Developmental Services Worker - Accelerated Courses

Students will examine the role of the developmental services worker in relation to field placement expectations. Policies, processes, roles, responsibilities and expectations will be examined and discussed. Values, ethics, competencies, and requirements will be explored in classroom exercises and assignments. Note: Students will require additional mandatory training as part of the preparation process for fieldwork and in order to complete required assignments for this course.

This course will provide the student with multi-disciplinary information about developmental disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the causes of and conditions of disabilities as well as the current paradigms of practice.

Students will learn a variety of pharmacology competencies, as well as the related theory for specific body systems and the drugs that affect each system. The students will demonstrate procedures for the administration of medications through practical applications within the classroom. Considerations for administering medications for individuals with a disability will be the focus.

Students will explore foundational concepts in applied behaviour analysis. They will learn to assess the need for behaviour intervention as well as gain the skills required to develop and implement positive behavioural support strategies and plans across a variety of professional settings.

This course will build on the students' knowledge of disabilities and the current issues of importance in the field. Community services and resources will also be explored.

Students will learn a variety of health care competencies as well as the related theory for healthy living. The students will be required to demonstrate competencies through practical applications within the classroom.

Students will examine typical and atypical language development, augmentative communication, and best practices in the use of assistive technology. This course will use a blend of theory with hands on development of techniques necessary to support people at home, work or in school.

Students will be provided with an understanding of the principles and applications of techniques designed to assist persons who have been labelled. The focus will be hands on learning about how to improve accessibility, along with how to modify tasks/activities for improving all aspects of daily living.

Students will examine the learning styles of students with special needs. Included for study are approaches to inclusive education, instructional strategies, adaptation of learning activities and observational skills.

Students will be provided an overview of mental health diagnosis and the interventions/treatments currently used to promote successful inclusion in the community. As well, the student will learn about the nature of dual diagnosis and the need for coordinated system of supports and services for individuals with a disability.

In this course students will examine person centered approaches in order to support individuals with skills to live as independently as possible. Specific best practices in planning and support will be covered.

Students will be involved in 14 weeks of placement in community based agencies. Agency placements provide the student with experience supporting people with disabilities across the lifespan. Students will be in field placement three days a week with supervision from agency mentors and faculty supervisors.