College Diploma - Developmental Services Worker (01101)

Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma program teaches students skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Humber's faculty team consists of developmental services experts who are active in the field, and small class sizes allow for individualized attention. Their curriculum is designed with input from developmental services field experts, ensuring courses are current and relevant.

Student's studies begin by learning the stages of human development, the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, they’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, they’ll develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and counselling.

Students will also build their expertise in Humber's counselling labs which provide an ideal setting to develop abilities in working with individuals with limited verbal skills.