Introduction to Practice

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
DACS 1140
Discontinued
No
Course Code
DACS 1140
Descriptive
Introduction to Practice
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
15 weeks This course may be offered in a condensed format (less than 15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Course Designation
None
Industry Designation
None
Contact Hours

Lecture:  4 hours per week

Method(s) Of Instruction
Online
Hybrid
Lecture
Learning Activities

Face to Face: Lecture, Problem-based Learning, Video, Guest Speakers, Group activities, Readings, Field Observations

Hybrid: Lecture, Problem-based Learning, Video & video lectures, Guest Speakers, Group activities, Readings, Field Observations

Online: video lectures, online readings, case studies, discussion boards, video conferencing, guest speakers

Course Description
In this introductory survey course, students are provided an overview of the disability supports sector, focused on understanding historical practices, their continued influence, and the values and ethical considerations informing the sector. Students will explore the four main areas of support: 1) Early Intervention, 2) K-12 School Systems, 3) Community Living, and 4) Post-Secondary and Employment Supports. They will be introduced to Indigenous concepts such as Jordan’s Principle and new TRC based practices in education and community living. The course also introduces the legal and funding frameworks informing the sector.
Course Content
Explore perspectives on disability using currently accepted terminology:  

  • Overview of perspectives on disability and the embedded meaning in the ways in which we discuss disability;  

  • Identify ableist terminology and its implications; and 

  • Explore the use of person-first and identity-first language in a support context. 

Describe the impact of the history of service delivery and societal attitudes on the past, present & future of people living with a disability:  
  • Explore historical perspectives on disability and their influence on the past, present & future of people living with a disability;  

  • Consider the legacy and lasting impacts of the institutionalization of people with disabilities in Canada;  

  • Consider the influence of medicalized models of treatment and support; and 

  • Examine the impacts of the disability civil rights movement and the ongoing advocacy efforts of self-advocates and allies.  

Explore practitioner roles and responsibilities and identify criteria of exemplary practice within the four areas of practice:  

  • Understand the primary practitioner roles and responsibilities in early intervention, school based, community living, and post-secondary settings; 

  • Become aware of the TRC’s implications for education and current practices in Indigenous supports for students and adults; and 

  • Explore the criteria of exemplary practice. 

Consider the values and ethics that inform various aspects of practitioner’s role:  

  • Identify professional values informing various aspects of support;  

  • Define the importance of reflective practice, exploring various informal and formal models of reflective practice;  

  • Identify and consider the role of personal values, positionality and their influence on supports provided;  

  • Explore diversity considerations and cultural influences of those receiving supports; and 

  • Explore ethical issues in the sector, identifying how to approach issues with a critical and introspective lens. 
Examine the implications of relevant legislation and funding frameworks on the support sector:  

  • Identify the primary funding bodies connected to each area of support;  

  • Explore the boundaries created by legislation and funding and how to address ethical and values-based conflicts;  

  • Identify major legislation informing the four areas of practice; and 

  • Consider the ethical and legal issues of accountability within support services.  

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

  1. Explore perspectives on disability using currently accepted terminology. 

  1. Describe the impact of the history of service delivery and societal attitudes on the past, present & future of people living with a disability. 

  1. Explore practitioner roles and responsibilities and identify criteria of exemplary practice within the four areas of practice.

  1. Consider the values and ethics that inform various aspects of support services.

  1. Examine the implications of TRC, relevant legislation and funding frameworks on the support sector. 

Means of Assessment

Assessment will conform to the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of the following:  

  • Quiz

  • Reflective Papers

  • Group Projects 

  • Self-assessment 

  • Forum contributions 

  • Debate

Textbook Materials

A list of required and recommended reading will be provided for students at the beginning of the semester.  Instructors are committed to prioritizing OER and publicly accessible resources.

Equivalencies

DACS 1140 is equivalent to CCSD 1140 and CFCS 1142

Which Prerequisite

(CCSD 1140 or DACS 1140) is a prerequisite for (CCSD 1240 or DACS 1240) and (BHIN 1240 or DACS 1241)