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.

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.

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.

This course develops knowledge of the history, philosophy, legislation, values, trends and issues related to exceptional learners. It explores student inclusion and provides a wide overview of exceptionalities ranging from mild to severe and child to adulthood. Access and retrieval of information on exceptionalities is emphasized.

Through practice and reflection, learners nuture personal and professional relationships using interpersonal communication skills. With a focus on other-oriented communication, learners demonstrate how inequities and power dynamics influence relationships.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Prerequisite: Departmental approval