Disability Studies Diploma - Blended Delivery
Next Intake - January 2014

Information Session scheduled when requested
Contact Info: Alison Taplay, phone toll-free 1-877-888-8890

• 2-Year Diploma Program

• Offered by the Powell River campus online with attendance required in Powell River 2 - 3 days per semester

• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students

• Apply for Admission: Application form

VIU also offers the School and Community Support Worker certificate program.

The Program

The Disability Studies Diploma prepares students as leaders and advocates in the community living and broader disability sectors.  Students will gain leaderships skills, an understanding of social problems and social policies problem solving, advocacy skills, and community development skills.

This program provides advanced–level training for working in the community living, disability and disability–related sectors. It builds on Vancouver Island University's Community Support Worker, Special Education Assistant, and School and Community Support Worker Certificate programs (or equivalents) and offers flexible delivery options.

This program uses workplace or community–based projects to help students integrate and apply classroom learning in practice, while making a contribution to their home community and/or services.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Vancouver Island University diploma.

 

The Delivery Method

Four of the required courses for the completion of the Diploma in Disability Studies will be offered through blended delivery. This means the majority of these courses will be online with attendance required at face to face classes in beautiful Powell River 2 - 3 consecutive days each semester.

Support to arrange low cost accomodation and assistance with transportation in Powell River is available. Online studies include some sessions in an online real time classroom as well as more traditional asynchronistic work.

Semester	Course	Credits
Spring 2014	DIDS 210 - (Leadership, Advocacy, and Social Policy)	3
Intersession 2014	DIDS 220 - (Action Research and Learning in Community)	3
Fall 2014	SSER 250 - (Community Development)	3
Fall 2014/Spring 2015	DIDS 230 - (Practicum)	3

 

The remaining Electives, Psychology and English requirements will be scheduled by the student and can be taken either online or face to face. See an Educational Advisor for assistance.

University Degree: 

The Disability Studies Diploma provides full block transfer to year three of the Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation degree offered at the University of Calgary. The Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Degree is offered in distance and online formats, affording the opportunity for students to obtain a four-year degree in their home community.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the diploma program will gain and/or enhance their skills to work in a broad range of disability sector positions including supervisory/administrative roles and more specialized direct service roles with community agencies, private service providers and some government services.

For more information please contact the campus at 604-485-2878 or toll-free 1-877-888-8890.

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.
• English 12 with a minimum “C+” grade, or equivalent.
• Group interview.
• Two letters of reference.
• Resume, application and covering letter.

Recommendations for Admission

• Volunteer or paid experience working with people who are mentally, physically or behaviourally challenged.

Notes on Admission

• Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU and processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act. Students are advised that a criminal record may limit their practicum possibilities and their work opportunities in the Human Services field.
• For admission to the program, applicants will be assessed on past academic achievement, related volunteer/paid employment, writing skills and performance at a group interview with faculty.
• Applicants may be required to provide a letter from a family physician confirming they have the physical capacity required to work in the field.

Admisson to the Second Year of the Disability Studies Diploma

Students must have completed a Community Support Worker Certificate (CSW), Special Education Assistant Certificate (SEAC), or School and Community Support Worker Certificate (SCSW), or equivalent.

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for a Disability Studies Diploma, students must:

• Complete all of the required program courses and obtain a minimum "C" grade in every course.
• Achieve a passing grade in the practicum course.
• Complete all requirements within 5 years.

Transfer Credit (from other institutions)

Vancouver Island University recognizes the academic knowledge and achievement of students who have undertaken post–secondary studies at other colleges, institutes, or universities. Credit is assigned on the basis of an official transcript, course outlines, and other supporting documentation.

Student Transfer into Other Programs

Although it may be possible for students to transfer into other Disability Studies Diploma programs across the province, the probability of acceptance into other programs depends on the receiving institution.

Program Outline

Year 1	Credits
CYC 252A - (Interpersonal Communication Skills)	3
SCSW 110 - (Foundations for Practice)	3
SCSW 120 - (Citizenship and Human Rights)	3
SCSW 130 - (Teaching and Learning Strategies)	3
SCSW 140 - (Understanding & Supporting Behaviour Across the Lifespan)	3
SCSW 150 - (Applied Professional Practice I)	3
SCSW 160 - (Applied Professional Practice II)	3
SCSW 170 - (Challenging Conditions)	3
SCSW 190 - (Practicum: Community-Based)	3
Degree English Requirements*	3
Elective**	3
Total credits	30

* LBST 111 (6 credits) and LBST 112 (6 credits) meet both the English and elective requirements.

** Students must choose one elective from the following list: ANTH 112, ANTH 121, FNAT 103, GLST 210, MEDI 111, MEDI 112, PHIL 100, PHIL 111, PHIL 112, POLI 100, POLI 199, RELI 111, SOCI 111, SOCI 112, WOST 200, WOST 210.

Year 2	Credits
DIDS 210 - (Leadership, Advocacy, and Social Policy)	3
DIDS 220 - (Action Research and Learning in Community)	3
DIDS 230 - (Practicum)	3
PSYC 111 - (Contemporary Psychology I) or PSYC 131 - (Child Development I)	3
PSYC 112 - (Contemporary Psychology II) or PSYC 132 - (Child Development II)	3
SSER 250 - (Community Development)	3
Degree English Requirements*	3
Elective**	3
Elective***	3
Total credits	30

* LBST 111 (6 credits) and LBST 112 (6 credits) meet both the English and elective requirements.

** Students choose one elective from Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g. Anthropology, First Nations Studies, Global Studies, History, Sociology, Women's Studies.

*** Students choose one elective from Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g. Anthropology, First Nations Studies, Global Studies, History, Sociology, Women's Studies.

Fees (subject to change)

Tuition (per course)	$393.63
Society & Activity Fees	$57.11
Total	$450.74
Application Fee	$36.40

Additional Expenses

• Required textbooks

Financial Assistance

Information about financial assistance is available from an academic advisor at Vancouver Island University. Please call to make an appointment, 604-485-2878 or toll-free 1-877-888-8890.

How to Apply

September 2013 (based on interest & demand).
Application Deadline: May 15, 2013

Program Coordinator:
Alison Taplay Alison.Taplay@viu.ca 604-485-2878 or 1-877-888-8890 (toll free)

Admissions Clerk:
Erin Johnson  Erin.Johnson@viu.ca 604-485-2878 or 1-877-888-8890 (toll free)