Developmental Services Worker

March of Dimes – This placement offered students the opportunity to gain practical work experience with the March of Dimes, an organization that provides a wide range of services to people with disabilities throughout the country.

Sudbury Developmental Services (SDS) – As part of the placement with SDS, students were offered the opportunity to gain practical, relevant work experience with a nonprofit agency that is committed to ensuring people living with developmental disabilities are supported to live their best lives.

Additional Notes: Field placement is a fundamental component of our DSW program, providing you with hands-on experiences right from the first semester. In your initial placement, you will have a unique opportunity to develop and deliver activity plans for individuals supported by local agencies or school boards. This experience offers you a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.  In the second semester, you will embark on your first onsite/mentored field placement, where you will gain practical experience and contribute to the support of individuals with disabilities.  Continuing in the third and fourth semesters, you will participate in additional field placements that deepen your practical skills and broaden your exposure to different aspects of the developmental services field. These placements provide valuable opportunities for you to work directly with individuals supported by local agencies or school boards, honing your abilities and building their professional network.

Required documentation for placement includes:

• Criminal Records Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Health documentation (up-to-date immunization, Two-Step TB test, freedom for communicable diseases)
• Standard First Aid and CPR – Level C
• Industry certifications
• Co-op permits for placement in semesters two, three, and four for international students

Please Note:

• You will be responsible for any expenses incurred related to placement, such as consultations with Placement Pass partners, co-op permits for non-permanent residents, medical fees for services, transportation, meals, and accommodations.
• Agencies and schools may require you to have additional medical and non-medical documentation before accepting placements.
• You will be responsible for the provision of required documentation for placement in consultation with the Placement Pass partner.

Recommendation:

• A valid G license is recommended for employment in the Developmental Services sector.

To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.

• Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
• Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
• Recommended RAM: 8 GB
• Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
• Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input.

While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.