Promoting an in-depth understanding of specific disabilities, conditions or illnesses.
Disability-Focused Studies
In order to meet the needs of DSPs, along with the unique needs of the family members of those with disabilities, the College of Direct Support curriculum includes a series of courses with information about specific disabilities, conditions or illnesses.
These in-depth courses describe the causes, characteristics, and symptoms of each disability, condition, or illness. When you take the course you will hear personal stories from people who have the disability, condition or illness, and how it affects their lives and the lives of those around them. The courses also identify resources that help DSPs to continue the learning process.
Each of these courses also includes references to core CDS courses that learners may explore to further enhance their skills.
Autism and autism-spectrum disorders
Gain a new understanding of the causes, characteristics, and symptoms of autism told through personal stories. This course will also help you understand how autism and any accompanying disorders can impact a person’s daily life. You will learn the most effective strategies for working with people with autism, along with a list of helpful resources.
Brain Injuries
This course will help you understand the short- and long-term effects of brain injuries. This is expressed through real life stories of people with brain injuries and the people who love and support them. You will also learn key strategies that will help you support people with this disability.
Cerebral Palsy
This course will help you learn to recognize common characteristics of cerebral palsy. You will also learn about some of the typical supports a person with cerebral palsy might need.
Depression
This course will help you learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression. You will gain some key treatment strategies, along with tools to prevent and respond to suicide concerns. This course will also dispel the common myths about depression so that you can provide more effective, meaningful support.
Diabetes
This course will help you learn more about diabetes and how it can affect a person’s overall health. You will learn what happens when the body does not produce enough insulin to convert sugar and starches into energy. You will also learn how to support a person who has diabetes.
Epilepsy
This course explains the history, causes and different cultural beliefs of epilepsy. In addition, the course provides information on the impact that epilepsy has on people’s lives and how Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) can care and support for a person with epilepsy.
