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Developmental Services Worker (Online)

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.

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.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Developmental Services Worker (Online)
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Other
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
May (Spring)
September (Fall)
Locations
Online
Open to
Domestic Students
CIP Code
19.0710

Application Notice

Please note: This program follows a unique OCAS application cycle. Applications for Winter 2026 will open on Oct. 27 and close Dec. 5.

Find your career

DSWs support people of all ages with disabilities, enhancing their presence and participation in community life. Graduates find rewarding positions: 

  • Providing respite support for families. 
  • Providing in-home support to help people maintain independence. 
  • In community agencies as residential counsellors and vocational coaches, helping people find meaningful activities. 
  • In schools as educational assistants and with not-for-profit organizations. 
  • As activation directors in residential programs and long-term care facilities. 

Experiential learning

Through a unique combination of online learning and placements in your community, learn to effectively support people with developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, and people with a dual diagnosis:

  • 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.

 

Flexible online learning allows you to work through the curriculum at your own pace, on either a full-time or part-time basis. Please note that diploma requirements must be completed within seven years of starting the program. Apply theory in a real-world setting with three field placements:

  • Begin with 10 weeks in the second semester and increase to twelve weeks in both the third and fourth semester.
  • Work on-the-job two to three days per week.
  • Students have completed placements in residential programs such as Community Living and Pathways to Independence; public and private schools; adult education programs; and organizations in their home communities.

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, WKPL 2047, DSWP 2020

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.

Additional courses information

Please note that courses must be completed in the order listed below unless an alternate order has been approved by program administrators. 

 

Block 1 

COMM 1048  College Writing Skills 
DSWP 1019  Philosophy of Support 
*DSWP 1014  The Evolution of Developmental Services 
*DSWP 1018  Valued Social Roles 
DSWP 1025  Nature of Disabilities 1 
PROF1032  Professional Practice 
GNED  Becoming a Global Changemaker 

 

BLOCK 2 

*DSWP1021  Standards of Practice 
*DSWP1022  Person Centred Planning 
DSWP1020  Positive Behaviour Supports 
*DSWP1023  Teaching Strategies 
*DSWP1026  Nature of Disabilities 2 
*WKPL1026   Field Placement 1

 

BLOCK 3 

DSWP2016  Disability and Ethical Issues 
DSWP2017  Inclusive Practice 
*DSWP2015  Medication Administration (Pharmacology for DSWs) 
*DSWP2014  Promoting Health & Wellbeing 
*WKPL2047  Field Placement 2 
   General Education Course 

 

BLOCK 4 

**PROF2013  DSW Career Prep 
*DSWP2019  Leadership and Change 
*DSWP2018  Supporting Families 
*WKPL2018  Field Placement 3 
   General Education Course 

 

Please note:
*Pre-requisites and co-requisites required
**PRO2013 is not required if PROF1032 has already been completed. 

 

There are specific pre-requisites and co-requisites for courses. For more information consult the program manual. Student who started prior to Fall 2019, please contact jcurran@loyalistcollege.com for a program of study course match. 

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

  • 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 Placement Coordinator to discuss your options.
  • All DSW field placements are block placements, six hours per day, two to three days per week. Students entering the program must be able to arrange their schedules to accommodate these blocks. Up-to-date immunizations and a current police record check as well as Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR certification are required prior to placement.

*Additional materials, trainings and certifications may be required depending on industry partner requirements connected to experiential learning. Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

 

 

 

How to apply

New students

 

Returning current students

  • Please ensure you have enrolled in the DSW Distance Community Hub. More information about the registration process is available here.

Costs

For registration and payment options and details, please visit our Continuing Education and professional learning page.

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 and resources. Learn more about paying for college and OSAP for students completing distance education programs.

 

Further studies

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.

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