Last updated: November 2, 2006 @ 08:54AM

Applied Disability Studies

Master of Arts in Applied Disability Studies
Master of Applied Disability Studies
Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies

Field of Specialization:
Applied Behaviour Analysis

Faculty Dean
David Siegel
Faculty of Social Sciences

Associate Faculty Dean
David DiBattista
Faculty of Social Sciences

Graduate Faculty

Professors
Maurice Feldman (Child & Youth Studies), Dorothy Griffiths (Child & Youth Studies), Maureen Connolly (Physical Education & Kinesiology), Carol Sales (Business), Stan Sadava (Psychology).

Associate Professors
Frances Owen (Child & Youth Studies), Lisa Kikulis (Sport Management), Sheila Bennett (Education), Don Dworet (Education), John McNamara (Child and Youth Studies),

Assistant Professors
Tricia Vause (Child and Youth Studies), Jan Frijters (Child and Youth Studies), Dawn Zinga (Child and Youth Studies), Gail Frost (Physical Education & Kinesiology), Shannon Moore (Child and Youth Studies)Adjunct ProfessorsJames Porter (Kerry's Place, Toronto, ON), Rebecca Ward (Hamilton Health Science Centre Preschool Autism Services, Hamilton, ON), Anne Cummings (Central East Preschool Autism Services, Markham, ON), John Davis (Brain Injury Community Reentry Services, St. Catharines), William Gardner (University of Wisconsin-Madison).

Graduate Program Director
Maurice Feldman
905-688-5550, extension 3785
mfeldman@brocku.ca

Administrative Assistant
TBA
http://www.brocku.ca/disabilitystudies

Program Description

The Applied Disability Studies Program is designed to contribute to the betterment of the lives of persons with disabilities by providing multidisciplinary, quality postgraduate education to the next generation of professionals, researchers and educators, as well as to experienced professionals, in the field. Faculty are internationally respected in disabilities and applied behaviour analysis, and students will be able to design a stimulating program of study that meets their current and future interests and career aspirations.

The program offers a two year Master of Arts (MA) degree, a Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies. Students may choose to specialize in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). The ABA course program is designed so that students specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis will have the required course work and practicum experience needed to be eligible for certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst by the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board. The MA option, with its advanced course work and strong research focus, is intended to prepare students to continue their graduate training at the doctoral level. It should be noted that foundational and theoretical work are embedded in applied courses and practicum experiences and dual diagnosis courses. Students will also be prepared to pursue the wide variety of career possibilities in disabilities and applied behaviour analysis.The objectives of the program are:

a)to provide a professional and research practitioner educational base to advance community practice and applied research;b)to provide a forum for research and educational pursuits in the field of disabilities from an interdisciplinary and interfaculty perspective;c)to address diverse learning needs of students in the applied field by providing three options for educational pursuits:
i)  Master of Arts requiring completion of an original research thesis
ii)  Master's of Applied Disability Studies for professionals who wish to upgrade their educational and professional qualifications, such as in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis,
iii)  Graduate Diploma for students who wish to upgrade their educational and professional qualifications, but do not wish to complete a Master's degree.

Admission Requirements

Master of Arts (MA) -
Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a related field (e.g., psychology, social work, child studies, education) with a minimum overall average of 75%. Undergraduate courses related to disability studies and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) (minimum 75 per cent average) and/or volunteer or work experience specifically in disabilities and/or ABA will be considered an asset. Applicants for the MA program are encouraged to examine the research interests and publications of the faculty and indicate their preference for possible research supervisor(s) in the letter of intent accompanying the application.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission, who believe they may be eligible for admission, should contact the Graduate Program Director to discuss their admission qualifications. The MA option will commence in Fall 2007.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.

Both full-time and part-time study is available.

Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) -
Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a related field (e.g., Social Work, Child and Youth Studies, Education) with a minimum overall average of 75%. Undergraduate courses and/or volunteer or work experience specifically in disabilities will be considered an asset.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission, who believe they may be eligible for admission, should contact the Graduate Program Director to discuss their admission qualifications.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.

Both full-time and part-time study is available.

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies -
Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a related field (e.g., Psychology, Social Work, Child and Youth Studies, Education) with a minimum overall average of 75%.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission, who believe they may be eligible for admission, should contact the Graduate Program Director to discuss their admission qualifications. The Diploma option will not be offered in 2006-07.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.

Both full-time and part-time study is available.

Degree/Diploma Requirements

Master of Arts students must complete five credits.
MA (no Field Specialization) requirements include: ADST 5F00, 5F10, 5F30, 5F60 and two half-credits selected from ADST 5V01-5V09, 5V10-5V19, 5P40, 5P41, 5P42, 5P90, 5P91, 5P92. This path of study involves advanced courses, practicum experiences and intensive research resulting in a thesis based on a research-practitioner model.

MA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) requirements include: ADST 5F00, 5F60, 5P01, 5P02, 5P11, 5P12, 5P20 (or 5P21 or 5P22), and a half-credit from 5V01-5V09, 5P42 or 5P90. Students who are interested in taking ABA practicum courses to be eligible to apply for certification with the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board should consider taking all ADST practicum courses: ADST 5P20, 5P21, 5P22, 5P23, 5P24.

Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) students must complete five credits.
MADS (no Field Specialization) requirements include: ADST 5F00, 5F10, 5F30, 5F65, and two half-credits selected from ADST 5V01-5V09, 5V10-5V19, 5P40, 5P41, 5P42, 5P90, 5P91, 5P92.

MADS (Applied Behaviour Analysis) requirements include: ADST 5F00, 5F65, 5P01, 5P02, 5P11, 5P12, 5P20 (or 5P21 or 5P22), and a half-credit from 5V01-5V09, 5P42 or 5P90. Students who are interested in taking ABA practicum courses to be eligible to apply for certification with the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board should consider taking all ADST practicum courses: ADST 5P20, 5P21, 5P22, 5P23, 5P24.

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies students must complete three credits: ADST 5F00, and two credits selected from ADST 5F10, 5P01, 5P02, 5P11, 5P12, 5V01-5V09, 5V10-5V19, 5P40, 5P41, 5P42, 5P90, 5P91, 5P92.

Thesis
A thesis proposal and a completed thesis will be required of all Master of Arts (MA) students in the program. The proposal must relate to applied disability studies and should contain a detailed statement of the research problem and significance in terms of its contribution to knowledge and/or practice in applied disability studies, a brief review of the pertinent literature to place the proposed study in the context of previous research, a precise account of the methodology or research techniques to be employed, and an outline of the proposed data analysis procedures to be used. The student will be required to present and defend this proposal before the student's thesis advisory committee and obtain ethical clearance with the Brock Research Ethics Board. The final thesis based on the completed research must also be defended successfully to satisfy the thesis requirement.

Research Project
A research project will be required for all Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) students. The research project must relate to applied disabilities studies and may take several forms. It could be a comprehensive critical review and/or meta-analysis of the literature, a small assessment or intervention study using single-case designs on 1-3 participants, a qualitative study, a small program evaluation or assisting a faculty member in conducting research.

Course Descriptions

Note: Not all courses are offered in every session. Students must consult with the Graduate Program Director regarding course offerings and course selection and must have their course selections approved by the Graduate Program Director each term. Refer to the Timetable for scheduling information:
http://www.brocku.ca/registrar/guides/grad/timetable/terms.php
ADST 5F00
Foundations in Applied Disability Studies and the Study of Exceptionality
This course will provide advanced study of the various disabilities and a multidisciplinary exploration of the history, philosophy, and service of the disability field from an evolutionary perspective. Critical and emerging issues in the field will be explored.

ADST 5F10
Research Methods in Applied Disabilities Studies
The course will survey the breath and depth of applied research methods in disabilities studies. Quantitative qualitative, program evaluation, action, participatory, and single-case methodologies will be examined and compared. Ethical issues in conducting applied research with vulnerable populations will be addressed.

ADST 5F30
Internship in Applied Disability Studies
The student will carry out an internship project, under supervision, in a government, clinical, educational or other applied setting. Supervision will be provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member will coordinate the internship and meet with Field Supervisors.

ADST 5F60
MA Thesis
An in-depth research project involving the preparation and defence of a thesis which shall demonstrate capacity for independent work and original research and thought. Research to be conducted under the supervision of a faculty supervisor and defended at an oral examination.Note: open to MA students only.

ADST 5F65
Research Project
The student must complete a major paper that demonstrates capacity for independent work and original research or thought. The major paper shall be chosen in consultation with a Supervisor and will be evaluated by the Supervisor and a second faculty reader. Note: open to MADS students only.

ADST 5P01
Principles and Processes of Applied Behaviour Analysis
Principles, processes, concepts and methods of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) - the scientific application of learning principles to solve a wide range of human problems and enhance well-being. The principles and methods will be illustrated through everyday life and clinical examples.

ADST 5P02
Applications of Applied Behaviour Analysis
The breath of behavioural change strategies based on ABA and the systems support needed to implement these strategies. Numerous clinical, educational, personal and organizational examples will be provided.
Prerequisite: ADST 5P01.

ADST 5P11
Research Methods in Applied Behaviour Analysis
Experimental evaluations of interventions, with a focus on single-case experimental designs; measurement, interpretation and display of behavioural data; and ethics.
Co-requisite: ADST 5P01.

ADST 5P12
Assessment and Treatment Selection in Applied Behaviour Analysis
Bio-psycho-social multimodal behavioural assessments and how interventions can be derived from the assessment.
Prerequisite: ADST 5P01.

ADST 5P20
Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis I
The student will carry out the techniques of ABA, under supervision, in a clinical, educational or other applied setting. Supervision will be provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member will coordinate all practica and meet with Field Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations will take place throughout the placement at a rate of one hour per 20 hours of practicum placement.

ADST 5P21
Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis II
The student will carry out the techniques of ABA, under supervision, in a clinical, educational or other applied setting. Supervision will be provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member will coordinate all practica and meet with Field Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations will take place throughout the placement at a rate of one hour per 20 hours of practicum placement.

ADST 5P22
Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis III
The student will carry out the techniques of ABA, under supervision, in a clinical, educational or other applied setting. Supervision will be provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member will coordinate all practica and meet with Field Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations will take place throughout the placement at a rate of one hour per 20 hours of practicum placement.

ADST 5P23
Advanced Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis I
The student will carry out the techniques of ABA, under supervision, in a clinical, educational or other applied setting. Supervision will be provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member will coordinate all practica and meet with Field Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations will take place throughout the placement at a rate of one hour per 20 hours of practicum placement.
Prerequisite: ADST 5P20, 5P21 or 5P22.

ADST 5P24
Advanced Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis II
The student will carry out the techniques of ABA, under supervision, in a clinical, educational or other applied setting. Supervision will be provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member . A faculty member will coordinate all practica and meet with Field Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations will take place throughout the placement at a rate of one hour per 20 hours of practicum placement.
Prerequisite: ADST 5P20, 5P21 or 5P22.

ADST 5P40
Dual Diagnosis I
(also offered as CHYS 5P40)
Selected topics in dual diagnosis (habilitative mental health and developmental disabilities, including autistic spectrum disorders) from multidisciplinary and evidence-based perspectives. Specialized topics will vary by year and instructor. Offered as a course through the International Dual Diagnosis Certificate Program.

ADST 5P41
Dual Diagnosis I
(also offered as CHYS 5P41)
Selected topics in dual diagnosis (habilitative mental health and developmental disabilities, including autistic spectrum disorders) from multidisciplinary and evidence-based perspectives. Specialized topics will vary by year and instructor. Offered as a course through the International Dual Diagnosis Certificate Program.

ADST 5P42
Dual Diagnosis III
(also offered as CHYS 5P42)
Selected topics in behavioural assessment and intervention in dual diagnosis (habilitative mental health and developmental disabilities, including autistic spectrum disorders) from multidisciplinary and evidence-based perspectives. Specialized topics will vary by year and instructor. Offered as a course through the International Dual Diagnosis Certificate Program.

Note: The International Dual Diagnosis Certificate program is coordinated by Brock University in association with Niagara University and NADD (National Association for Dual Diagnosis). The Program offers courses leading to a certificate in habilitative mental health with a focus on persons with developmental disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders. Each year the program offers three different courses, one of which focuses on behavioural assessment and intervention. Graduate students who wish to take these courses for credit must attend the Dual Diagnosis Certificate program course and complete assignments that are supervised by ADST faculty.
ADST 5P90
Directed Studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Applied Disabilities Studies
Under the supervision of a faculty member with appropriate expertise, the candidate may complete a sustained program of study of a topic in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Applied Disabilities Studies leading to the writing of a term paper.

ADST 5P91
Directed Studies in Applied Disabilities Studies I
Under the supervision of a faculty member with appropriate expertise, the candidate may complete a sustained program of study of a topic in Applied Disabilities Studies leading to the writing of a term paper.

ADST 5P92
Directed Studies in Applied Disabilities Studies II
Under the supervision of a faculty member with appropriate expertise, the candidate may complete a sustained program of study of a topic in Applied Disabilities Studies leading to the writing of a term paper. The supervisor may not be the same faculty member as in Directed Studies in Applied Disabilities Studies I.