Do you like working with people? Do you believe everyone has the right to live life to the fullest? Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Disability Support Worker program offers the training you need to be a community service worker, supportive living worker, educational assistant or life enrichment worker.

Disability support workers are entrusted with the basic personal care of participants of all ages in residential and vocational settings. You’ll need strong communication skills, a common-sense approach to problem solving, an intuitive understanding of human behaviour and a steady personality.

Disability Support Worker is a one-year certificate program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon campus . It is also offered through distance and/or continuing education. Learn from experienced instructors how to provide compassionate, respectful care for individuals with challenging needs and disabling conditions. You’ll develop knowledge and practical skills in:

basic care skills
behavioural support and crisis prevention
disability support services
exceptionalities and human growth & development
interpersonal, professional and employability skills
person-centred planning
quality of life enhancements
Enhancing Lives
As a disability support worker, you’ll be working with people of all ages and varying levels of ability. The program not only provides the practical skills you’ll need, it also provides a broad knowledge base. You’ll have the tools you need to enhance individual lives, while also build a rewarding career for yourself.

Practical Experience
Practical experience is an essential part of your program. You’ll get direct experience helping individuals in two practicums with residential, vocational centre-based or community-based agencies. In caring, secure and stimulating environments, you’ll develop your skills in providing basic care, planning programs and implementing activities.

The Disability Support Worker curriculum has recently been revised. Students who started taking courses for this program prior to July 1, 2019 have until July 1, 2021 to take the following four courses:
Health Promotion (HLTH-184CE)
Sexuality and Disabilities (HUMD-191CE)
Intro Disability Support Serv (SPSY-185CE)
Professional Role (SPSY-287CE)

When you graduate, you’ll be qualified to work as a disability support worker, supportive living worker, educational assistant, vocational training worker or community residential worker. Work environments include health care and long-term care facilities, educational institutions, group homes and more. Look for job opportunities with community-based agencies, school systems and government agencies.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at a campus nearest you.