Full-time Programs
DSWP / DSWA / DSWD - Developmental Services Worker
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER AND JANUARY, Regular or Accelerated Programs, Distance Education
Program Length
Two-Year Ontario College Diploma
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Colleen Orrick | corrick@loyalistc.on.ca |
| Gord Connors (Distance) | gconnors@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Make a real difference in the lives of adults and children with disabilities.
- Both male and female graduates of Loyalist’s DSW program are in extremely high demand.
- Gain over 500 hours of real-world experience in three work placements.
- Earn your diploma full time or part time, on campus or by distance. You may even be eligible to complete an accelerated program in just 10 months.
- Specialize in working with children and adults with disabilities.
- Establish a rewarding career in human services.
Career Opportunities
Developmental services workers support people of all ages with physical and developmental disabilities. Graduates find employment across Canada and abroad, working with people with disabilities in a variety of settings.
Graduates work as developmental services workers, activity directors, and educational assistants; with seniors; and in the education, health, employment and recreational fields. Skills in community building, health care and literacy training have enabled recent graduates to obtain employment in a wide variety of settings in agencies, communities, and with families.
Program Description
The curriculum facilitates student learning toward effectively supporting people with physical and/or developmental disabilities as valued members of the community by:
- developing the knowledge skills and attitudes that can empower adults and children with disabilities
- promoting the development and maintenance of valued social roles with people who have disabilities
- facilitating greater inclusion through supported community living
- understanding attitudinal and physical barriers that people with disabilities encounter and collaborating with people who have disabilities to advocate for change
- developing skills to assist people who have physical disabilities with tasks of daily living.
The program includes both academic courses and over 500 hours of field placements. Field placement begins in the second semester and continues through subsequent semesters, providing opportunities for students to:
- immediately apply what they are learning
- see the relevance of what they learn right away, while still in the classroom
- engage in a problem-solving approach to learning.
Each field placement is supervised by DSW faculty, thereby facilitating ongoing learning as well as the application of what has been learned in the classroom.
Field placements are flexible in that students may choose from a wide variety of possible options including international placements, in consultation with faculty.
DSWA ACCELERATED PROGRAM
Applicants who have already completed a related university degree or college diploma can complete the DSW diploma in eight months through the accelerated program.
DSWD DISTANCE EDUCATION
Due to the high demand for Loyalist graduates, this program is also offered through correspondence. This flexible option enables students to complete the entire program via distance, begin the program in person and switch to distance, or vice versa.
For optimum flexibility, students can take as few or as many courses as they choose, to a maximum of eight per semester. The location and scheduling of field placements can be tailored to students’ individual circumstances. Students may be eligible to receive credit for prior experience and learning. Contact Gord Connors, Distance Coordinator (gconnors@loyalistc.on.ca or 613-969-1913, ext. 2349) for details.
Developmental Services Worker
Apprenticeship via Distance
Coordinator: Cora-Lee Lane e-mail: clane@loyalistc.on.ca
SEPTEMBER, JANUARY or may ENTRY
Apprenticeship Certificate (DSWM)
DSWM APPRENTICESHIP CERTIFICATE
The Apprenticeship program is for people interested in completing the DSW Apprenticeship Certificate while continuing to work. As a registered apprentice with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, you and your employer must enter into a contract which represents your employer’s willingness to support you through this certificate. There is no on-campus requirement for the Apprenticeship Certificate. Advanced standing and exemptions are available until the Ministry creates provincial exemption exams.
In addition to the DSW Apprenticeship Certificate, if the apprentice completes two required distance courses and provides proof of CPR- Level “B” and Standard First Aid, the apprentice will be eligible to receive the Loyalist DSW Ontario College Diploma. For more information regarding the Apprenticeship Certificate, visit: www.loyalistfocus.com
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Anyone 16 years of age or over who has acquired a Grade 12 or equivalent level of education can apply. Anyone who does not have a Grade 12 diploma may obtain this qualification through night school or correspondence courses. Information concerning qualification requirements leading to certification can be obtained by contacting Employment Ontario at 1-800-387-5656
APPROXIMATE COST AND REGISTRATION
Information regarding registration, courses and fees for DSWM is available at www.loyalistfocus.com
Approximate Cost
Tuition/Ancillary Fees: $3,096 (two semesters)
Tuition (Accelerated): $4,346
Books and Supplies: $1,040
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U), (M) or (O) level
OR
(b) Health: A formal confidential personal health history is required as part of the registration process, and to participate in practica/field placements. All applicants must be aware of the basic health requirements for employment and for field placement. Prospective students with special needs or limitations that may affect their field placement or potential employment opportunities are encouraged to discuss their program and career goals with faculty prior to admissions.
(c) CPR and First Aid: Prior to field placements, students must have valid certification in Standard First Aid and Level “B” CPR.
(d) Criminal Record Check: In order to participate in most placements, students will be required to complete a clean criminal record check by their local police service.
(e) Advanced Standing – Applicants with prior learning or related work experience may be eligible for credit recognition through Prior Learning Assessment or transfer of credit from another college or university.
Opportunities for Further Study
Graduates of the Developmental Services Worker program are eligible for direct entry to the following programs at Loyalist:
- Early Childhood Education, Accelerated Stream
- Social Service Worker, Accelerated Stream
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. Credit transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2009:
- Algoma University College
- Athabasca University
- Davenport University
- Griffith University
- Laurentian University
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Click here for details and minimum requirements. Graduates may contact the university of their choice to make individual arrangements. Informal agreements are in place with other institutions and new transfer agreements are added annually.
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
DSWP 1000 Positive Behavioural Supports
An introduction to the concepts and principles underlying Applied Behaviour Analysis with an emphasis on the role the environment plays in determining our behaviour. General applications of these principles in daily living are discussed. Moral, ethical and contemporary practices are also presented.
DSWP 1001 Person Centred Planning
Person Centred Planning is an approach to organizing services and support in the community for children and adults who are labeled as handicapped. This course focuses on planning in general, and assessment.
DSWP 1003 The Nature of Disabilities
The causes, prevalence, identification, and remediation of disabilities and the resources available to meet these needs is discussed. A special emphasis is placed on prevention. Included in the topics of this course are dual diagnosis and mental illness.
DSWP 1004 Evolution of Developmental Services
Students will examine the historical development of models of support in the province of Ontario. They will recognize the “wounds “ that people with disabilities have suffered as a result of being recipients of services. They will develop an empathic understanding of the impact, experience and process of being stereotyped. By looking at current best practices, they use and evaluate a variety of creative strategies to build, support, and maintain relationships.
PSYC 1000 Life Span and Disability
This course examines topics in lifespan development with a special emphasis on disability and its impact on development.
DSWP 1013 The Human Body
An overview of the structure and function of the human body with a focus on disabilities and health and wellness.
First Year - Semester Two
DSWP 1005 Ethics and Critical Thinking
An introduction to selected Social Role Valorization (SRV) issues. Students will continue to develop critical thinking and analysis skills, and further examine appropriate change agentry strategies which were begun in The Evolution of Developmental Services.
PLAC 1000 Introduction to Field Placement
Introduces students to expectations regarding field placement, including DSW Policies and placement competencies; emphasis on self directed placement selection and the building of a learning community. This course takes place throughout the entire semester so that during the four week field placement students maintain and further develop their learning community.
DSWP 1006 The Helping Relationship 1: Empathy and Power
This course explores the conditions which must be present in order for helping to be effective. The importance of empathy is discussed in detail and issues around the use of power are thoroughly examined.
DSWP 1007 Applied Behaviour Supports
Students will be able to observe and record behaviour in a variety of community based environments and will develop support plans that will ultimately assist individuals and their families to facilitate inclusion and participation in all aspects of community life. Conducting risk assessments, environmental assessments and prevention strategies are also presented.
DSWP 1008 Person Centred Strategies
This course is a continuation of Person Centred Planning, focusing on goals, objectives, intervention and teaching strategies.
DSWP 1012 Legislation, Services and Funding
In order to be effective advocates, students will learn about Ontario provincial government legislation and funding of services and supports.
PHAR 1000 Pharmacology
A study of basic pharmacology with a special emphasis on medication used in the treatment/management of developmental disorders. The practical aspects of administering all forms and routes (except injectable) as well as drug interactions will be discussed. The course requires both visual acuity and manual dexterity.
PLAC 1019 Field Placement 1
Supervised field placements provide an opportunity for students to safely, responsibly, and progressively practice the skills of a DSW in a variety of community settings with people with a wide range of needs and their families. This combination of academic and experiential learning is effective in developing and enhancing skills and promoting employability. This placement is four days per week for four weeks.
Note: All first-year requirements must be completed with an average of 60% or above with no course failures in order to proceed to second year practica.
This semester is structured so that the first 10 weeks are instruction and the final 4 weeks are field placement with Intro to Field Placement continuing throughout.
Second Year - Semester Three
DSWP 1010 Valued Social Roles
Focusing on the 10 themes of Social Role Valorization, students examine the social challenges that people with handicaps face, and look at ways these can be overcome with the assistance of DSW graduates. Practical applications of Social Role Valorization are examined.
DSWP 2002 Protecting Vulnerable People
Individual and system-produced abuse are discussed as well as whistle-blowing and strategies for change are examined. The recognition, reporting, documenting and prevention of abuse is studied.
DSWP 2003 Health and Wellbeing
The concept of healthy living and the promotion of wellbeing are explored in the context of developmental services including active living, nutrition, human sexuality, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and dealing with stress.
DSWP 2004 Health and Wellbeing Lab
Lab practice time will provide an opportunity to safely and responsibly practice skills related to health and wellbeing including the administration of medications, lifts and transfers, supporting daily living skills, the use of assistive devices and appropriate technology, and assisting people with personal hygiene.
DSWP 2005 The Helping Relationship 2: Interpersonal Skills
Verbal and non-verbal communication are examined and practiced in this course. We begin to explore some interviewing and counseling techniques and include some practice exercises in class.
PLAC 2029 Field Placement 2
Supervised field placements provide an opportunity for students to safely, responsibly, and progressively practice the skills of a DSW in a variety of community settings with people with a wide range of needs and their families. This combination of academic and experiential learning is effective in developing and enhancing skills and promoting employability. This placement is four days a week for seven weeks.
DSWP 2006 Inclusion and Community Development
This course examines the principles of community development with a focus on the social model of disability and the practice of inclusion for people with disabilities. Students maintain and further develop their learning community.
Second Year - Semester Four
DSWP 2001 DSW Career Preparation
Students examine the range of career opportunities and continuing education opportunities. Students will practice questions typically asked in interviews, create resumes, cover letters and develop a portfolio.
DSWP 2007 Supporting Families
Students will learn how to support families to contribute to the well being of their member with a disability. Individualized Support, helping create support circles, role of family facilitator, stresses of having strangers in the home.
DSWP 2008 Advocacy
Students will learn strategies to help families and individuals with disabilities successfully advocate. Positive examples of both “self-advocates” and groups of family advocates will be discussed.
PLAC 2030 Field Placement 3
Supervised field placements provide an opportunity for students to safely, responsibly, and progressively practice the skills of a DSW in a variety of community settings with people with a wide range of needs and their families. This combination of academic and experiential learning is effective in developing and enhancing skills and promoting employability. This placement is four days a week for ten weeks.
DSWP 2009 Advanced Discussion: Comprehensive
Faculty will present information and promote critical thinking and analysis which students can use to problem-solve and apply to situations encountered on field placement.
This semester is structured so that the first 4 weeks are instruction and the last 10 weeks are field placement and Advanced Discussion. DSW Career Prep continues through the whole semester.
