Students will be introduced to the role that values and attitudes play in the development of services and support for people with disabilities. The history of North American disability services and support (1800s – present) is presented, including the implications of institutionalization, eugenics. In addition, students will explore current topics that potentially have a heightened effect on individuals who have a disability.
This course provides students with an introduction to various disabilities and the implications for supporting people in their daily lives. Students will explore the etiology, diagnoses, characteristics associated with a variety of conditions. Students will explore possible treatment/prevention and current support strategies. By the end of this course, students will have increased awareness of local supports and services available.
In this course students will explore the context of behavioural difficulties and articulate the underlying conflicts that may lead persons with disabilities to demonstrate complex behaviour. Students will practice a variety of approaches when supporting a person. Students will also focus on self-care for the Direct Support Professional (DSP) and develop individualized wellness strategies.
In this course students will learn various strategies for supporting people with disabilities in learning new tasks, pursuing their goals, and increasing independence in employment, residential, and community settings. Students will review current approaches to planning for learners and will put into practice the concepts, considerations, approaches and methods of effective individualized teaching.
This course provides students with an introduction to various mental health conditions and the implications for supporting people in their daily lives. Students will learn about how persons with intellectual disabilities are affected by mental health conditions (dual diagnosis) and explore possible treatment/prevention and current support strategies. By the end of this course, students will have increased awareness of strategies for promoting positive mental health as well as knowledge of local supports and services.
Students will explore and apply the values, principles, and practices of person-centered planning using tools such as PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) and MAP (Making Action Plans). Students will describe how these tools increase the possibility of community inclusion, personal empowerment, and individual development for persons with disabilities. Students will also review current planning practices in Manitoba and the requirement to do planning as outlined in the Vulnerable Person’s Act.
This course prepares students for meaningful work, by providing them with information and techniques to engage effectively in collaborative and dynamic human service settings. Students will develop skills aimed at increasing their confidence and ability to contribute to a team environment. The concept of ‘leadership at all levels’ is woven through the topics, with emphasis on self-awareness, constructive communication and team building.
Students will identify and implement teaching strategies to encourage healthy attitudes towards sexuality and relationships for and with people who have disabilities. Areas of specific focus include sexual diversity, self-esteem, self-care, choice-making in intimate relationships, as well as the prevention of sexual abuse and sexually transmitted diseases.
Students will identify the competencies required to facilitate and support the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities into the community. They will examine the concepts of integration and community, as well as learn a variety of strategies to facilitate successful community membership.
An entry level course at the new employee requiring an introduction and orientation to the field of Developmental Services. New employees require basic skills training, and information to do their job safely and effectively. Areas to be addressed would include but not be restricted to: communication; planning and programming; health and safety issues; documentation; and a variety of areas viewed as essential by employers. They will recognize the value in providing services that are value based, respectful of individuals and their rights, and consistent with the new Vulnerable Persons Legislation in Manitoba. They also need basic knowledge in understanding the overall service delivery system and the role they will play in the organization they will be employed in.
This course develops the knowledge and skills students will need to work as a Direct Support Worker or a Direct Support Provider. Students will become familiar with the expectations and responsibilities of the role and the knowledge and skills required to work in a variety of direct support settings. This will include such topics as interpersonal communications, attitudes about disability, legislation and regulations, services settings and models of support and assisting people with intellectual disabilities through all stages of adulthood.
Learn how to manage the work of others and supervise staff effectively in human service settings. The course covers leadership, teamwork, the role of the supervisor, effective communication, problem employee behaviour, and correction and reinforcement. Students will gain competency in the effective review of employee behaviour, and follow-up in the appraisal process, and will understand the negative outcomes of conflict-avoidance.