Make a difference to those who live with disabilities
Embark on a rewarding career and make a difference in the lives of children and adults who live with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities or dual diagnoses by learning how to support their emotional, mental, physical, and social needs.
You’ll gain a solid foundation of the stages of human development and the community supports available to those living with a disability. You’ll learn alternate modes of communication, including sign language and a picture exchange communication system. Using a person-centred approach and positive reinforcement to build relationships, you’ll help individuals with disabilities and their families live safe, respectful lives of quality and inclusion.
Program highlights
- Choose to take this program on campus or online
- Community expert guest speakers
- Field placement opportunities in all four semesters with the potential of completing placement during paid employment
- Fast-track option if you have previous experience in the developmental services or education sector
Flexibility
We understand that every student's learning journey is unique. Cambrian's DSW program offers flexible learning options. Students can register for on campus in-person classes or complete classes fully online. Our engaging on-campus learning activities are perfect for those who prefer in-person and hands-on learning. Students who prefer to complete their program online will be engaged in interactive self-navigating content using Cambrian's Learning Management System and will have the option to connect directly with professors virtually for content delivery and questions. Online students will also be able to complete course presentations, evaluations, tests, assignments, and projects using Cambrian's Learning Management System. Field placements can be coordinated in the student's home community.
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DSW 1026 | Field Seminar | 2 |
| DSW 1027 | Self Care Skills | 2 |
| DSW 1117 | Disabilities Strategies I | 3 |
| DSW 1125 | Understanding Disabilities | 2 |
| PSY 1135 | Issues in Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| HSC 1136 | Basic Nursing Skills | 3 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| DSW 1022 | Field Work IIA | 4 |
| DSW 1210 | Community Employability Skills | 3 |
| DSW 1221 | Person Centered Planning and Advocacy | 3 |
| DSW 1222 | Positive Behaviour Supports | 4 |
| HSC 1236 | Basic Nursing Skills II | 3 |
| ENG 1242 | Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| DSW 1021 | Pharmacology for Developmental Services Worker | 2 |
| DSW 1023 | Field Work IIB | 4 |
| DSW 1217 | Disabilities Strategies II | 3 |
| DSW 1225 | Crisis Management and Prevention | 3 |
| DSW 1230 | Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| DSW 2310 | Dual Diagnosis Assessment and Treatment | 3 |
| DSW 2317 | Disability and Communication Systems | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| DSW 1028 | Field Work III | 14 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 82 | |
- 1
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
Additional admissions requirements
- Ability to support individuals living life with disabilities in all aspects of daily living such as lifting and transfers.
Recommendations
- Computer competency in relevant software
- Any grade 11 mathematics (C), (U) or (M)
- Any grade 11 biology (C) or (U) or grade 12 biology (U)
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
SEMESTER 1: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2027
Winter term start
SEMESTER 1: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 2: Spring 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2027
Specific program pathways
Graduates of this program can further increase their skills and expand their options for employment by enrolling in:
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information.
Employment opportunities
Graduates of the Developmental Services Worker program make a difference in the lives of individuals living life with physical disabilities, developmental and intellectual disabilities, dual diagnosis, and their families. As a skilled and caring developmental services professional, you can support individuals to live, work, play, and participate in their communities as valued citizens. As a graduate of the Developmental Services Worker program, you can also make a difference in a variety of classrooms. You will acquire the knowledge and skills to work effectively as a support staff in elementary and secondary school classrooms, to assist teachers and other classroom staff in implementing academic studies and education plans. Your understanding of a diverse spectrum of disabilities, professional competencies, communication skills, person- and student-centered planning, positive behaviour supports, instructional strategies, and your passion to support others will empower you to build a rewarding career.
Graduates of the Developmental Services Worker program support children and adults living life with disabilities. This can lead to a range of positions, including:
- Developmental Services Professional / Direct Support Professional
- Educational Assistants
- Supported Employment Professional
- Independent Contracting Professional
- Respite Professional
- Community Participation / Day Support Professional
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
