Disability Studies

Graduates are equipped to enhance the quality of life and well-being of people with disabilities while taking an active role in creating inclusive and diverse communities.

Credential:

Diploma

Program length

4 Terms

Area:

Community Studies

School:

School of Community Studies

About

Imagine a career where you help others reach their potential. This 16-month diploma program will equip you to support the well-being of people with disabilities. You will also learn how to create inclusive and diverse communities.

Program graduates may find work in leadership roles in many services that support people with disabilities. The organizations may include education and not-for-profit agencies, or you may work directly with families.

The program combines classroom learning with practical experience. Classes are generally scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

If you plan to take the diploma online, note that we do not offer all courses online every term. This means your program could last longer than 16 months.

If you plan to do your practicum outside of Alberta, you must speak to the Program Chair before applying for the program. Email communitystudies@bowvalleycollege.ca to connect with the Program Chair.

Additional information

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

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.

Heartland Agency
Heartland Agency and Educational Services is a non-profit organization providing care and education to children including special education.

New Age Services
New Age Services is a member of the Alberta Council of Disability Services.

Pacekids
Pacekids empowers children with diverse needs and their families through excellence in therapy, education, and play.

Providence
Providence Child Care offers early childhood programs, schools, and community services that help 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.

Springboard Centre for Adults with Disabilities
Springboard Centre assists adults with developmental disabilities to achieve meaning in their lives.

URSA
The mission of the Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA) is to develop and provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to attain a personal level of achievement and excellence in life.

Admission requirements

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

Or

  • Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test with a standard score of 520 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing

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.

Transferability

Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution to which you apply.

You need one of the following options:

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English Language Proficiency Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.

Academic upgrading

Enhance your previous education to meet the missing admissions requirements for one of the BVC programs.

I need academic upgrading

Tuition and fees

Term
Tuitions fees
Additional fees*
Total  fees*
Term 1
$2,022
$356
$2,378
Term
Additional fees*
Tuitions fees
Total fees
Term 1
$356
$5,700
$6,056
*Per term: Student Service Fee

Courses

Term 1

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