Upgrade your impact by supporting those with learning disabilities 

Whether you're a new graduate or a professional currently working in academic support, this fully online program elevates your ability to work with students with learning disabilities. Diversify your professional portfolio and bolster your employment options by examining and applying proven support strategies and learning techniques. 
 

Combine the use of assistive technology, learning strategies, and appropriate accommodations to explore the impact you can have in supporting those with learning disabilities, autism, and co-existing conditions. You'll develop valuable communication skills for building solid interpersonal relationships with those you support, gain insight into how to gather and retain private information, and how to share your skills within your professional community. 

Program highlights

  • Delivered fully online, allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule  
  • Part-time delivery allows you to work while you learn 
  • Complete in 8-20 months at your own pace 
  • Unique curriculum focused on learning disability studies, plus a combined concentration in learning strategies and assistive technology, communication techniques, and mental health awareness 
  • Beneficial for new graduates, current and prospective educators, educational assistants, and academic support service providers 

Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year 

Courses are offered on a part-time basis. Some courses have prerequisite requirements that must be completed before registration. Please consult with the Continuing Education team to ensure your course plan aligns with these requirements and supports your academic goals.

AST 2051Intro to Assistive Technology4
AST 2061Integrating Assistive Technology and Learning Strategies4
COM 1003Interpersonal Communication3
COM 1004Comm. for Client Care3
LDS 1006Mental Health Accommodations4
LST 1007Intro to Learning Strategies4
LDS 1202Intro to Learning Disabilities4
LDS 1611Learning Disabilities and Other Disorders4
LDS 2001Applied Practice Capstone4
PSY 1003Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions3

Admission requirements

Applicants must be graduates of a diploma, advanced diploma, or degree program from an Ontario College or equivalent.

OR

Applicant must possess five years of work experience in a related field (or combination of education and work experience) as judged by the College to be equivalent. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their related experience and a cover letter outlining their competencies and preparedness for the program (any and all post-secondary transcripts must still be submitted).

Program delivery

This program offers new intakes in both the Fall and Winter terms. Since it is a part-time program, select courses are also available during the Spring term. Please note that some courses have prerequisites, which should be considered when planning your studies.

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates of this graduate certificate program will be positioned to pursue careers as:

  • Accessibility advisor
  • Learning strategist
  • Assistive technologist
  • Academic success advisor
  • Tutor for students with learning disabilities
  • Enhanced recognition for current educators, educational assistants, and support staff

Graduates of this program will have an enhanced capacity for work in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary academics, training, and support services. Graduates from developmental services, child and youth care, and early childhood education fields will demonstrate an increased ability to support students with learning disabilities in school.

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.