Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS)

Program Overview

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Brock University's Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) program offers specialized training in disability studies, with two specializations: Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Leadership, Diversity, Community, and Culture (LDCC). The program prepares students for careers in the disability sector, promoting social inclusion and equity for people with disabilities. Taught by experienced faculty, the program features experiential learning opportunities and a unique focus on diversity and cultural competence.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) at Brock University is the only program of its kind in Ontario, providing specialized training in the field of disability studies. The program offers two distinct specializations: Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Leadership, Diversity, Community, and Culture (LDCC).

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Objectives:

The MADS program aims to:

• Advance knowledge and skills in the field of disability studies
• Prepare students for careers in the disability sector
• Promote social inclusion and equity for people with disabilities

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Program Description:

The MADS program is designed to be completed in two years on a full-time basis or three years on a part-time basis (for ABA students only). Courses are offered during the week and on weekends for full-time students and on weekends for part-time students in different locations in Ontario.

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Outline:

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Specialization Options:

• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA): This specialization focuses on the principles and practices of ABA, a scientific approach to understanding and changing behaviour.
• Leadership, Diversity, Community, and Culture (LDCC): This specialization provides training in key areas for career advancement in the disability sector, including leadership, diversity, community engagement, and cultural competence.

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Course Schedule:

The MADS program consists of 10 courses, including:

• Introduction to Disability Studies
• Disability Law and Policy
• Research Methods in Disability Studies
• Disability and Education
• Disability and Employment
• Disability and Health
• Disability and Social Policy
• Disability and Arts and Culture

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Individual Modules:

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ABA Specialization:

• Principles of ABA: This module introduces the basic principles and concepts of ABA, including operant conditioning, reinforcement, and punishment.
• Assessment in ABA: This module covers the various methods used to assess behaviour and identify factors that contribute to it.
• Intervention Strategies in ABA: This module provides training in developing and implementing ABA interventions to change behaviour.
• Ethics in ABA: This module examines the ethical considerations and guidelines for the practice of ABA.

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LDCC Specialization:

• Leadership in Disability Services: This module explores the principles and practices of leadership in the disability sector, including advocacy, collaboration, and service delivery.
• Diversity and Inclusion in Disability Services: This module examines the importance of diversity and inclusion in disability services, including the experiences of people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds.
• Community Engagement in Disability Services: This module provides training in community engagement strategies for disability services, including partnerships, outreach, and advocacy.
• Cultural Competence in Disability Services: This module explores the importance of cultural competence in disability services, including understanding cultural differences and providing culturally sensitive services.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The MADS program uses various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Essays: Students are required to write essays that demonstrate their understanding of the course material and their ability to critically analyze issues related to disability studies.
• Presentations: Students are required to give presentations that showcase their research findings or their application of course concepts to real-world situations.
• Case Studies: Students are given case studies to analyze and develop solutions to real-world problems related to disability studies.
• Exams: Students are required to take exams that assess their knowledge of the course material.

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Assessment Criteria:

The MADS program uses the following criteria to assess student learning:

• Content Knowledge: Students are assessed on their understanding of the key concepts and theories related to disability studies.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Students are assessed on their ability to critically analyze issues related to disability studies and develop evidence-based solutions.
• Communication Skills: Students are assessed on their ability to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral form.
• Professionalism: Students are assessed on their ability to demonstrate professional conduct and ethical behavior in their academic and professional pursuits.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The MADS program uses a variety of teaching methods to engage students and promote learning, including:

• Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures to introduce new material and provide an overview of key concepts.
• Seminars: Students participate in seminars to discuss course material, engage in critical thinking, and share their perspectives.
• Group Work: Students work in groups to complete assignments, projects, and presentations, which fosters collaboration and communication skills.
• Experiential Learning: Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships, field placements, and research projects.

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Faculty:

The MADS program is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are actively involved in research and practice in the field of disability studies. Faculty members have expertise in a range of areas, including:

• Applied Behaviour Analysis
• Disability Policy and Law
• Disability and Education
• Disability and Employment
• Disability and Health
• Disability and Social Policy
• Disability and Arts and Culture

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Unique Approaches:

The MADS program at Brock University is unique in several ways:

• It is the only program in Ontario that offers a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
• It offers courses and workshops that focus on the experiences of people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds.
• It provides experiential learning opportunities through internships and field placements.
• It is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are actively involved in research and practice in the field of disability studies.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

The MADS program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the disability sector, including:

• Positions in social service agencies supporting people with disabilities
• Behavior Consultants/Therapists
• Program evaluators
• Applied Researchers
• Clinical supervisors
• Special education specialists
• Positions in government agencies
• Professional positions in related fields
• Public affairs
• Public policy/administration
• Non-profit sector policy/administration
• Government positions
• College instructors

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Opportunities and Outcomes:

MADS graduates have gone on to successful careers in a variety of settings, including:

• Disability service providers
• Government agencies
• Educational institutions
• Non-profit organizations
• Private businesses
The program has also prepared students for further study in doctoral programs in disability studies and related fields.