Foundations in Community Disability Studies has been a core educational resource offered by the Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS) since 2005. This version of the course is a blended model, combining online study with face-to-face activities between each learner and their mentor.

Foundations in Community Disability Studies has been a core educational resource offered by the Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS) since 2005. This version of the course is a blended model, combining online study with face-to-face activities between each learner and their mentor.

Overview:

Introduction to Positive Behaviour Supports provides knowledge on understanding the individual, building trust, and developing relationships to better support individuals during challenging behaviours. 

Description: 

This course introduces Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS) to frontline staff supporting individuals with developmental disabilities who experience behaviours of concern. The training emphasizes the importance of knowing the individual, building trust and relationships, and effectively supporting individuals during behavioural challenges. Training includes interactive discussions and case studies, practical application of PBS concepts and emphasis on real-world scenarios and ethical considerations. Please note the online (self-paced) delivery of this course includes a case study reviewed and graded by a Qualified Person (QP) from the learner’s organization to support practical application of behaviour planning.

Delivery method:

This Self-paced online learning includes a case study reviewed and graded by a Qualified Person (QP) from the learner’s organization to support practical application of behaviour planning.

Overview:

Advanced Skills in Positive Behaviour Supports expands on the introductory concepts, offering advanced techniques for managing more complex behaviours of concern.

Description:

This training focuses on advanced methodologies and principles of Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS). Participants will explore techniques such as A-B-C recording, identifying triggers and antecedents, conducting functional behaviour assessments (FBA), and applying ethical principles in PBS. The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of behaviour management, assessment, case studies and intervention strategies. Please note the online (self-paced) delivery of this course includes a case study reviewed and graded by a Qualified Person (QP) from the learner’s organization to support practical application of behaviour planning.

Delivery method:

This Self-paced online learning includes a case study reviewed and graded by a Qualified Person (QP) from the learner’s organization to support practical application of behaviour planning.

Prerequisite:

Each learner should have completed Introduction to Positive Behavior Support course, or ACDS's PBS 1+2 course and/or  demonstrated work experience in behavior planning (at least one year).

Overview:

From Community Presence to Community Inclusion (CPCI) course supports CDS professionals in promoting inclusive community lives for individuals with developmental disabilities. Learners will explore social integration, identify opportunities for inclusion, and develop strategies to nurture friendships and support networks. The course also offers guidance on measuring and reporting progress.

Overview:

Outcomes Training course introduces learners to the concept of outcomes—creating measurable steps to achieve individual and organizational goals. CDS workers will gain an understanding of how their roles contribute to the success of support plans, with a focus on quality of life domains and Individual Support Plans (ISPs).

Overview:

Facilitating Meaningful Change with Outcomes is a train-the-trainer course designed to equip learners with tools to facilitate outcomes-focused planning and decision-making within their organizations. Learners will explore practical strategies for achieving goals, setting SMART objectives, and using data to measure progress.

Overview

Human service organizations today are increasingly recognizing the value of mentoring as a means for building organizational capacity and leadership, and the important role that mentors can play in the creation of a strong workforce. In Alberta’s disability service sector, agency-based mentors are making important contributions by supporting agency staff enrolled in the Foundations in Community Disability Studies Program. In this role, mentors make the bridge between theory and practice, and contribute to the professionalism of community disability services. 

The Fundamentals of Mentoring mini-course has been designed to provide agency-based mentors with the skills and knowledge to fulfill this important role.

• Unit 1. Introduction to Mentoring

• Unit 2. Mentor Roles

• Unit 3. Mentoring Skills: Active Listening and Effective Questioning

• Unit 4. Mentoring Skills: Assessment and Feedback

Each Unit is designed to take one to two hours to complete.  Optional activities and additional resources are provided if you wish to extend and expand your study of the topics in each unit.

Please visit our website to enroll in the course online. Feel free to contact training@acds.ca for any additional questions.

Overview:

Introduction to Complex Needs and Secure Treatment is a self-paced course supports service providers in navigating the challenges of serving individuals with developmental disabilities coexisting with significant mental health, medical, or behavioral needs. Developed in collaboration with Calgary Scope Society, the 8-module training covers secure treatment models, seclusion protocols, and client data analysis while addressing CET Accreditation Standards.

Resource available only for learners who have completed Introduction to Positive Behaviour Supports Tutor Training (Virtual)

The Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS) offers instructor-led Introduction to Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS) Train-the-Trainer Tutor Training for individuals interested in facilitating PBS training within their own organizations.

This interactive training provides “qualified persons” (as defined by the Creating Excellence Together Standards) with the knowledge, tools, and copyrighted materials required to deliver ACDS’ PBS training in alignment with the CET Standards. The Train-the-Trainer program is intended for individuals who have previously completed PBS training or have relevant education and experience in behaviour supports.

Upcoming training: https://acds.ca/events/upcoming-events.html

An overview of the Alberta Council of Disability Services' Creating Excellence Together Accreditation framework and surveying process.

A set of videos explaining how to prepare and submit Self Study Guide documents for the  Creating Excellence Together Accreditation survey conducted by the Alberta Council of Disability Services.