Developmental Services Worker Program Reflects Current Issues
Posted by Jason White on Monday, March 31, 2014
Under: College Education
Developmental services workers, educational assistants, support workers,
residential support workers and employment supporters are vital to the
community as they work with individuals with intellectual disabilities
in a variety of environments in order to build natural community
supports, networks and valued social roles.
At Centennial College, students can attend the two-year Developmental Services Worker program
whose curriculum reflects current issues and developments. It is
especially focused on helping students to develop critical thinking,
leadership and communication skills that will allow them to manage and
affect change.
Employed are vital practical experiences such as projects, seminars,
community observations, Internet searches, teamwork and electronic
communication. The standout hands-on practice, however, comes in the
form of two field placements. During these two opportunities, students
are supervised by a faculty member and spend two days per week in the
field during semester two and three days per week in semester four.
Students are assessed in relation to the types and needs of supports
required by individuals and their communities and the competencies
outlined in the field manual.
Before they head out on placement, students attend a range of courses
that are led by faculty with of years of work under their belts who are
familiar with personal relationships with people with intellectual
disabilities. Here is a closer look at some particular courses from
which Centennial College students benefit.
History of Disability: To understand the evolution of the view of
developmental disabilities is an essential part of the program. In this
course, students also look at the evolution of supports and services
with particular attention paid to the use of imagery and role
perceptions.
Pharmacology: Supporting individuals with intellectual disability to
achieve health through the use of prescribed medications is explored in
this course. Student learn to administer medications, teach, support and
provide care to ensure drug effectiveness and health for individuals.
Supports for Personal Health Care: In their roles, developmental
services workers assist clients with personal care, care for individuals
who require assistance with daily needs, and much more. To carry out
their roles, this course teaches students by applying the problem
solving process case profiles to develop creative problem solving,
critical thinking and personal time management skills. Meanwhile,
hands-on, lab opportunities are used to develop skills in assessing
vital signs, hygiene care, changing simple dressings, controlling
infectious diseases, thermal applications, body mechanics, and lifting
and transporting individuals.
Policy and Social Welfare Systems: In particular course, social policy,
legislation and the models of service delivery that affects persons who
have intellectual disability in Ontario are explored. Philosophical
values, theories and assumptions about social welfare from political,
geographical and historical perspectives are used to explore social
welfare policy.
In : College Education
Tags: developmental services workers