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This course introduces the field of direct support and community services in relation to working in a variety of settings (e.g., residential programs and day programs) with people who have a disability. The course reviews client needs and services and identifies the skills and attitudes required of the effective direct support professional. Topics include types of disabilities and a brief history of disability services.
Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.
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- Discuss the values, ethics, and characteristics of the effective direct support professional, and describe how to apply those traits to advocate for the clients. (CCC 3, 4; PGC 2)
- Examine how personal values, attitudes, and communication skills affect the client and the helping relationship. (CCC 1, 3; PGC 2, 5)
- Explain the types of disabilities and the range of services found within Delaware's agencies. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 5)
- Explain the different types of clients to be served and how service delivery changes according to client demographic and need. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 3)
- Evaluate contemporary problems and issues in the field of direct support and community services. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 2, 5, 7)
- Explain the significance of historical and legislative developments within the field of disability services. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 4, 7)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- 1. Discuss the values, ethics, and characteristics of the effective direct support professional, and describe how to apply those traits to advocate for the clients.
- Explain effective direct support professional traits.
- Identify traits, ethics, and characteristics necessary to advocate for clients.
- Describe how to apply the traits of an effective direct support professional to advocate for clients.
- Describe interactions that promote awareness of self-advocacy methods and techniques.
- Examine how personal values, attitudes, and communication skills affect the client and the collaborative relationship.
- Differentiate professional versus personal values.
- Describe the various modes of communication that are appropriate to the needs of the program participants.
- Differentiate between effective and ineffective communication.
- Explain the types of disabilities and the range of services found within Delaware's agencies.
- Identify types of disabilities.
- Explain the characteristics and challenges associated with various disabilities.
- Describe the range of services available within the state of Delaware.
- Describe the criteria for eligibility for those services.
- Explain the different types of clients to be served and how service delivery changes according to client demographic and need.
- Identify dual diagnosis and complimentary needs.
- Describe levels of service as dictated by client needs.
- Explain programming changes through lifespan development.
- Explain the influence of an active family support system.
- Evaluate contemporary problems and issues in the field of direct support and community services.
- Identify the challenges that exist in the current profession.
- Explain the issues facing program participants in their daily lives.
- Identify obstacles and methods to overcome those obstacles.
- Differentiate effective versus ineffective self-advocacy for program participants.
- Explain the significance of historical and legislative developments within the field of disability services.
- Identify federal legislation that mandates services in the field.
- Explain the impact of the legislation on service provision.
- Identify how self-advocacy has impacted services and the legal requirements.
- Describe the impact legislation has had on the responsibilities of a direct support professional.
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90 | – | 100 | = | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | – | 89 | = | B |
| 70 | – | 79 | = | C |
| 0 | – | 69 | = | F |
Students should refer to the Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
- Create and maintain effective and professional documents relevant to agencies working with people who have a disability.
- Interact ethically and professionally within the Direct Support Profession.
- Apply information to identify client’s strengths, weaknesses, and resources to provide appropriate support services in a variety of settings.
- Provide effective support services to all client’s with varying levels of ability by utilizing professional principles and practices.
- Establish effective working relationships within the Direct Support arena.
- Apply basic management and leadership skills in professional environments, including time management, organization, and the ability to follow directions.
- Utilize feedback to assess the outcomes and opportunities created for clients and make adjustments accordingly.
The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. A listing of campus Disabilities Support Counselors and contact information can be found at the disabilities services web page or visit the campus Advising Center.