIT 200 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the criterion sheet.

Course Code: DSW 251

This course introduces students to specific body systems with special emphasis on disorders associated with each. Students will also appreciate the interaction of the mind, the body, and the spirit of the people they support in general health promotion and illness prevention. The course will also introduce students to physical management strategies and techniques related to life skills for those who have physical exceptionalities. This will include techniques used for handling, positioning, dressing, feeding, toileting and managing equipment and wheelchairs.

Course Code: DSW 252

This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply their theory in supporting individuals, their families and friends. Students will utilize inclusion in facilitating growth and empowerment of these individuals and their families. Possible placements could include family support, group home and independent living areas.

Course Code: DSW 253

This course presents an overview of drug therapy and provides students with a basic working knowledge of specific medications for the gastrointestinal, endocrine, respiratory, and nervous system diseases and disorders. Students can supplement this knowledge throughout their professional lives.

Course Code: DSW 254

This course will introduce the student to people who have developmental disabilities, and seniors who have physical disabilities. The sensory impairments (hearing, vision, speech) and physical/emotional/neurological impairments will be addressed in relation to life skills training and support.

Course Code: DSW 255

The course will provide students with an opportunity to integrate theoretical concepts and practical experiences within a supportive environment. There will be opportunities to discuss relevant issues, methodologies, and to develop problem-solving models. Student experiences in a variety of different settings will be examined and issues such as the role of the developmental services worker, crisis management, race relations, and legal issues will be discussed. In the debriefing process, students will practice problem solving and methods of achieving results relating to such issues.

Course Code: DSW 256

This course will provide students with learning experiences in an educational or employment support setting such as preschool, primary or secondary school, adult developmental program, supported employment or employment training services.