Program Description Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with special needs. Our faculty team consists of developmental services experts who are active in the field, and our small class sizes allow for individualized attention. Our curriculum is designed with input from developmental services field experts, ensuring courses are current and relevant.
Your studies begin by learning the stages of human development, the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you’ll learn intervention techniques, person-centered planning, abnormal psychology/dual diagnosis, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have been abused. Finally, you’ll develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and counselling. You’ll also build your expertise in our counselling labs which provide an ideal setting to develop abilities in working with individuals with limited verbal skills.
Our program offers a rich diversity of innovative and traditional work practice/field placement opportunities. You’ll complete approximately 600 hours of field practice over three placements. Placements are in and around the Greater Toronto Area and can also be arranged in your community. After consulting with you regarding your interests and preferences, the school will refer you to specific agencies for these unpaid work placements. Field Placement runs for 15 weeks in Semester 2 of first year. Students are required to complete 168 hours in this time. Placements are two days per week. Work placements take place during fourth semester of second year. Students are required to complete 400 hours (over two placements) and attend placements four days per week for 15 weeks.
Your career will allow you to help people with disabilities live, work and participate in their communities. You will use your skills to support people with intellectual disabilities, autism, physical challenges or other special needs. You can find work assisting people in a variety of roles including:
Community support worker Educational/teaching assistant in a school Classroom assistant in a daycare centre Counsellor in a seniors’ program Residential counsellor Community agency and family workers
