Georgian College's (Georgian) Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program offers students the opportunity to develop essential skills to support individuals with developmental disabilities.
The program emphasizes advocacy, independence, community engagement and citizenship. Through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on labs and supervised field placements, students gain comprehensive knowledge and practical experience to excel as developmental service workers.
As well, in collaboration with community partners like Christian Horizons, students plan and implement activities that promote inclusion and self-determination.
Supporting Self-Determination and Independence
DSW faculty member Alison Bates highlights that the program focuses on various areas of study, including intellectual, physical and mental disabilities, autism, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Bates says, “In this course, students examine the importance of an active living lifestyle to support personal wellness and foster a sense of belonging for individuals with a developmental disability. Students discuss and apply techniques of facilitation including leadership, program planning and community building.
Experiential learning and collaboration with Christian Horizons
Experiential learning is a key component of the DSW program. The partnership between Georgian and Christian Horizons - a non-profit, developmental services organization - offers students valuable and practical experiential learning opportunities for DSW students.
Bates says, “Working with Christian Horizons allows students to meet and interact with the participants and staff from the organization. They can apply their classroom lessons to a real-life situation, which increases their understanding and comprehension of core DSW skills.”
Lynne Comer from Christian Horizons emphasizes that this collaboration allows students to plan and implement activities while gaining hands-on experience. “The excitement and enjoyment expressed by both students and participants create a contagious atmosphere of learning and interaction,” says Comer.
“It’s a privilege and a blessing for us to have this opportunity to get together with the DSW students from Georgian College. The students are responsible for planning an activity and then implementing it. This gives them hands-on experience while having fun. Our folks really enjoy the collaboration with the students. The best part for the participants is that each year, it’s different as new incoming students provide a diversity of activities.”
She adds, “This partnership allows Christian Horizons an opportunity to meet with the Georgian students and advocate on behalf of the people served for the type of supports we require from them. The developmental sector is growing, and we need more DSW students to fill that need, not only here in Orillia but across Ontario. We have many areas that require the expertise that the DSW students can bring to our organization. We appreciate them and every year we look forward to hosting them in their field placements.”
Meaningful impact and career preparation
From a value-add perspective, Bates says, “Students really value and enjoy special projects like this. Assignments are more meaningful and impactful for students when they know that their planned activities are for actual people rather than a hypothetical scenario. Students have noted that although it’s a lot of work, they really enjoyed this project. They felt that they learned a lot from the experience and will take many of those lessons with them as they enter the DSW field.”
Student perspectives and learning outcomes
DSW student Naureen Fatima shares that her experience of planning and implementing activities for Christian Horizons has been valuable.
“We planned and designed a variety of activities and followed a structure and arranged the activities in a sequence, one activity after another. We followed a winter extravaganza theme as the program happened in winter. We did a range of tasks like painting and decorating a bird feeder using different resources. We allowed participants to create the designs of their choice, which they found quite interesting.”
Working with Christian Horizons allowed Fatima to take what she learned in the classroom and apply it in a real-life situation. “In our classroom, we learned about the different needs and abilities of individuals. Our Active Living and Community Building course emphasizes the importance of socializing and active engagement of people with developmental disabilities in the community to enhance their experience for them and give them more opportunities to practice and learn social skills.”
“Christian Horizons gave us an opportunity to plan and implement our learning into practical use. While doing this program, we got the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. We also learned that whatever we plan, we must always have a Plan B ready, as some people may not be interested in a particular type of activity. We must give them options to decide and choose what they want to do and enjoy the best. In our course, we also learned to respect the choices of the individuals; to work in the direction to make them independent and accomplish their goals, which are in line with Christian Horizons.”
Future goals and aspirations
Aspiring to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, Naureen looks forward to her career as a developmental service worker. She aims to contribute to society by assisting individuals in achieving independence, enhancing self-respect and advocating for their rights. Becoming a DSW professional will provide her with the skills and knowledge necessary to empower individuals and facilitate their inclusion in the community.
Georgian’s DSW diploma program is offered both full time and part time. It is a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for students aspiring to make a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Ready to learn more? There is still time to apply for fall 2023!
Visit Georgian’s website or contact Program Coordinator Debra Morrow.