Program Description As a Developmental Services Professional, students are embarking on a rewarding career supporting children and adults experiencing life with a developmental and intellectual disabilities. Students will learn how to effectively develop a person centered approach to support a child's and adult's emotional, mental, physical, and/or social needs. Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are examples of the content you will study in the program.
Students will learn about the stages of human development, the diversity associated with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and the range of community supports. In addition, students will learn to work within the legislative frameworks governing the Developmental Services Sector and Education Sector as they relate to prevention and intervention techniques, person-centered planning, individual education plans, dual diagnosis, basic nursing, pharmacology, alternate forms of communication, and the constructing of a safe, respectful, and dignified life. Students will develop advocacy skills through relationship building and the critical thinking skills required to support people who experience life with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
In class learning will be complemented by extensive hands-on experience gained through placement opportunities, beginning with a placement block in semester two and continuing with placements in semesters three and four.
Students will gain the following skill sets from this program: Communication using alternate communication systems: sign language and a picture exchange communication system Administration of medications and basic nursing care Advocacy for supports and services in community and educational settings Creation of effective informal and formal person centered plans and individual education plans Creation of positive behaviour support plans and positive intervention and instructional strategies Supporting individuals across the diverse spectrum of disabilities Supporting individuals experiencing life with a developmental and intellectual disability to integrate into their community of belonging Working collaboratively with inter-professional teams, families, and community professionals
