Current Size: 100%
Developmental Services Worker – Accelerated |
School of Social & Community Services |
Program AvailabilityLakeshore Fall 2012: Open |
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Type:
Diploma
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Campus:
Lakeshore
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Program Code:
10401 |
Length:
Three consecutive semesters, beginning in September
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CONTACT INFORMATION: JoAnne Nugent, EdD, program co-ordinator | 416.675.6622 ext. 3257 | joanne.nugent@humber.ca
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Graduates may apply to become members of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD) and the Developmental Services Special Interest Group (DSSIG).
- written documentation from employers of at least 60 hours of secondary school co-op, volunteer or paid work experience, preferably with people who have developmental disabilities. Experience in other social service areas will be considered. The letter of reference should comment on your performance during your work experience. You can provide more than one letter of reference if applicable
- completion of a written questionnaire
- completion of an English writing sample (topic assigned at session), which will be assessed for English proficiency. Applicants living 200 kilometres or more from the Greater Toronto Area may make alternative arrangements to do the English writing sample
Note: For more information visit Selection Procedures.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
Additional Requirements
For more information visit Fees and Financial Assistance.
$750 – textbooks.
Semester 1 | ||
| Course Code | Course | Credits |
| COMM 200 | College Writing SkillsCollege Writing SkillsCourse Code: COMM 200 Credits: 3 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 COMM 200 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the attached criterion sheet.
| 3 |
| DSWA 102 | Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 1Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 1Course Code: DSWA 102 Credits: 3 This course examines the broad field of developmental disabilities from many perspectives. Topics covered include: | 3 |
| DSWA 104 | Community OrientationCommunity OrientationCourse Code: DSWA 104 Credits: 3 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. | 3 |
| DSW. 110 | Independent Study 1*Independent Study 1*Course Code: DSW. 110 Credits: 1 Independent Study 1 is comprised of special assignments to cover the following courses: DSW. 108 Human Growth and Development 1 and DSW. 203 Human Growth and Development 2. | 1 |
| DSWA 207 | Basic Pharmacology 1Basic Pharmacology 1Course Code: DSWA 207 Credits: 2 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. | 2 |
| DSW. 208 | Health and Wellness 1Health and Wellness 1Course Code: DSW. 208 Credits: 2 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. | 2 |
| DSW. 215 | Intervention Techniques 1Intervention Techniques 1Course Code: DSW. 215 Credits: 2 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. | 2 |
| DSW. 303 | Counselling SkillsCounselling SkillsCourse Code: DSW. 303 Credits: 3 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. | 3 |
| DSW. 304 | Sign Language and Augmentative CommunicationSign Language and Augmentative CommunicationCourse Code: DSW. 304 Credits: 2 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. | 2 |
| DSW. 316 | Autism and Other Complex NeedsAutism and Other Complex NeedsCourse Code: DSW. 316 Credits: 3 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. | 3 |
*Independent Study 1 is comprised of special assignments to cover these courses: | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| DSW. 108 | Human Growth and Development 1Human Growth and Development 1Course Code: DSW. 108 Credits: 3 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. | 3 |
| DSW. 203 | Human Growth and Development 2Human Growth and Development 2Course Code: DSW. 203 Credits: 3 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. | 3 |
Semester 2 | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| COMM 300 | Business Writing SkillsBusiness Writing SkillsCourse Code: COMM 300 Credits: 3 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 COMM 200 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 COMM 300 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the criterion sheet. | 3 |
| DSW. 105 | Person-Centred PlanningPerson-Centred PlanningCourse Code: DSW. 105 Credits: 2 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. | 2 |
| DSW. 109 | Responding to AbuseResponding to AbuseCourse Code: DSW. 109 Credits: 2 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. | 2 |
| DSWA 204 | Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 2Introduction to Developmental Disabilities 2Course Code: DSWA 204 Credits: 3 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. | 3 |
| DSW. 205 | Abnormal Psychology/Dual DiagnosisAbnormal Psychology/Dual DiagnosisCourse Code: DSW. 205 Credits: 3 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. | 3 |
| DSW. 212 | Independent Study 2*Independent Study 2*Course Code: DSW. 212 Credits: 1 Independent Study 2 is comprised of special assignments to cover the following courses: DSW. 106 Educational Strategies and DSW. 230 Professionalism in Developmental Services. | 1 |
| DSW. 301 | Basic Pharmacology 2Basic Pharmacology 2Course Code: DSW. 301 Credits: 2 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. | 2 |
| DSW. 306 | Health and Wellness 2Health and Wellness 2Course Code: DSW. 306 Credits: 3 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. | 3 |
| DSW. 315 | Intervention Techniques 2Intervention Techniques 2Course Code: DSW. 315 Credits: 2 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. | 2 |
| DSW. 405 | Integrative SeminarIntegrative SeminarCourse Code: DSW. 405 Credits: 2 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. | 2 |
*Independent Study 2 is comprised of special assignments to cover these courses: | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| DSWA 106 | Educational StrategiesEducational StrategiesCourse Code: DSWA 106 Credits: 3 The aim of this course is to develop in students the skills and techniques to modify teaching activities and materials for students who have developmental, physical and/or learning disabilities. Effective adaptation of teaching plans and strategies for increasing student social skills will be presented throughout the course. The role of the developmental services worker relative to teachers in the Ontario educational system will be examined. | 3 |
| DSW. 230 | Professionalism in Developmental ServicesProfessionalism in Developmental ServicesCourse Code: DSW. 230 Credits: 2 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. | 2 |
Semester 3 | Course Code | Course | Credits |
| DSW. 400 | Home/Community PracticumHome/Community PracticumCourse Code: DSW. 400 Credits: 4 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. | 4 |
| DSW. 401 | Education/Employment Support PracticumEducation/Employment Support PracticumCourse Code: DSW. 401 Credits: 6 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. | 6 |
| DSW. 402 | Life Skills/Seniors PracticumLife Skills/Seniors PracticumCourse Code: DSW. 402 Credits: 4 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. | 4 |
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