Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-01-01 | - |
2024-05-01 | - |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Developmental Services Worker (Online)
Through online learning and hands-on placement experience within your local community, get the skills you need to start a rewarding career as a Developmental Services Worker (DSW). DSWs provide support and advocacy, empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Other
Start Date(s)
- January (Winter)
- May (Spring)
- September (Fall)
Locations
Online
Open to
Domestic Students
CIP Code
19.0710
On this page:
Find your career
DSWs support people of all ages with disabilities, enhancing their presence and participation in community life. Graduates find rewarding positions:
- Providing respite support for families.
- Providing in-home support to help people maintain independence.
- In community agencies as residential counsellors and vocational coaches, helping people find meaningful activities.
- In schools as educational assistants and with not-for-profit organizations.
- As activation directors in residential programs and long-term care facilities.
Experiential learning
Through a unique combination of online learning and placements in your community, learn to effectively support people with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, and people with a dual diagnosis:
- Develop hands-on skills that will help people grow, develop relationships, and actively participate in their community.
- Identify and connect people to community opportunities and resources.
- Collaborate with people with disabilities to overcome barriers and promote full inclusion.
Flexible online learning allows you to work through the curriculum at your own pace, on either a full-time or part-time basis. Please note that diploma requirements must be completed within seven years of starting the program. Apply theory in a real-world setting with three field placements:
- Begin with 10 weeks in the second semester and increase to twelve weeks in both the third and fourth semester.
- Work on-the-job two to three days per week.
- Students have completed placements in residential programs such as Community Living and Pathways to Independence; public and private schools; adult education programs; and organizations in their home communities.
Courses
Semester One
COMM1048 College Writing Skills
This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.
DSWP1025 Nature of Disabilities 1
In relation to typical human development, this introductory course examines the causes, prevention, prevalence, and identification of intellectual, neurological and behavioural disabilities including relevant resources and supports.
DSWP1019 Philosophy of Support
A deep understanding of fundamental concepts that affect and inform DSW support approaches is key to the development of any effective support relationship. Such concepts include core competencies, power dynamics, empathy, self-determination, and person centredness.
PROF1032 Professional Practice
Students will develop oral, written, and professional skills that will prepare them for DSW field placement and future employment. Students will explore various roles available to DSWs and how to apply DSW curriculum in various settings. By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated a functional knowledge of placement expectations, evaluation, and policies/procedures.
DSWP1014 The Evolution of Developmental Services
This course examines the evolution of human services over the past three centuries. Students explore how perceptions of disability have changed with time and the factors that have influenced the development of formalized services for people with intellectual disabilities. An understanding of devaluation is used to interpret key historical events and to analyze the impact of past, current and emerging service models.
Co-requisite: DSWP 1018
DSWP1018 Valued Social Roles
This course explores the study of devaluation on a societal and individual level. Students are introduced to the theory of Social Role Valorization as a positive conceptual base for addressing devaluation and increasing access to the good things of life for devalued people.
GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker
This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.
Semester Two
DSWP1021 DSW Standards of Practice
Students explore and analyze legislation and support/service options relevant to people with disabilities and the developmental services sector. Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations will be used to lessen the vulnerability to abuse, neglect and other forms of mistreatment experienced by people with an intellectual disability. The roles and responsibilities in recognizing, documenting and reporting instances of suspected or actual abuse and neglect are covered.
Prerequisite: DSWP 1014
WKPL1026 Field Placement 1
Supervised field placements provide opportunities for the integration of DSW theory and practice. While supporting people with disabilities, students develop and demonstrate skills in a variety of community settings. This placement is two days per week for 10 weeks.
Prerequisite: COMM 1048, DSWP 1014, DSWP 1018, DSWP 1019, DSWP 1025, PROF 1032
DSWP1026 Nature of Disabilities 2
Building on Nature of Disabilities 1, this course examines how differences in the structure and function of the human body contribute to physical and sensory disabilities as well as various health issues. Dual diagnosis and mental health disorders are also discussed within the scope of DSW practice.
Prerequisite: DSWP 1025
DSWP1022 Person Centred Planning
The course provides an introduction to person-centred planning concepts. Various planning processes are reviewed, with an emphasis on strategies that promote the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.
Prerequisite: DSWP 1018, DSWP 1019
Co-requisite: DSWP 1023
DSWP1020 Positive Behaviour Supports
This course introduces the theoretical concepts and principles underlying positive behaviour supports and the role the environment plays in determining our behaviour. Moral, ethical and contemporary values in supporting people with intellectual disabilities are emphasized. Application of these principles to all aspects of daily living is discussed with a focus on the development of adaptive behaviour, skills and effective support plans that facilitate inclusion and participation in community life.
Prerequisite: DSWP 1019
DSWP1023 Teaching Strategies
This course explores formal and informal person-centred teaching strategies to support the learning of people with intellectual disabilities, including the use of technology and other assistive devices.
Co-requisite: DSWP 1022
GNED General Education Elective
General Education Courses
Semester Three
DSWP2016 Disability & Ethical Issues
This course explores critical thinking strategies and ethical decision-making models that aid in the analysis of issues that affect the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Students examine how their beliefs and value systems influence their conduct and practice as a DSW.
Prerequisite: DSWP 1021
WKPL2047 Field Placement 2
Supervised field placements provide opportunities for the integration of DSW theory and practice. While supporting people with disabilities, students develop and demonstrate skills in a variety of community settings. This placement is two days per week for 12 weeks and builds on previous placement outcomes.
Prerequisite: DSWP 1020, DSWP 1021, DSWP 1022, DSWP 1023, DSWP 1026, WKPL 1026
DSWP2020 Inclusive Practice
Inclusive support strategies are examined that enable people with intellectual disabilities to be fully included in community life, with a focus on inclusive education, integrated recreation and customized employment.
DSWP2015 Medication Administration
Within the scope of DSW practice, this course examines pharmacology as a means of supporting health through the safe use and administration of medication. Emphasis is placed on teaching, supporting, and providing care that contributes to the drug effectiveness and health of people with intellectual disabilities.
Prerequisite: DSWP 1026
Co-requisite: DSWP 2014
DSWP2014 Promoting Health & Wellbeing
Through a combination of theory and lab practice, this course teaches the promotion of health and wellbeing for people with intellectual disabilities through daily living and health care assistance, fitness, nutrition, human sexuality, and self-care practices.
Co-requisite: DSWP 2015
GNED General Education Elective
General Education Courses
Semester Four
WKPL2018 Field Placement 3
Supervised field placements provide opportunities for the integration of DSW theory and practice. While supporting people with disabilities, students develop and demonstrate skills in a variety of community settings. This placement is three days per week for 12 weeks and builds on previous placement outcomes.
Prerequisite: DSWP 2014, DSWP 2015, DSWP 2016, WKPL 2047, DSWP 2020
DSWP2019 Leadership & Change
To promote the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, DSWs require knowledge of community building and change dynamics, and the advocacy and leadership skills to bring about desired change. This course develops competencies required for leadership roles within nonprofit and other community organizations.
Prerequisite: DSWP 2016
DSWP2018 Supporting Families
This course examines elements of providing direct support to people with intellectual disabilities within a family context. Students learn some of the typical experiences of families who have a son/daughter with a disability, the common dilemmas inherent in family support and effective support strategies.
Additional courses information
Learn more
Please note that courses must be completed in the order listed below unless an alternate order has been approved by program administrators.
Block 1
- COMM 1048 | College Writing Skills
- DSWP 1019 | Philosophy of Support
- *DSWP 1014 | The Evolution of Developmental Services
- *DSWP 1018 | Valued Social Roles
- DSWP 1025 | Nature of Disabilities 1
- PROF1032 | Professional Practice
- GNED | Becoming a Global Changemaker
BLOCK 2
- *DSWP1021 | Standards of Practice
- *DSWP1022 | Person Centred Planning
- DSWP1020 | Positive Behaviour Supports
- *DSWP1023 | Teaching Strategies
- *DSWP1026 | Nature of Disabilities 2
- *WKPL1026 | Field Placement 1
BLOCK 3
- DSWP2016 | Disability and Ethical Issues
- DSWP2017 | Inclusive Practice
- *DSWP2015 | Medication Administration (Pharmacology for DSWs)
- *DSWP2014 | Promoting Health & Wellbeing
- *WKPL2047 | Field Placement 2
- | General Education Course
BLOCK 4
- PROF2013 | DSW Career Prep
- *DSWP2019 | Leadership and Change
- *DSWP2018 | Supporting Families
- *WKPL2018 | Field Placement 3
- | General Education Course
Please note: *Pre-requisites and co-requisites required **PRO2013 is not required if PROF1032 has already been completed.
Admission Requirements
Required academic preparation
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
- Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent
OR
- Mature applicant
Additional requirements
- If you have been convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code for which you have not been pardoned, you may be ineligible for field placement; please contact the Placement Coordinator to discuss your options.
- All DSW field placements are block placements, six hours per day, two to three days per week. Students entering the program must be able to arrange their schedules to accommodate these blocks. Up-to-date immunizations and a current police record check as well as Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR certification are required prior to placement.
Costs
Domestic students
For registration and payment options and details, please visit our Continuing Education and professional learning page.
Further studies
Pathways and university transfer
What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.
Loyalist College
Overview:
Loyalist College is a public college of applied arts and technology located in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of programs and services to students, including full-time programs, postsecondary programs, apprenticeships, distance learning, and continuing education. The college is known for its strong focus on applied learning and its commitment to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Loyalist College offers a variety of services to students, including:
Academic advising:
Students can receive guidance on program selection, course registration, and academic planning.Career services:
The college provides career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Financial aid:
Students can access financial aid programs to help them pay for tuition and living expenses.Student life:
The college offers a variety of student clubs, organizations, and activities to enhance the student experience.Library:
The college library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, databases, and computers.Health services:
The college offers health services to students, including medical, dental, and mental health care.Technology services:
Students have access to a variety of technology resources, including computers, software, and wireless internet.Residence:
The college offers on-campus residence for students who wish to live on campus.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Loyalist College provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment for students. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including:
Athletics:
The college has a strong athletics program, with teams competing in various sports.Student government:
The college has a student government that represents the interests of students.Campus events:
The college hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and workshops.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong focus on applied learning:
Loyalist College emphasizes hands-on learning and practical skills development.Industry partnerships:
The college has strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with real-world experience.Experienced faculty:
The college has a faculty of experienced professionals who are dedicated to student success.Supportive campus environment:
The college provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students.Affordable tuition:
The college offers affordable tuition rates compared to other post-secondary institutions.Academic Programs:
Loyalist College offers a wide range of academic programs, including: