Location
Start Dates
  • September 01, 2021
Duration

2Terms

Program Delivery
  • In Class
  • Combined Online
Tuition & Fees

Domestic: CAD $4,665
International: CAD $13,776
Estimated Book Costs: CAD $550

We are no longer accepting applications for international learners for the September 2021 intake.

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 Chair at communitystudies@bowvalleycollege.ca. 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.

Calgary SCOPE Society

The Calgary SCOPE Society is a non-profit agency improving lives for persons with developmental disabilities in Calgary and area for over 30 years! SCOPE works with children, adults, seniors and families as respected, contributing members of Calgary’s communities.

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 

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.

URSA

To develop and provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to attain a personal level of achievement and excellence in life!

 

Related Links

Course Listings Request More Information
Domestic Applicants

Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402

International Learner Applicants

International Education
North Campus – Third Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476

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.

Related Links

Course Listings Request More Information
Domestic Applicants

Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402

International Learner Applicants

International Education
North Campus – Third Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476

Course Listing

Full course outlines are available here.

Curriculum subject to change.

Term 1

Required CoursesCredit

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Term 2

Required CoursesCredit

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Optional International PracticumCredit

Prerequisite: Departmental approval

Course Delivery
Off-Campus A course delivery mode where learners participate in scheduled activity at a non-college site. May include clinical, practicum, work experience, fieldwork, or similar components.

Program FAQs

Yes, there is a 135-hour practicum in this certificate. There are a wide range of choices of setting, from early intervention, autism services, schools, and adult community-based services. The College places learners based on their interests and skills.

Yes. There is a face-to-face delivery and an online delivery. Many online learners complete their certificate part-time.

The program starts in September. It has fall, winter, and optional spring courses.

There is a high employment demand for individuals working in the field of disability. You may work in a daycare, a school, or an adult service. Some positions are Monday to Friday, daytime, but others involve weekend and shift work.

The Disability Workers Association is working to have its members accredited by the Government of Alberta.

Salaries vary, with workers in daycares and schools paid less than workers in adult services. It currently ranges from $16 an hour to $25 an hour.

Please visit the full-time course credits pages for details for each program. 
Related Programs
Diploma

Disability Studies Diploma

Diploma graduates work in challenging and diverse careers supporting the well-being of children, adults and families with disabilities. Work as an autism therapist, as a behavioral specialist in schools, or as a team leader in adult services.
Post-Diploma Certificate

Health and Human Services Management Post-Diploma Certificate

Become a leader in health and human services. Develop skills and knowledge in management by building on your current health or human services diploma or degree.
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