Developmental Services Worker

Developmental Services Worker

Program Code
DSWR
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Campus
Orillia

Program requirements

  • 19 Mandatory Courses
  • 2 Communications Courses
  • 3 General Education Courses
  • 2 Field Placements

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Program Description

Students develop the knowledge and skills required to support people with developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Utilizing person directed planning, students advocate for self-determination in individuals with developmental disabilities, and facilitate the development of natural supports and opportunities for full community participation.
Areas of study includes intellectual, physical and mental disabilities, spectrum disorders, support options, health and well-being, social relationships, active lifestyles, community building, stages of human development, augmentative communication, pharmacology and medication administration, teaching and intervention strategies, support planning for individuals and their family, counselling, and professional development. Students consolidate this learning in fourteen weeks of supervised field placements.

Current Course Offerings
Course Title Course Code Online Equivalents Mandatory
Augmentative Communication DEVS1009   Mandatory
Behavioral and Family Supports DEVS2019   Mandatory
Body Systems and Disorders DEVS1012 DEVS1016 - Drug Classification and Body Systems (ODE)   Mandatory
Community Building DEVS1020   Mandatory
Developmental Disabilities DEVS1021   Mandatory
Dual Diagnosis DEVS2016 DEVS2022 - Dual Diagnosis (ODE)   Mandatory
Educational Placement DEVS1015  
Field Placement A DEVS2030  
Field Placement B DEVS2031  
Gerontology in Dev. Services DEVS2029 DEVS2033 - Gerontology in Developmental Services (ODE)   Mandatory
Health Skills HLTH2000   Mandatory
Intervention Strategies DEVS2001 DEVS2024 - Intervention Strategies (ODE)   Mandatory
Intro to Dev. Services DEVS1019 DEVS1018 - Introduction to Developmental Services (ODE)   Mandatory
Issues and Trends DEVS2028   Mandatory
Lifespan Development HUMN1016   Mandatory
Person Directed Planning DEVS1011 DEVS1017 - Person Directed Planning (ODE)   Mandatory
Pharmacology and Med. Admin. HLTH2005   Mandatory
Prof Practice and Field Prep DEVS2027   Mandatory
Social Relationships DEVS1013   Mandatory
Spectrum Disorders DEVS2032   Mandatory
Supportive Counselling DEVS2015   Mandatory
Teaching Strategies DEVS1010   Mandatory

Additional Info

Applicants must have an up-to-date immunization record, Standard First Aid and CPR level C or HCP certification before proceeding on field placement. It is recommended that First Aid training is completed prior to program entry.