HS 115 - Foundations of Inclusion

3 Credits

Outline Effective Date 2025 Spring
2024/2025

Lecture Hours: 45
Course Description:
This course introduces students to inclusive attitudes and approaches in the context of disability studies. Students develop an awareness of the nature of disability, neurodiversity, and developmental diversity, and explore the bias, stigma and systemic challenges which often create barriers to inclusion and support. Students gain the knowledge and skills required for person-centered, inclusive practices.

Rationale:
This is a required course for the Early Childhood Education Diploma, the Early Childhood Education Certificate, the Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma, Community Support Practitioner, and the Educational Assistant Certificate students. Understanding developmental diversity and neurodiversity within an interdisciplinary context is essential to establishing inclusive practices in human services professions. Students require knowledge of the diverse needs and services often required in a variety of settings, and the professional skills and abilities necessary to support those needs.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

Evaluate different models and theories applied to diversity and disability.
Distinguish different areas of disability and compare common diagnoses.
Analyze the influence of developmental and neurological diversity on individuals and their families.
Recognize and model the use of appropriate disability language.
Assess the relationship between mental health and disability.
Justify the use of different approaches for creating inclusive, person-centered spaces and supporting diversity.

Required Resource Materials:
Students are required to access online resources and information. There is not a required textbook which must be purchased.

Conduct of Course:
Lecture, guest speakers, class discussions, group exercises, and videos are used to deliver the course content. Content is available on the learning management system. Active learning is encouraged, and participation is necessary.

Instructors have the authority to require attendance in classes.

Content of Course:

Creating Context:
1. Theories of disability
2. The relationship between mental health and disability
The role of the professional
1. Forming an inclusive lens
2. The Power of language
3. Supporting families and advocacy
The nature of diability
1. Neurodiversity
2. Learning and communication
3. Social-emotional and behavioral development

Course Assessments:

Research Assignment	20%
Diversity Assignment	25%
Midterm Exam	25%
Final Exam	25%
Participation	5%
Total	100%

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course. Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.