Disability Services

The Disabilities Services degreeis designed for students interested in the field of disabilities. The degree will equip current and future professionals to be effective communicators and develop a cultural awareness of understanding the disability field. The programcovers general guidelines and documentation methods with the importance of confidentiality as well as how to support people effectively and IN safely managing their basic needs including self-advocacy and safety. The program has six core courses covering topics dealing with a wide variety of personal perspectives, cultures, and life circumstances from both a legal and human rights’ viewpoint.   

10

a.      Goals

                                         i.    Taft College is committed to:

1.    establishing the criteria necessary to work in the field of disabilities

2.    improving the communities and employers’ view of the importance of the para-professional’s role in the support of individuals with disabilities

3.    establishing entry level baseline skills for this growing profession

4.    bringingstability to the profession thereby reducing the high turnover rate

5.    developingand maintaining a high quality disability Studies program that includesknowledge of various disabilities in addition to classroom instruction in themastery of the skills necessary to work with individual with disabilities.

                                       ii.    Objectives

1.    Taft College plans to:

a.    hire themost qualified and dedicated faculty

b.    preparestudents for careers in the disability studies profession

c.    monitorand evaluate curricula for content and standards to ensure that each graduatecompletes his/her education with the ability to satisfactorily and confidentlyperform expected job skills

d.    participatein every aspect of a student's education by providing the guidance, counseling,support, and structure necessary for completion of his/her program

e.    work withthe advisory committee to establish appropriate career ladder certificates thatlead to proficiency and stability within the para-profession

Item3.  Program Requirements

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE - DISABILITY SERVICES

Required Courses                                                                                                                                       Units

DS 1501                               Introduction to Disabilities                                          3                            

DS 1502                               Disabilities and the Law                                                              3            

DS 1503                               Introduction to Medication Support                                                   3

Or

DS 1507                               Introduction to Supporting People with Disabilities                      3

DS 1504                               Cultural Competency towards Disabilities               3

DS1505  Teaching Individuals with Disabilities and Dealing with Challenging Behaviors                                                                                                                                   3

DS 1506                   Safety Advocacy and MaltreatmentPrevention                               3           

                                                                                                                                                                Total    21

Proposed Sequence: 

Year1, Fall = 15 units 

Year1, Spring = 12 units

Year1, Summer = 3 units

Year2, Fall = 14 units

Year2, Spring = 16 units

TOTAL UNITS: 60 units