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Disability Support Worker


Location(s):  Saskatoon    Distance Learning Option

The Disability Support Worker certificate program provides knowledge and skill development related to helping individuals with challenging needs and disabling conditions reach their optimal level of functioning within their society. If you are patient, friendly and interested in helping people, this program can help you develop the skills you need to help individuals in all levels of daily living activities.

You will be prepared as a front line worker. You will be exposed to a variety of caring, secure and stimulating environments where you will have opportunities to develop and demonstrate your skills in program planning and implementing appropriate activities for persons with disabilities. Theory and practicum experiences will provide you with opportunities to develop a broad knowledge base.

You will learn how to care for a wide range of people (from infants to adults). You will also learn how to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities and help them reach their potential and live as independently as possible.

Length: 37 weeks


Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment as human service workers in government, community-based agencies, health care or educational facilities providing services to individuals with mental, emotional, learning and/or physical disabilities.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, go to Caring Careers or contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

  • adult vocational training workers
  • community service workers
  • educational assistants/associates
  • supportive living workers

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


Note

  • A security clearance and/or a medical may be required for the practicum.



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.



ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

50Arithmetic
75Reading
75Sentence
4WritePlacer
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
    • You will be exposed to a variety of caring, secure and stimulating environments where you will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your skills in program planning and implementing appropriate activites for people with disabilities.
      Clinical/Practicum
      Home Study
      Online
      Televised/SCN
      Work-based Training

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.





Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.



  • HLTH 184  Health Promotion
  • The course presents a holistic approach to wellness with a focus on personal health. You will receive instruction in the lifestyle practices that promote health and wellness. You will study workplace safety practices and have the opportunity to demonstrate competency in practical skills necessary for worker and client safety.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard


  • HUMD 181  Lifespan Development A
  • Your studies will focus on the period from conception to pre-adolescence. You will receive information about the effect of heredity and the environment on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children. The course also provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, and the methods of studying human behaviour.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • HUMS 180  Comprehensive Behavioural Support
  • You will study the implementation process of various approaches and strategies used to support positive behaviours. The concept of behaviour as a communication tool will be explored.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • ORTN 382  Orientation
  • The course provides you with an introductory experience working with individuals with disabilities in agencies. The services you provide will prepare you for later course work and help you confirm your career choice.

    5.0 Credit Units
    68.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    HLTH 184 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and HUMR 186 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • PERS 180  Basic Care Skills
  • You will study fundamental personal care skills for daily living while integrating basic concepts of respect, safety and rehabilitation. Opportunity to practice and demonstrate the skills will be provided. You will study skills needed for assisting in feeding, toileting, grooming, lifting and transferring. You will be introduced to skills needed which support individuals to maintain optimal levels of independence.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   HLTH 186    SPCR 182   

    Prerequisites:
    HLTH 184 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PLAN 182  Individual Program Planning
  • You will be introduced to the process of program planning and implementation. The focus will be person-centred planning. You will study the skills needed for accurate report writing and documentation.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Work Based Delivery, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • SFTY 184  Crisis Prevention
  • You will learn strategies for crisis prevention and be introduced to the model of Crisis Intervention. You will explore the role of self awareness, triggers and response patterns in conflict situations. You will learn techniques and skills to resolve conflicts without the use of force. You will demonstrate the skills of crisis intervention by doing a five minute role play. The role and purpose of crisis debriefing will be discussed and reviewed.



    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   SFTY 194   


  • SPSY 182  Philosophy of Services
  • You will study the philosophy, perceptions, values, and political forces that have shaped the pattern of services for people with disabilities. You will examine the history, the services available and issues affecting workers and individuals with disabilities. You will study the evolution of a person-centred delivery of services.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • SPSY 281  Studies of Exceptionality A
  • You will be provided with an introduction to the area of exceptionalities. You will discuss issues and trends in the field and problems associated with defining and identifying individuals with exceptionalities. You will study in depth specific areas of exceptionality: speech and language differences, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and giftedness. Emphasis will be on the developmental consequences of having a disability and intervention strategies used with individuals with disabilities.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   ECD 223   


    Semester 2

  • EMPL 180  Employability Skills
  • You will receive instruction and practice in written communication skills needed for the workplace. You will develop effective job search strategies. Emphasis will be placed on communicating a professional image.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   COM 103    COMM 292   


  • HLTH 182  Quality of Life Enhancements
  • The course explores the concepts of holistic health and a person-centered approach to interactions as well as programming. You will develop an understanding of how people with disabilities benefit from this approach when applied to leisure and recreational activities.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • HUMD 191  Sexuality and Disabilities
  • Your studies will provide an introduction to human sexuality. You will study the biology of sexuality, human sexual behaviours and attitudes toward sexuality. You will receive information on sexually transmitted diseases, sexual health and contraceptive options. All material will be explored as it relates to people with disabilities.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   HUMD 186   


  • HUMD 280  Lifespan Development B
  • You will examine adolescence and adulthood. This includes the physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes of youth, middle age, and later life. You will also explore current research about death and dying.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Televised/SCN, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   ECD 227    PSYC 185   

    Prerequisites:
    HUMD 181 Minimum Grade of 60


  • HUMR 186  Interpersonal Skills
  • You will be introduced to the importance of interpersonal skills in the human services professions. You will develop effective listening and speaking behaviors that facilitate client interactions.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Independent Study, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 291    COMM 295    NURS 114   


  • HUMS 181  Introduction to Services
  • The course will provide an introduction to the services available to individuals with disabilities. You will explore options available through residential services, centre-based services, and community-based services. Topics will include community integration and supported employment approaches.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Prerequisites:
    SPSY 182 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PRAC 382  Practicum 1
  • The course provides you with an opportunity to apply knowledge and principles learned in the program. You will develop the skills needed to work as a front-line employee in a residential, centre-based, or community-based agency which provides services to individuals with disabilities.

    9.0 Credit Units
    128.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    HUMS 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and ORTN 382 Minimum Grade of P and PERS 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and PLAN 182 Minimum Grade of 60


  • SPSY 282  Studies of Exceptionality B
  • The course is a continuation of SPSY 281 (Studies of Exceptionality A). You will study in depth specific areas of exceptionality: behavioural disorders, hearing impairments, visual impairments, special health care needs, neurological disabilities, pervasive development disorders, and severe and multiple disabilities. Emphasis will be on the developmental consequences of having a disability and intervention strategies used with individuals with disabilities. You will review the needs of adolescents and young adults as they make the transition from schools and family homes into the community.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   ECD 224   

    Prerequisites:
    SPSY 281 Minimum Grade of 60


  • SPSY 287  Professional Role
  • You will study aspects of professionalism as it relates to the role of a person working in the rehabilitation field. You will examine the impact of ethics and the application of ethical principles in decision making, accountability, confidentiality, and resolution of ethical dilemmas. You will be introduced to legislation that governs employer/employee relationships as well as legislation providing for the rights of individuals with disabilities. You will study cultural diversity and the importance of cultural sensitivity in the workplace.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


    Semester 3

  • PRAC 383  Practicum 2
  • Building on the experience you gained in your first practicum, you will develop greater independence and expand the skill set needed to work as a front-line employee in a residential, centre-based, or community-based agency providing services to individuals with disabilities.

    11.0 Credit Units
    164.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    EMPL 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and HLTH 182 Minimum Grade of 60 and HLTH 184 Minimum Grade of 60 and HUMD 191 Minimum Grade of 60 and HUMD 280 Minimum Grade of 60 and HUMR 186 Minimum Grade of 60 and HUMS 181 Minimum Grade of 60 and PRAC 382 Minimum Grade of P and SFTY 184 Minimum Grade of 60 and SPSY 282 Minimum Grade of 60 and SPSY 287 Minimum Grade of 60



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