Email
Print
Add to Quick List
NSCC offers accessible education for residential & vocational sector
November 5, 2003 - Media Release
NSCC recently introduced a two-year Human Services diploma program with Residential and Vocational concentrations. In addition to being available at select campuses, it is now offered via alternate delivery so students can complete the program at their own pace.
This diploma, which was developed in consultation with the sector, will be the required standard for all future employees in this field. "NSCC has put together an excellent distance education package for Residential and Vocational Services education," said Cathy Deagle Gammon President Workshop Council of Nova Scotia. "For long term/service staff it is an opportunity to refresh, enhance or make current your knowledge base. For those entering the system, specific courses will only compliment your skill set. As employers we encourage and welcome resumes that reflect continuing education in our industry."
Michelle MacNeil just graduated from the program, and she feels the experience was an important and life-changing choice. "The Residential Vocational program helped me gain a greater insight into the lives of people with disabilities," she said. "I feel that it has also helped me to grow personally, as a better, more understanding person."
The alternate delivery model means students can study according to their own schedule by accessing courses via the internet, or in face-to-face workshop format. There will also be personal supports and tutorials for students enrolled in the program, as well as the option to be assessed by faculty for prior learning and assessment recognition.
The curriculum encourages community integration and individual centered planning for persons with disabilities. Specific program courses include Behavioral Strategies, Introduction to Assessment and Documentation, Medication Awareness, Vocational Services, Assistive technology and Communication Strategy, and Nutrition and Meal Planning. Tuition for each course ranges from $250 to $325. For more information, phone 1-800-841-7288.
The faculty members currently leading the instructional team are Tom Gunn and Debbie Wheeler. Mr. Gunn lived and worked for 26 years with people with developmental disabilities in the communities of L'Arche in Stratford, Ontario and Calcutta, India. In 1983, he and his wife Anne founded L'Arche Cape Breton. Together with Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy, Mr. Gunn helped found Mawi Ta'Mk Society, a charitable society and advocacy group for Mi'kmaq people with developmental disabilities. He completed Master's research on the impact of Government policy on Mi'kmaq people with disabilities. Debbie Wheeler graduated from the Yarmouth Regional Hospital School of Nursing diploma program in 1980. Ms. Wheeler completed an advanced diploma in Clinical Psychiatric Nursing from the Nova Scotia Hospital in 1993, completed the NSCC Education Diploma Program in Adult Education, and she is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree with a major in Human Services through distance education at Athabasca University. She has also completed nursing courses from Dalhousie and Memorial University. Ms. Wheeler worked for 18 years in a variety of nursing settings both in Halifax and Yarmouth in geriatrics, pediatrics and the last thirteen years in Mental Health acute care, outpatients and community rehabilitation.
NSCC is a vibrant college network of 13 campuses providing sophisticated, industry-driven learning experiences in over 100 programs, for 8,500 Nova Scotians every year. A recently announced multi-year plan to enhance NSCC, will modernize facilities, increase student capacity, and enhance skill-driven learning programs.
For more information:
Stacey Baillie
Manager - Media & External Relations, NSCC
p: (902) 491-6781
Rhonda Brown
Communications Specialist - Media & External Relations, NSCC
p: (902) 491-4899
Natalie Kenrick
Communications Specialist - Media & External Relations, NSCC
p: (902) 491-2213
Tom Gunn
NSCC Human Services Faculty
p: (902) 625-4206
Debbie Wheeler
NSCC Human Services Faculty
p: (902) 749-2404
Lorraine Mockford
NSCC Online Learning
p: (902) 491-2797
