Disability Support Worker Certificate
Program Start: 11 September 2023
Application Deadline: 4 September 2023
Location: Nipawin
Credit Granting Institution: Sask Polytech
Length: 37 weeks
Overview:
Do you like working with people? Do you believe everyone has the right to live life to the fullest? The Disability Support Worker program offers the training you need to be a community service worker, supportive living worker, educational assistant or life enrichment worker.
Disability support workers are entrusted with the basic personal care of participants of all ages in residential and vocational settings. You’ll need strong communication skills, a common-sense approach to problem-solving, an intuitive understanding of human behaviour, and a steady personality.
Disability Support Worker is a one-year certificate program. You will develop knowledge and practical skills in:
- basic care skills
- behavioural support and crisis prevention
- disability support services
- exceptionalities and human growth & development
- interpersonal, professional and employability skills
- person-centred planning
- quality of life enhancements
Requirements:
- Grade 12
- English Language Requirement
- First Aid/Level C CPR (must provide by the first day of classes)
Books & Supplies: $1,500*
Student Fees: $95
Health & Dental Plan: $252*
*Note: Tuition, Books and Supplies, Health and Dental amounts are approximate, based on last year's program and may change at anytime.
Notes:
- International Tuition: $17,000*
International students are invited to apply to this program International students please follow the International application & payment instructions.
- Accepted students will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search prior to entering required coursework and practicum with children, youth and adults. A student must complete the practicum placements to graduate from the program. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is the student's responsibility.
Disability Support Worker includes the following courses
Basic Care Skills (PERS 103)
You will learn and demonstrate the attitudes and skills of providing personal and physical daily care to persons with disabilities. You will learn the essential role of dignity and respect in person-centered planning and care. You will discuss your legal and ethical responsibilities while providing care. You will develop skills to safely assist individuals with activities of daily living and to support their optimal levels of independence. You will study the process of medication administration.
Equivalent Course(s): PERS 103CE, PERS 180
Comprehensive Behavioural Support (HUMS 180)
You will study the implementation process of various approaches including restrictive procedures, trauma informed care and strategies used to support positive behaviours.
Equivalent Course(s): HUMS 180CE
Diversity (CLTR 100)
You will examine the elements of cultural, gender and disability diversity in Canada and how it impacts legislation in the workplace. You will explore elements of Indigenous culture with a view to understanding both historical elements and contemporary issues in Canada. Your studies will also provide opportunities to participate in current Indigenous cultural practices.
Equivalent Course(s): CLTR 100CE
Employability Skills (EMPL 180)
You will receive instruction and practice in written communication skills needed in the workplace. You will develop effective job search strategies, with an emphasis on communicating a professional image through job search materials and interview skills.
Equivalent Course(s): COM 103, COM 105, COMM 292, EMPL 180CE, EMPS 105
Human Growth and Development (HUMD 188)
You will learn the physical, sensory, perceptual, cognitive, social, and personality stages of human growth and development from conception to death.
Interpersonal Communications (COMM 291)
You will develop employability skills through the study of interpersonal communications theory and applications in the workplace. Learning outcomes include the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem, perception problems, verbal and nonverbal messages, and listening skills, creating positive communication climates and resolving interpersonal conflict.
Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 103, COMM 112, COMM 135, COMM 155, COMM 160, COMM 291CE, COMM 381, HUMR 182, HUMR 186, JOBS 190, NEPS 114, NURS 114, NURS 163
Introduction to Crisis Intervention (SAFE 109)
You will examine the components of crisis situations and apply conflict de-escalation strategies.
Equivalent Course(s): SAFE 109CE, SFTY 184
Introduction to Disability Support Worker and Services (SPSY 101)
You will examine the services available for persons with disabilities. You will study the professional role and expectations of disability support workers. You will be introduced to legislation that governs employer/employee relationships and to the importance of diversity and cultural inclusion in the workplace.
Equivalent Course(s): SPSY 101CE
Orientation to Practicum (ORTN 382)
You will be introduced to the workplace and occupational role settings involved in working with persons with disabilities.
Equivalent Course(s): ORTN 382CE
Prerequisites:
HLTH 104(concurrent), EMPL 180(concurrent)
Person-Centredness (PLAN 182)
You will be introduced to person-centred planning in the context of program planning and implementation. You will study and practice the skills needed for accurate report writing and documentation.
Equivalent Course(s): PLAN 182CE
Practicum 1 (PRAC 382)
You will apply knowledge and principles learned in the program. You will develop the skills needed to work as a disability support worker in a residential, centre-based or community-based agency which provides services to persons with disabilities.
Equivalent Course(s): PRAC 382CE
Prerequisites:
ORTN 382, PERS 103
Practicum 2 (PRAC 383)
You will develop greater independence and expand the skill set needed to work as a disability support worker in a residential, centre-based, or community-based agency providing services to persons with disabilities.
Equivalent Course(s): PRAC 383CE
Prerequisites:
EMPL 180, CLTR 100, SAFE 109, HLTH 182, HLTH 104, HUMD 188, HUMS 180, PLAN 182, SPSY 291, SPSY 101, SPSY 186, COMM 291, PRAC 382
Quality of Life Enhancements (HLTH 182)
You will explore community based and person-centred planning and decision making based on the full participation of persons with disabilities. You will use a wholistic approach to quality of life enhancements and explore the Indigenous community.
Equivalent Course(s): HLTH 182CE
Understanding Exceptionalities 1 (SPSY 186)
You will be introduced to the range of exceptionalities that persons with disabilities may experience across the lifespan. You will explore the role of the disability support worker who supports persons with exceptionalities. You will study principles and practices that underlie the care and education of people with exceptionalities, disabilities and disorders.
Equivalent Course(s): SPSY 186CE, SPSY 281
Understanding Exceptionalities 2 (SPSY 291)
You will study health disorders, challenges with concurrent health conditions and the role of the disability support worker. You will focus on the developmental consequences of having a disability and intervention strategies.
Equivalent Course(s): SPSY 282, SPSY 291CE
Prerequisites:
SPSY 186
Wholistic Health (HLTH104)
You will learn a wholistic approach that promotes health and wellness of all Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons with disabilities and disability support workers. You will study the role of the disability support worker in promoting person-centred decision-making, sexual well-being, abuse prevention and intervention in your professional role.
Equivalent Course(s): HLTH 104CE
