Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) – Accelerated diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You’ll be taught by developmental services experts who are active in the field, in classes with comparatively low student to teacher ratios. Our curriculum is designed with input from the developmental services field ensuring courses are current and relevant.

You’ll begin your studies by learning the stages of human development, the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you’ll learn intervention techniques, person-centered planning, abnormal psychology/dual diagnosis, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have been abused. Finally, you’ll develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and counselling.