Start Dates & Ontario Colleges Program Codes:
- Fall Start (September): 0139
- Fall Start (September) — Accelerated program: 0162
Do you love to work with people and want career options in your future? Do you hope to make a difference in the world? Supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a great way to do just that.
Confederation College’s Developmental Services Worker program will give you the skills and experience you need to support others in living their life to the fullest. As a Developmental Services Worker student, you will learn how to provide physical, emotional, educational, recreational, and social supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan and in all facets of life.
Coursework includes study in developmental disabilities, teaching strategies, health promotion, augmentative communication and assistive technology, pharmacology, dual diagnosis, trends and issues, behavioural supports, counselling skills and community development. If you believe in equity, diversity, and inclusion of all people in our community, this program is for you!
Each year a number of seats will be available to people with a university degree in a related field or a community college graduate with a diploma from a human/community service program. Students must apply to ontariocolleges.ca and must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher average. A transcript is required. The program is comprised of courses from the first and second year of the program. The duration is 2 semesters, from September to May.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- conduct oneself in an ethical, competent and accountable manner in all professional relationships.
- provide person-directed supports and services that respect and promote self-determination for people with developmental disabilities.
- provide for the safety of people with developmental disabilities, self and others in compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations and standards of practice.
- support health and well-being of people with developmental disabilities.
- employ and adapt formal and informal strategies to support the learning of people with developmental disabilities.
- provide leadership in the development of inclusive communities.
- develop professional and personal plans that enhance job performance and well-being.
Graduates of the Developmental Services Worker go on to support people with disabilities across the lifespan. They find positions in a variety of settings in Thunder Bay and region, including: Avenue II, Brain Injury Services of Northern Ontario, City of Thunder Bay Recreation & Culture Division Inclusion Services, Community Living Thunder Bay, Dilico, OPTIONS northwest, Lakehead Public Schools, Superior Greenstone Association for Community Living, Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, and more.
Roles include Student Support Professional, Employment Support Specialist, Residential/Community Support Worker, Independent Contractor, Advocate, Family Support Worker and others.
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