HS 225 - Supporting Diverse Needs

3 Credits

This course provides students with an understanding of person-centered, strengths-based approaches to supporting diversity and promoting positive outcomes for those with disabilities. Discussions, activities, and case studies provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in critical inquiry about minimizing barriers to access, supporting diverse needs, and engaging in advocacy.

Rationale:

This is a required course for the Educational Assistant Certificate, the Early Childhood Education Certificate, the Early Childhood Education Diploma and the Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma students. Attitudes and practices that support the varying needs and abilities of all individuals are essential to the work of human services professionals. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to plan for the unique cognitive, developmental, and neurobiological needs of children, youth, and adults in a variety of settings, and to advocate for accessibility and inclusive practices that support diversity.

Prerequisites: HS 115  
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

1. Argue for the creation of accessible and universally designed spaces that support diversity.
2. Evaluate and apply person-centered, strengths-based practices to supporting diversity and creating individual support plans.
3. Predict social and physical barriers for individuals with disabilities.
4. Engage in critical inquiry on the intersection of disability with other markers of diversity and social movements for inclusion.
5. Argue for the importance of disability advocacy and the maintenance of human rights.

Hardman, M. L., Drew, C. J., & Egan, M. W. (2017). Human Exceptionality: School, community, and family (12th ed.). Nelson.

Winzer, M. (2008). Children with exceptionalities in Canadian classrooms (8^th ed.). Prentice Hall.

Conduct of Course:

This course uses lecture, readings, videotapes/DVD, guest speakers and access to the Internet to deliver the course content. The assignment and quizzes enable students to utilize resources and apply knowledge gained from a variety of references.

Regular attendance is essential for success in any course. Absence for any reason does not relieve a student of the responsibility of completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor. Frequent absences may result in the student being probation.  Further absences may result in suspension from the program.

In cases of repeated absences due to illness, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate.

Instructors have the authority to require attendance in classes.

Content of Course:

1. Understanding Diversity
2. Creating Accessible, Universally Designed Spaces
3. Barriers to Support and Intersectionality
4. Understanding Person-Centered Practices
5. Person-Centered Planning
6. Strategies for Supporting Diversity and Planning Responsive Environments
7. Planning for Individuals
8. Assistive Technology and Emerging Supports
9. Navigating Personal Safety and De-escalation Strategies
10. Advocacy

 

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.