In this article, the Developmental Services Worker program is examined by looking at specific courses that students attending during their two years in the offering, such as History of Disability and Pharmacology.

1. Developmental Services Worker Program Reflects
Current Issues
Developmental services worker program at Centennial College,
educational assistants, support workers, residential support workers and
employment supporters are vital to the community as they work with
individuals with intellectual disabilities in a variety of environments in order
to build natural community supports, networks and valued social roles.
At Centennial College, students can attend the two-year Developmental
Services Worker program whose curriculum reflects current issues and
developments. It is especially focused on helping students to develop critical
thinking, leadership and communication skills that will allow them to
manage and affect change.
Employed are vital practical experiences such as projects, seminars,
community observations, Internet searches, teamwork and electronic
communication. The standout hands-on practice, however, comes in the
form of two field placements. During these two opportunities, students are
supervised by a faculty member and spend two days per week in the field
during semester two and three days per week in semester four. Students
are assessed in relation to the types and needs of supports required by
individuals and their communities and the competencies outlined in the field
manual.
Before they head out on placement, students attend a range of courses that
are led by faculty with of years of work under their belts who are familiar
with personal relationships with people with intellectual disabilities. Here is a
closer look at some particular courses from which Centennial College
students benefit.
History of Disability: To understand the evolution of the view of
developmental disabilities is an essential part of the program. In this
course, students also look at the evolution of supports and services with
particular attention paid to the use of imagery and role perceptions.
Pharmacology: Supporting individuals with intellectual disability to achieve
health through the use of prescribed medications is explored in this course.
Student learn to administer medications, teach, support and provide care to
ensure drug effectiveness and health for individuals.
Supports for Personal Health Care: In their roles, developmental services
workers assist clients with personal care, care for individuals who require

2. assistance with daily needs, and much more. To carry out their roles, this
course teaches students by applying the problem solving process case
profiles to develop creative problem solving, critical thinking and personal
time management skills. Meanwhile, hands-on, lab opportunities are used to
develop skills in assessing vital signs, hygiene care, changing simple
dressings, controlling infectious diseases, thermal applications, body
mechanics, and lifting and transporting individuals.
Policy and Social Welfare Systems: In particular course, social policy,
legislation and the models of service delivery that affects persons who have
intellectual disability in Ontario are explored. Philosophical values, theories
and assumptions about social welfare from political, geographical and
historical perspectives are used to explore social welfare policy.