Back to results

Developmental Services Worker

A group of people are sitting down in a chairs in a circle and speaking to one another. There are other groups of people speaking to each other in the same room behind the close-up of the group.

As a developmental services worker (DSW), you will assist people with disabilities to live as valued, contributing members of the community. By providing support and advocacy, you will work towards full inclusion for the betterment of the entire community.

Apply
Book a Visit
Ask a Question

Skip to program content

Home / Learn / Programs List / Developmental Services Worker
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Two years
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

Find your career

Developmental services workers support people of all ages with disabilities, enhancing their presence and participation in community life. Loyalist grads find rewarding positions:

  • Providing in-home support to help people maintain independence.
  • In community non-profit agencies, providing residential and day support.
  • In schools as educational assistants.
  • Providing respite support for families.

The faculty always went above and beyond to see us successful. They brought conviction and passion into everything they taught. They saw each person and worked to pull out our individual strengths and abilities while fostering teamwork. I am better because of them!

Lisa, Developmental Services Worker

Our grads get great jobs

  • Educational Assistant, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
  • Community Support Worker, Community Living
  • Residential Counsellor, Pathways to Independence
  • Integration Facilitator, Loyalist College
  • Family support/relief

Is it for you?

People who do well in this program come from all ages and many different backgrounds. What they have in common are:

  • A desire to work with people in a caring and compassionate profession. 
  • An interest in social justice.
  • In many cases, a personal connection to someone with a disability – often a friend, family member, colleague or classmate.
  • An open mind about what people can contribute and achieve.

I believe hands-on learning and labs are essential to the DSW program. Being able to practise a variety of scenarios in a safe environment allows you to learn from your mistakes, receive constructive advice, and repeat the task until you’re able to do it without forgetting a step.

Emilie, Developmental Services Worker

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

Learn to effectively support people with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, and people with a dual diagnosis:

  • The program curriculum promotes individualized and inclusive approaches, reflective of innovative practices in the field.
  • Develop hands-on skills that will help people grow, develop relationships, and actively participate in their community.
  • Identify and connect people to community opportunities and resources.
  • Collaborate with people with disabilities to overcome barriers and promote full inclusion.

Apply theory in a real-world setting with three faculty-supervised field placements:

  • Begin with 10 weeks in the second semester and increase to twelve weeks in both the third and fourth semester.
  • Provide support to children and/or adults in a placement setting two to three days per week and bring those experiences back to the classroom to enhance your learning.
  • Students have completed placements in residential programs such as Community Living Belleville and Area and Pathways to Independence; elementary and high schools; adult education programs; and other non-profit community organizations.

Outstanding faculty make the difference

  • Teachers are passionate about their work and are personally invested in improving the lives of people with disabilities.
  • Faculty are student focused.
  • Professors have extensive experience in residential and day supports and family support, building on educational backgrounds in disability studies, psychology, education, community development and other areas.
  • Faculty maintain strong connections to the sector through involvement in advocacy organizations, non-profit leadership, and consulting in the field.

Courses

COMM1048 College Writing Skills

This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.

DSWP1025 Nature of Disabilities 1

In relation to typical human development, this introductory course examines the causes, prevention, prevalence, and identification of intellectual, neurological and behavioural disabilities including relevant resources and supports.

DSWP1019 Philosophy of Support

A deep understanding of fundamental concepts that affect and inform DSW support approaches is key to the development of any effective support relationship. Such concepts include core competencies, power dynamics, empathy, self-determination, and person centredness.

PROF1032 Professional Practice

Students will develop oral, written, and professional skills that will prepare them for DSW field placement and future employment. Students will explore various roles available to DSWs and how to apply DSW curriculum in various settings. By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated a functional knowledge of placement expectations, evaluation, and policies/procedures.

DSWP1014 The Evolution of Developmental Services

This course examines the evolution of human services over the past three centuries. Students explore how perceptions of disability have changed with time and the factors that have influenced the development of formalized services for people with intellectual disabilities. An understanding of devaluation is used to interpret key historical events and to analyze the impact of past, current and emerging service models. Co-requisite: DSWP 1018

DSWP1018 Valued Social Roles

This course explores the study of devaluation on a societal and individual level. Students are introduced to the theory of Social Role Valorization as a positive conceptual base for addressing devaluation and increasing access to the good things of life for devalued people.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

DSWP1021 DSW Standards of Practice

Students explore and analyze legislation and support/service options relevant to people with disabilities and the developmental services sector. Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations will be used to lessen the vulnerability to abuse, neglect and other forms of mistreatment experienced by people with an intellectual disability. The roles and responsibilities in recognizing, documenting and reporting instances of suspected or actual abuse and neglect are covered. Prerequisite: DSWP 1014

WKPL1026 Field Placement 1

Supervised field placements provide opportunities for the integration of DSW theory and practice. While supporting people with disabilities, students develop and demonstrate skills in a variety of community settings. This placement is two days per week for 10 weeks. Prerequisite: COMM 1048, DSWP 1014, DSWP 1018, DSWP 1019, DSWP 1025, PROF 1032

DSWP1026 Nature of Disabilities 2

Building on Nature of Disabilities 1, this course examines how differences in the structure and function of the human body contribute to physical and sensory disabilities as well as various health issues. Dual diagnosis and mental health disorders are also discussed within the scope of DSW practice. Prerequisite: DSWP 1025

DSWP1022 Person Centred Planning

The course provides an introduction to person-centred planning concepts. Various planning processes are reviewed, with an emphasis on strategies that promote the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. Prerequisite: DSWP 1018, DSWP 1019 Co-requisite: DSWP 1023

DSWP1020 Positive Behaviour Supports

This course introduces the theoretical concepts and principles underlying positive behaviour supports and the role the environment plays in determining our behaviour. Moral, ethical and contemporary values in supporting people with intellectual disabilities are emphasized. Application of these principles to all aspects of daily living is discussed with a focus on the development of adaptive behaviour, skills and effective support plans that facilitate inclusion and participation in community life. Prerequisite: DSWP 1019

DSWP1023 Teaching Strategies

This course explores formal and informal person-centred teaching strategies to support the learning of people with intellectual disabilities, including the use of technology and other assistive devices. Co-requisite: DSWP 1022

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

DSWP2016 Disability & Ethical Issues

This course explores critical thinking strategies and ethical decision-making models that aid in the analysis of issues that affect the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Students examine how their beliefs and value systems influence their conduct and practice as a DSW. Prerequisite: DSWP 1021

WKPL2047 Field Placement 2

Supervised field placements provide opportunities for the integration of DSW theory and practice. While supporting people with disabilities, students develop and demonstrate skills in a variety of community settings. This placement is two days per week for 12 weeks and builds on previous placement outcomes. Prerequisite: DSWP 1020, DSWP 1021, DSWP 1022, DSWP 1023, DSWP 1026, WKPL 1026

DSWP2020 Inclusive Practice

Inclusive support strategies are examined that enable people with intellectual disabilities to be fully included in community life, with a focus on inclusive education, integrated recreation and customized employment.

DSWP2015 Medication Administration

Within the scope of DSW practice, this course examines pharmacology as a means of supporting health through the safe use and administration of medication. Emphasis is placed on teaching, supporting, and providing care that contributes to the drug effectiveness and health of people with intellectual disabilities. Prerequisite: DSWP 1026 Co-requisite: DSWP 2014

DSWP2014 Promoting Health & Wellbeing

Through a combination of theory and lab practice, this course teaches the promotion of health and wellbeing for people with intellectual disabilities through daily living and health care assistance, fitness, nutrition, human sexuality, and self-care practices. Co-requisite: DSWP 2015

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

WKPL2018 Field Placement 3

Supervised field placements provide opportunities for the integration of DSW theory and practice. While supporting people with disabilities, students develop and demonstrate skills in a variety of community settings. This placement is three days per week for 12 weeks and builds on previous placement outcomes. Prerequisite: DSWP 2014, DSWP 2015, DSWP 2016, DSWP 2017, WKPL 2047

DSWP2019 Leadership & Change

To promote the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, DSWs require knowledge of community building and change dynamics, and the advocacy and leadership skills to bring about desired change. This course develops competencies required for leadership roles within nonprofit and other community organizations. Prerequisite: DSWP 2016

DSWP2018 Supporting Families

This course examines elements of providing direct support to people with intellectual disabilities within a family context. Students learn some of the typical experiences of families who have a son/daughter with a disability, the common dilemmas inherent in family support and effective support strategies.

*Courses subject to change.

Two people are setting a table in a kitchen and dining area. Fourteen light green graphic circles are along the bottom left of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

OR

Additional requirements for placement (not required before admission)

  • Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR certification.
  • Criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening. If you have been convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code for which you have not been pardoned, you may be ineligible for field placement; please contact the program coordinator to discuss your options.
  • All DSW field placements extend throughout the semester, for six hours per day, two to three days per week. Students entering the program must be able to arrange their schedules to accommodate placement days. Up-to-date immunizations are required prior to placement.

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) 

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
  • Total: $4,089.08

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • International Tuition: $15,000
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $17,026

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

A student in a gold sweater holds paperwork and smiles at the person she is listening to across the table. Blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Pathways and university transfer 

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

Related programs

Back to program search
A headshot of a person smiling towards the camera. The person is wearing a green long-sleeved shirt and a necklace.

Developmental Services Worker Apprenticeship

A developmental services worker (DSW) assists individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities in improving their ability to engage fully in community life. Prepare for a rewarding career in this field by working alongside experienced DSWs as an apprentice.
A student wearing a long-sleeved sweater and glasses is sitting at a desk, typing on a laptop keyboard with a smile. The desk also has a mug, phone, plant, papers, and post-it notes. In the background, there's a TV, lamp, couch, and another table with a plant on it, creating a cozy and productive workspace.

Developmental Services Worker (Online)

Through online learning and hands-on placement experience within your local community, get the skills you need to start a rewarding career as a Developmental Services Worker (DSW). DSWs provide support and advocacy, empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive.
A younger adult in a polo shirt with a nametag pinned to the front smiles at a person in front of them, while an older person with grey hair sits on a couch beside them.

Social Service Worker

A social service worker (SSW) helps people overcome personal and social challenges by offering supporting counselling and connecting them with resources. Prepare for a rewarding career fostering positive change in individuals, groups and communities.