Disability and Community Support
Create inclusive environments for people living with disabilities, supporting individuals in their personal and professional goals.
Learn to support children and adults with disabilities in a variety of community settings.
Through the Disability and Community Support program, you will develop the knowledge, skills and values required to support and enhance the lives of people with disabilities. You’ll learn to support people in their personal development, relationships and individual pursuits across various settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, communities and alternative day services.
As part of your education, you’ll gain real work experience alongside a variety of direct support professionals (DSP) through practicum placements and experiential fieldwork opportunities.
As a Disability and Community Support student, you can choose to complete a one-year certificate or enhance your employment potential and explore advanced opportunities through a two-year diploma.
Certificate: After completing the first year of this program, you can choose to graduate with a Disability and Community Support certificate and start your career.
Diploma: Choose to continue your education and graduate with a Disability and Community Support diploma.
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Program TypeFull-time
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CredentialsCertificate and Diploma
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Program DeliveryProgram courses are delivered primarily in person, with some components delivered online. See locations to understand where the in-person components of this program take place.In-person hybrid
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In-person LocationNotre Dame Campus
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IntakeFall
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Program Length1-2 years
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Total Tuition / Fees for CoursesEstimated total tuition fees for all terms of this program for domestic students. Other fees not included in this total include textbooks, supplies, application fee, etc. Learn more ›$5,400 – $11,800
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How to EnrolThis program requires a formal application. Find out how to apply ›Application required
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Application TypeRRC Polytech programs have different types of applications. Learn more about application types ›Direct entry
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Work-Integrated LearningWork-integrated learning includes opportunities like co-op, field and clinical placements, internships and industry projects.Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities
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International ProgramFind out about the services and supports available to international students. Learn more ›Open to students from around the globe
Experience a Polytechnic Education
Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term
In this program, you will learn to assist individuals with disabilities, helping them plan and achieve their personal goals and maintain their health and well-being.
TERM 1
Develop foundational knowledge in disability and community support and build vital work experience and industry connections through a practicum placement.
TERM 2
Continue expanding your knowledge, complete a second practicum placement and examine the issues facing Indigenous children, youth and families in Manitoba.
TERM 3
Explore and evaluate direct support methods, education services and the role of educational assistants while completing a third practicum experience.
TERM 4
Explore advanced topics such as person-centred planning and dual diagnosis. Complete a final practicum placement in preparation for graduation and a career.
Employment Potential
Prepare yourself for career success
Potential Grad CAREERS
- Direct support professional
- Supported employment professional
- Educational assistant
- Residential support worker
- Team leader
- Program coordinator
What to Expect in This Program
Get Prepared for the Future of Work
Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.
Graduate Success
RRC Polytech’s Disability and Community Support graduates are recognized as qualified employees with strong values, up-to-date skills and practical experience. Graduates quickly find jobs and become leaders in their industry, making important and meaningful contributions to the community.
The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.
100% – NEW GRADS HIRED
Disability and Community Support grads are often employed in the industry before they graduate. The skills and experience you develop at RRC Polytech provide a strong foundation for career success and advancement, allowing you to follow diverse career paths and find the right environment for you.
92% – CONSIDER PROGRAM UP TO DATE
RRC Polytech works with the industry to create engaging learning experiences focused on your career success. By partnering with community leaders, employers and industry experts, we ensure your skills are relevant, up-to-date and aligned with community needs.
92% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE
Our instructors have years of experience in their fields and are constantly working to create an inclusive community for people with disabilities. They draw upon their industry insight to provide meaningful learning opportunities, teach practical skills and connect you with community leaders.
“I started my career as a job coach for people with disabilities. […] I cannot even express how much the diploma meant to me and how it has helped me to shape my career path in social services.”
Laura Bustamante – Work Experience Services Coordinator
SCE Lifeworks
Who Should Enrol?
Turn your talents into academic success
As a Disability and Community Support student, you enjoy spending time with people and take the time to reach out, connect with and understand others. You’re interested in positive social change and establishing a community where everyone belongs and feels appreciated. You are also open to learning and changing your worldview and want a career where you can make a difference.
Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.
PERSONALITY TRAITS
- Adaptable
- Community-oriented
- Critical thinker
- Empathetic
- Ethical
SKILLS
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Integrity
- Positive attitude
- Reliability
INTERESTS
- Human services
- Disability
- Helping
- Social work
- Inclusion
- Diversity
- Community
- Social change
All the Information You Need
MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.
LOCATION, DATES AND FEES
Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.
OTHER INFORMATION
Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.
DATES AND FEES
Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.
LIST OF COURSES
Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.
OTHER INFORMATION
Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.
Begin Your Journey
Get Started with RRC Polytech
Start Your Application
Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.
Funding Your Education
Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.
Future Student Events
Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.