Foundations (Self-Directed)

This self-directed course is based on the benchmark Foundations in Community Disability Studies (Foundations) program from ACDS. It is divided into three sections, cover a total of 16 modules. It does not have the applied skills checklist component of the original Foundations program.   

This course is completely online, including the materials to study. It is self-paced and self-directed, with self-tests and learning activities for the learner to evaluate their own progress. There is a final test at the end of each section. The final pass mark is 80%. The learner has a year to complete the course after registration. Coursework is done at a pace decided set by the learner, though it is possible to complete the course in three months.

This course has been designed for:

• Individuals seeking an introduction to the sector or pre-employment foundational knowledge;
• Family members seeking to expand their knowledge on disabilities and learn about coping with and caring for individuals with disabilities;
  
• Front-line workers who have taken the Foundations Training before and would like to refresh their knowledge base in the theoretical aspects of their work;
  
• Community Disability Service workers/practitioners who have been out of the workforce for some time and would like to refresh their knowledge before returning to the workforce; and
  
• Workers who have been working in the field for a long time but have never taken the Foundations Training before.

Section 1: Setting the Stage 

• Module 1: The Evolving Field of Community Disability Services

1. Development of Community Disability Services 
   
2. Role of Government
   

• Module 2: Values and Attitudes 

1. Your Values and Beliefs
   
2. Professional Codes of Ethics
3. The Person-centred Approach
4. Common Theoretical Concepts

• Module 3: Common Disabilities

1. Understanding a Disability Label
2. Developmental Disabilities
3. Physical Disabilities and Conditions
4. Emotional and Behavioural Disorders

• Module 4: Roles and Responsibilities

1. Getting to Know the Person
2. Building Community
3. Promoting Personal Growth and Self-Determination
4. Dealing with Abusive Situations

• Module 5: Legislation and Human Rights Protection

1. Development of Human Rights Globally and in Canada
2. Human Rights in Alberta

• Module 6: Safety Issues 
  

1. Common Hazards
2. Responding to Accidents, Emergencies, and Disasters

• Module 7: Ergonomics
  

1. Basics of Ergonomics
2. Lifting and Transferring

• Module 8: Adaptations and Accommodations
  

1. Communication Aids
2. Mobility Aids
3. Other Aids

• Module 9: Universal Precautions and Infection Control 
  

1. Universal Precautions Against Infections
2. Hepatitis, HIV, and AIDS
3. Self-care

• Module 10: Personal Hygiene Support 
  

1. Values in Personal Hygiene Support
2. Personal Care Procedures
3. Repositioning a Person in Bed

• Module 11: Mealtimes and Nutrition 
  

1. Health and Nutrition
2. Mealtimes
3. Safety Practices for Food

• Module 12: Promoting Wellness 
  

1. Healthy Choices
2. Observing Changes in Wellness
3. Emotional and Mental Health

• Module 13: Facilitating Growth and Skill Development 
  

1. Facilitating Growth for Community Living
2. Planning Process for Skill Development
3. Working with Data

• Module 14: Interpersonal Communication 
  

1. Effective Communication
2. Non-Verbal Communication
3. Written Communication

• Module 15: Professional Communication Skills 
  

1. Contributing to Meetings
2. Workplace Issues
3. Conflict Prevention and Resolution

• Module 16: Personal and Professional Competence 
  

1. Stress and Burnout
2. Stress Management
3. Cultural Competency
4. Professional Development and Lifelong Learning