Human Services Programs

Disability Studies

• 2-Year Diploma Program
• Offered at the Powell River campus
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission: Application form

VIU also offers the School and Community Support Worker certificate program.

The Program

This program provides advanced–level training for working in the community living, disability and disability–related sections. It builds on Vancouver Island University's Community Support Worker, Special Education Assistant, and School and Community Support Worker Certificate programs (or equivalents) and offers flexible delivery options. The program includes the following components:

• Courses which explore leadership, advocacy, social policy, citizenship, community organizing, and community development as they relate to the disability sector.
• Engaged learning experiences by examining collaborative research methods and learning through community service.
• Elective courses drawn from a wide–ranging selection of options from different disciplines relevant to the disability field.

This program uses workplace or community–based projects to help students integrate and apply classroom learning in practice, while making a contribution to their home community and/or services. This first offering of the Disability Studies Program will be implemented in Powell River.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Vancouver Island University diploma.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the diploma program will gain and/or enhance their skills to work in a broad range of disability sector positions including supervisory/administrative roles and more specialized direct service roles with community agencies, private service providers and some government services.

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.
• English 12 with a minimum “C+” grade, or equivalent.
• Group interview.
• Two letters of reference.
• Resume, application and covering letter.

Recommendations for Admission

• Volunteer or paid experience working with people who are mentally, physically or behaviourally challenged.

Notes on Admission

• Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act. Students are advised that a criminal record may limit their practicum possibilities and their work opportunities in the Human Services field.
• For admission to the program, applicants will be assessed on past academic achievement, related volunteer/paid employment, writing skills and performance at a group interview with faculty.
• Applicants may be required to provide a letter from a family physician confirming they have the physical capacity required to work in the field.

Admisson to the Second Year of the Disability Studies Diploma

Students must have completed a Community Support Worker Certificate (CSW), Special Education Assistant Certificate (SEAC), or School and Community Support Worker Certificate (SCSW), or equivalent.

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible for a Disability Studies Diploma, students must:

• Complete all of the required program courses and obtain a minimum "C" grade in every course.
• Achieve a passing grade in the practicum course.
• Complete all requirements within 5 years.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and applications are accepted between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Transfer Credit (from other institutions)

Vancouver Island University recognizes the academic knowledge and achievement of students who have undertaken post–secondary studies at other colleges, institutes, or universities. Credit is assigned on the basis of an official transcript, course outlines, and other supporting documentation.

Student Transfer into Other Programs

Although it may be possible for students to transfer into other Disability Studies Diploma programs across the province, the probability of acceptance into other programs depends on the receiving institution.

Program Outline

* LBST 111 (6 credits) and LBST 112 (6 credits) meet both the English and elective requirements.

** Students must choose one elective from the following list: ANTH 112, ANTH 121, FNAT 103, GLST 210, MEDI 111, MEDI 112, PHIL 100, PHIL 111, PHIL 112, POLI 100, POLI 199, RELI 111, SOCI 111, SOCI 112, WOST 200, WOST 210.

*** Students choose one elective from Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g. Anthropology, First Nations Studies, Global Studies, History, Sociology, Women's Studies.

* LBST 111 (6 credits) and LBST 112 (6 credits) meet both the English and elective requirements.

** Students choose one elective from Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g. Anthropology, First Nations Studies, Global Studies, History, Sociology, Women's Studies.

Updated June 13, 2012