Diploma in Developmental Services Worker Cambrian College - Barrydowne Campus, Canada

As a Developmental Services Professional, students are embarking on a rewarding career supporting children and adults experiencing life with physical disabilities, developmental and intellectual disabilities and dual diagnosis. Students will learn how to effectively use a person centered approach and positive behaviour supports to support behavioural, emotional, mental, physical and social needs. Students will also learn about the stages of human development, spectrum of disabilities, modes of communication, basic nursing and medication administration competencies and the range of community supports.

In addition, students will learn the value of working within legislative frameworks as it relates to positive behaviour supports, person centered supports, educational supports, crisis management and the constructing of a safe, respectful and quality life. Students will develop advocacy skills through relationship building and the critical thinking skills required to support individuals who live life with physical disabilities, developmental and intellectual disabilities and dual diagnosis.

Learning will be complemented by extensive hands-on experience gained through Field Placement opportunities, beginning with a Field Placement block in semester two and continuing with placements in semesters three and four.

Students will acquire the following skills from this program:

• Communication skills using alternate modes of communication: sign language, braille and a picture exchange communication system
• Professional competencies and the development of core and threshold competencies
• Development of formal and informal person and student centered plans
• Development of positive behaviour supports and instructional strategies
• Understanding and supporting individuals across the diverse spectrum of disabilities
• Advocacy for independence, self-determination, inclusion, belonging and citizenship
• Development of competencies to work collaboratively with inter-professional teams, families and community professionals
• Knowledge of medications, medication administration and basic nursing skills
• Facilitation of employment opportunities and entrepreneurship