Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our faculty team consists of developmental services professionals who are active in the field, and our small class sizes allow for individualized attention. Our curriculum is designed with input from developmental services field experts, ensuring courses are current and relevant.
Your studies begin with an introduction to the developmental services sector and an overview of the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you will learn about positive behaviour supports and intervention techniques, person-centered planning, dual diagnosis, health and wellness, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, sign languageand augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have experienced abuse. Finally, you will develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and problem solving.
You will also build your expertise in our counselling labs which provide an ideal setting to develop competencies for working with individuals with limited verbal skills.
New Advanced Standing Pathway
Already have a diploma or a degree? Complete the Developmental Services Worker diploma in three semesters. Apply to Semester 2 at ontariocolleges.ca. View the pathway and course curriculum for Advanced Standing in Explore Pathways >
The Developmental Services Worker program is also offered part time.