Current Size: 100%
Program Code: 10401
Program Availability
Contact Information:
Jo Anne Nugent,
program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3257
joanne.nugent@humber.ca
Three consecutive semesters, beginning in September
The Developmental Services Worker – Accelerated diploma is the one most frequently recognized by employees as qualifying individuals to work with people of all ages who have disabilities such as autism, intellectual handicaps, physical disabilities, and dual diagnosis.
Skilled and involved faculty enrich this program with their own real-life work experiences in health and/or human services. The program's curriculum is updated frequently – in consultation with the Advisory Committee – to keep content current and relevant. Students learn basic theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in the social service, education and health areas.
Note: Optional information sessions may be held throughout the year for applicants who wish to learn more about this program. For dates, call 416.675.6622 ext. 3484.
In Ontario, more than 370 community agencies provide a range of services including community participation supports, residential supports, and respite. The provincial government now spends more than $1.35 billion a year on community-based supports for people who have developmental disabilities, alone. Make the most of your emotional maturity, good interpersonal skills, and a commitment to integration in a career as a community support worker, educational assistant, classroom assistant in daycare centres, counsellor in seniors programs, or adult protective service worker.
Practicum is a very important component; thus Humber offers a rich diversity of innovative and traditional placement opportunities. Program faculty consult with students regarding their interests and preferences, and then refer students to specific agencies – many located in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Placements can also be arranged in the student’s own communities outside of Toronto. During the second semester, students complete 20 days of placement. Third-semester placement is seven weeks and takes place during the summer period (May to June).
This program has partnerships with an extensive list of agencies that have provided placement and/or employment opportunities for students/graduates. These partners include the following: Addus; Bloorview MacMillan Centre; Brampton Caledon Community Living; Centennial Child Care Centre; Central West Specialized Developmental Services; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Christian Horizons; Community Living Burlington; Community Living Dufferin; Community Living Mississauga; Community Living Oakville; Community Living Toronto; Day Centres and Visiting Services for Seniors in Etobicoke; Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board; E.C. Drury School; Haney Centre; Harmony Place Support Services; John Howard/Elizabeth Fry Society; Kerry’s Place; L’Arche; Mary Centre; META Centre; Metropolitan Children’s Aid Society; Montage Support Services; Muki Baum Treatment Centre; New Visions; Options; Peel and Halton Acquired Brain Injury Services; Peel District School Board; Reena; Rumball Centre for the Deaf; Safehaven Project for Community Living; The Salvation Army Broadview Village; Storefront Humber; Surex Community Services; Toronto Catholic District School Board; Toronto District School Board; Vita Community Living Services; Whitby Psychiatric Hospital; York South Association for Community Living.
Members of Humber’s Developmental Services Worker Advisory Committee have extensive experience in the developmental services profession, representing a variety of settings. Many are also members of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD).
Graduates may apply to become members of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD) and the Developmental Services Special Interest Group (DSSIG).
Note: For more information, refer to Selection Procedures.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
Note: These additional requirements are not Developmental Services Worker program admission requirements. However, they will be required when applying to prospective placements during the program.
The following requirements must be completed before field placement can begin:
The 2013/2014 fee for three semesters is
Amounts listed are the total of tuition, lab and material fees, student service and auxiliary fees for the first three semesters of the 2013/2014 academic year. Fees are subject to change. For more information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance.
$750– textbooks.
Humber also offers the four-semester Developmental Services Worker postsecondary diploma program 01101 and the Developmental Services Worker Apprenticeship program.
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DSW 101 | Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 1 |
| DSW 106 | Intervention Techniques 1 |
| DSW 107 | Community Orientation |
| DSW 155 | Independent Study 1 |
| DSW 157 | Health and Wellness 1 |
| DSW 202 | Counselling Skills |
| DSW 203 | Sign Language and Augmentative Communication |
| DSW 204 | Autism and Other Complex Needs |
| DSW 205 | Basic Pharmacology 1 |
| WRIT 100 | College Reading and Writing Skills |
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DSW 152 | Person-Centred Planning |
| DSW 154 | Responding to Abuse |
| DSW 158 | Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 2 |
| DSW 159 | Abnormal Psychology/Dual Diagnosis |
| DSW 207 | Independent Study 2 |
| DSW 213 | Intervention Techniques 2 |
| DSW 251 | Health and Wellness 2 |
| DSW 253 | Basic Pharmacology 2 |
| DSW 255 | Integrative Seminar |
| WRIT 200 | Workplace Writing Skills |
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DSW 252 | Home/Community Practicum |
| DSW 254 | Life Skills/Seniors Practicum |
| DSW 256 | Education/Employment Support Practicum |