Program Description

Build a rewarding career where you'll help children and adults live to their potential. This program will prepare you to support the well-being of people with disabilities. Take an active role in creating inclusive and diverse communities.

The demand for a well-educated workforce in this field is growing. Schools, companies, and communities are becoming more inclusive in their programs and services. They're looking for you as a valuable team player.

Graduates may study for an extra two terms and earn a Disability Studies Diploma.

Experience innovative classroom learning strategies and practical opportunities. The program is running face to face and online. Classes are generally scheduled between 8 am and 5 pm from Monday to Friday.

Before applying for the online program, note that we do not offer all courses online every term. This means your program could last longer than 8 months. Learners living outside of Alberta should contact the Program Coordinator at 403-410-1650. It is important to discuss insurance regulations on practicum.

Learners in the face-to-face full-time program write the Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) in semester one.

Additional Information

The links below are examples of where you might work as a certificate or diploma graduate in Disability Studies.

Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS)

This is a province wide not-for-profit association. It supports people with developmental disabilities or brain injury.

Alberta Disability Workers Association

A professional association for workers in Alberta supporting people with disabilities.

Autism Calgary

An organization that brings hope and help to people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Children’s Link

The Children’s Link Society helps families and professionals who deal with children with special needs.

Inclusion Alberta

Inclusion Alberta is a non-profit federation that advocates for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Providence Child Care

Early childhood programs, schools, and community services helping every child reach their potential

Renfrew Education Services

Renfrew Educational Services is a leader in program development for children with special needs.

There are also positions for education assistants in classrooms for children with a disability.

Admission Requirements

Academic requirements

Credit in English 30-1 or 65% in English 30-2 or equivalent

Or

Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test, that consists of five tests, with a minimum score in the following sections:
- Writing Skills: 520 minimum standard score
- Interpreting Literature and Art: 520 minimum standard score

Or

Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admissions Test

Pre-practicum requirement

The Disability Studies program includes practicum placements in agencies where employers require a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS). Results of this check may restrict opportunities for placement in a practicum. The Police Information Check must be obtained before the start of the practicum and may need to be renewed more than once while enrolled in a program.

English language proficiency requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should see the English language proficiency requirements page for details.

Course Listing

Term 1

Required CoursesCredit

ENGL1201 - English Composition Credits 3

This first-year composition course introduces learners to academic writing and critical thinking. They read and analyze sociopolitical, cultural, and gender issues in texts with an emphasis on experiences of people whose voices were historically silenced, particularly those of Indigenous communities in Canada. Learners develop strategies to communicate their own ideas and integrate them with those of others by quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material. Learners present their written assignments professionally according to APA formatting guidelines.

Course Delivery

Real-time Online A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place through scheduled interaction through the use of online communications technologies at locations of the learners own choosing. Learners ARE required to participate in online learning activities at scheduled times, and scheduled exams may be required. Blended A mixed course delivery mode where learning activity takes place through a blend of scheduled in-class and scheduled or non-scheduled online delivery methods. Learners ARE required to participate in scheduled in-class and/or online learning activities. Scheduled exams may be required. Combined Online A course delivery mode that combines elements of non-scheduled and scheduled activity. Learners will be able to participate partly at times of their own choosing and are also required to participate in some scheduled online learning activities. Scheduled exams may be required. In Class A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components. i

Real-time Online - A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place through scheduled interaction through the use of online communications technologies at locations of the learners own choosing. Learners ARE required to participate in online learning activities at scheduled times, and scheduled exams may be required.
Blended - A mixed course delivery mode where learning activity takes place through a blend of scheduled in-class and scheduled or non-scheduled online delivery methods. Learners ARE required to participate in scheduled in-class and/or online learning activities. Scheduled exams may be required.
Combined Online - A course delivery mode that combines elements of non-scheduled and scheduled activity. Learners will be able to participate partly at times of their own choosing and are also required to participate in some scheduled online learning activities. Scheduled exams may be required.
In Class - A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components.

DAST1101 - Introduction to Disability Studies Credits 3

Disability Studies is a study of the social, cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives of disability. It is grounded by the belief that the creation of knowledge about disability should be WITH/BY disabled people themselves. This course will provide learners with the historical background of disability and the contexts and paradigms it currently uses today. This course requires a C to be considered a pass.

Course Delivery

Any-time Online A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required. In Class A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components. i

Any-time Online - A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required.
In Class - A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components.

DAST1201 - Person Centered Planning Credits 3

Planning involves being able to envision a positive and valued future for and with the person and their network of allies. This course evaluates current planning strategies with emphasis on the philosophical principles and values inherent in those strategies. Learners practice writing clear implementation plans incorporating elements of inclusion, empowerment, and individualization.

Course Delivery

Any-time Online A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required. In Class A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components. i

Any-time Online - A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required.
In Class - A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components.

EDAS1302 - Introduction to Exceptionalities Credits 3

The lives of individuals with disabilities can be improved through the use of assistive technology. In this course, learners investigate the principles of universal design and explore how those principles guide the incorporation of assistive technology into daily activities. Learners explore a variety of current assistive technologies and strategies for their use with individuals and groups.

Course Delivery

Any-time Online A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required. In Class A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components. i

Any-time Online - A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required.
In Class - A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components.

COMM1101 - Interpersonal Relationships And Communication Skills Credits 3

Learners explore principles of interpersonal relationships and communication, considering the importance of self-awareness including such values as empathy, respect, genuineness, and humility therein. Learners practice verbal, nonverbal, emotional, conversational, and technology-mediated messaging necessary for effective communication in personal and professional contexts. Through this exploration and this practice, learners improve their ability to communicate assertively and respectfully with others in various contexts, taking care to understand the social and cultural contexts that affect communication, including the impacts of colonization on Indigenous groups in Canada in relation to interpersonal relationships and communication.

Course Delivery

Blended A mixed course delivery mode where learning activity takes place through a blend of scheduled in-class and scheduled or non-scheduled online delivery methods. Learners ARE required to participate in scheduled in-class and/or online learning activities. Scheduled exams may be required. i

Blended - A mixed course delivery mode where learning activity takes place through a blend of scheduled in-class and scheduled or non-scheduled online delivery methods. Learners ARE required to participate in scheduled in-class and/or online learning activities. Scheduled exams may be required.

Term 2

Required CoursesCredit

DAST1202 - Disability Work Management and Supported Employment Credits 3

This course introduces the historical and contemporary models of services and supports for those who face barriers in employment. Learners examine practices to engage people in the discovery of personal and professional potential through employment and community contribution. Emphasis falls on the importance of creating and sustaining valued roles for people with disabilities in society.

Course Delivery

In Class A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components. Any-time Online A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required. i

In Class - A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components.
Any-time Online - A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required.

PSYC1201 - Human Growth and Development Across The Life Span Credits 3

This course provides a comprehensive overview of human growth and development and typical behavioural responses throughout the lifespan. You will analyze human development across four domains: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. Emphasis is placed upon the stages of development and their linkage to common events occurring during these stages.

Course Delivery

Real-time Online A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place through scheduled interaction through the use of online communications technologies at locations of the learners own choosing. Learners ARE required to participate in online learning activities at scheduled times, and scheduled exams may be required. Blended A mixed course delivery mode where learning activity takes place through a blend of scheduled in-class and scheduled or non-scheduled online delivery methods. Learners ARE required to participate in scheduled in-class and/or online learning activities. Scheduled exams may be required. Combined Online A course delivery mode that combines elements of non-scheduled and scheduled activity. Learners will be able to participate partly at times of their own choosing and are also required to participate in some scheduled online learning activities. Scheduled exams may be required. In Class A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components. i

Real-time Online - A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place through scheduled interaction through the use of online communications technologies at locations of the learners own choosing. Learners ARE required to participate in online learning activities at scheduled times, and scheduled exams may be required.
Blended - A mixed course delivery mode where learning activity takes place through a blend of scheduled in-class and scheduled or non-scheduled online delivery methods. Learners ARE required to participate in scheduled in-class and/or online learning activities. Scheduled exams may be required.
Combined Online - A course delivery mode that combines elements of non-scheduled and scheduled activity. Learners will be able to participate partly at times of their own choosing and are also required to participate in some scheduled online learning activities. Scheduled exams may be required.
In Class - A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components.

DAST1401 - Positive Behaviour Support Credits 3

This course introduces the concept of human behaviour as communication. Learners examine positive behavioural strategies supporting individuals at home, school, work, and community.

Course Delivery

Any-time Online A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required. In Class A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components. i

Any-time Online - A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required.
In Class - A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components.

DAST1999 - The Field of Disability Studies Credits 6

This practicum gives learners the opportunity to begin integrating theory and practice in the provision of support services to people with disabilities. Learners are placed in community and agency settings and supervised by agency staff. Weekly seminars provide opportunity for reflection and the integration of theory and practice.

Pre- or co-requisite: 9 credits of DCSC/DCSD program.
Pre-requisite: DAST1101

Course Delivery

In Class A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components. Any-time Online A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required. i

In Class - A course delivery mode where learning activity is scheduled and takes place in a classroom or similar setting at a college facility. May include lecture, laboratory, and seminar components.
Any-time Online - A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required.

DAST1301 - Mental Health and Disability Credits 3

This course introduces the general principles and key strategies to promote mental health and wellness. Learners examine the co-existence of developmental disabilities and mental health. Focus falls on the critical importance of day-to-day supports for mental health and wellness.

Course Delivery

Any-time Online A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required. i

Any-time Online - A course delivery mode where learning activity takes place at times and locations of the learners own choosing through the use of online communications technologies. Learners are NOT required to participate in any scheduled learning activities, but scheduled exams may be required.

Certificate

Disability Studies Certificate

Community Studies/ Disability Studies Certificate

Location

Start Dates

Duration

2Terms

Program Delivery

Tuition & Fees

Program Description

Additional Information

Related Links

Domestic Applicants

International Learner Applicants

Admission Requirements

Academic requirements

Pre-practicum requirement

English language proficiency requirements

Related Links

Domestic Applicants

International Learner Applicants

Course Listing

Term 1

Required CoursesCredit

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

Term 2

Required CoursesCredit

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

Course Delivery

Program FAQs

Related Programs

Diploma

Disability Studies Diploma

Post-Diploma Certificate

Health and Human Services Management Post-Diploma Certificate