Developmental Services Worker

Learn to effectively support people with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, and people with a dual diagnosis:

• The program curriculum promotes individualized and inclusive approaches, reflective of innovative practices in the field.
• 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.

Apply theory in a real-world setting with three faculty-supervised field placements:

• Begin with 10 weeks in the second semester and increase to twelve weeks in both the third and fourth semester.
• Provide support to children and/or adults in a placement setting two to three days per week and bring those experiences back to the classroom to enhance your learning.
• Students have completed placements in residential programs such as Community Living Belleville and Area and Pathways to Independence; elementary and high schools; adult education programs; and other non-profit community organizations.

Outstanding faculty make the difference

• Teachers are passionate about their work and are personally invested in improving the lives of people with disabilities.
• Faculty are student focused.
• Professors have extensive experience in residential and day supports and family support, building on educational backgrounds in disability studies, psychology, education, community development and other areas.
• Faculty maintain strong connections to the sector through involvement in advocacy organizations, non-profit leadership, and consulting in the field.

Developmental services workers support people of all ages with disabilities, enhancing their presence and participation in community life. Loyalist grads find rewarding positions:

• Providing in-home support to help people maintain independence.
• In community non-profit agencies, providing residential and day support.
• In schools as educational assistants.
• Providing respite support for families.

Our grads get great jobs

• Educational Assistant, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
• Community Support Worker, Community Living
• Residential Counsellor, Pathways to Independence
• Integration Facilitator, Loyalist College
• Family support/relief