Last updated: January 18, 2010 @ 02:58PM

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

Dean
Thomas Dunk
Faculty of Social Sciences

Graduate Faculty

Professors
Sheila Bennett (Education), Maureen Connolly (Physical Education & Kinesiology), Maurice Feldman (Centre for Applied Disability Studies), Dorothy Griffiths (Child & Youth Studies), Carol Sales (Business), Stan Sadava (Psychology)

Associate Professors
Don Dworet (Education), Jan Frijters (Child and Youth Studies), John McNamara (Child and Youth Studies), Frances Owen (Child & Youth Studies), Donato Tarulli (Child and Youth Studies), Tricia Vause (Child and Youth Studies), Dawn Zinga (Child and Youth Studies)

Assistant Professors
Rosemary Condillac (Centre for Applied Disability Studies), Gail Frost (Physical Education & Kinesiology), Shannon Moore (Child and Youth Studies), Rebecca Ward (Centre for Applied Disability Studies)

Adjunct Professors
Ivan Brown (University of Toronto), Anne Cummings (Central East Autism Services, Markham), John Davis (Brain Injury Community Reentry Services, St. Catharines), William Gardner (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Barry Isaacs (Surrey Place Centre, Toronto), Yona Lunski (C.A.M.H, Toronto), Andrew McNamara (St. Laurence College, Kingston) , Ali Uzunoz (Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton)

Graduate Program Director
Maurice Feldman
905-688-5550, extension 4894
mfeldman@brocku.ca>mfeldman@brocku.ca

Acting Graduate Program Director (July 1, 2009 ­ December 31, 2009)
Tricia Vause
905-688-5550, extension 3559
tvause@brocku.ca>tvause@brocku.ca

Acting Graduate Program Director (January 1, 2010 ­ June 30, 2010)
Maureen Connolly
905-688-5550, extension 3381
mconnolly@brocku.ca>mconnolly@brocku.ca

Administrative Assistant
Alison Rothwell
905-688-5550, extension 5395
arothwell@brocku.ca
http://www.brocku.ca/disabilitystudies

Program Description
Applied Disability Studies 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 Centre for Applied Disability Studies 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 ABA course sequence is approved 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. Students will also be prepared to pursue the wide variety of career possibilities in disabilities and applied behaviour analysis.

Admission Requirements

Master of Arts (MA)
Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a related field (e.g., psychology, sociology, 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.

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

Typically, this program is offered on a full-time basis. Part-time students will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS)
Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a related field (e.g., psychology, sociology, social work, child 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.

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

Typically, this program is offered on a part-time basis. Full-time students will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies
Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a related field (e.g., psychology, sociology, social work, child studies, education) with a minimum overall average of 75%.

Students who have a completed Master's Degree may wish to take this program to upgrade their educational qualifications in disabilities and ABA.

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

Typically, this program is offered on a part-time basis. Full-time students will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Degree/Diploma Requirements
Master of Arts students must complete five credits.

MA (no Field Specialization) requirements include: ADST 5F00, 5F30, 5F60, 5P11, 5P15 and two half-credits selected from ADST 5P01, 5V80-5V89, 5P40, 5P41, 5P42, 5P43, 5P90, 5P91, 5P92, 5P93, 5P94. This path of study involves advanced courses, practicum experiences and intensive research resulting in a thesis based on a scientist-practitioner model.

MA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) requirements include: ADST 5F00, 5F60, 5P01, 5P02, 5P11, 5P12, 5P20), and a half-credit from 5V80-5V89, 5P42 or 5P90. This path of study involves advanced courses, practicum experience and intensive research resulting in an ABA-oriented thesis based on a scientist-practitioner model.Students who are interested in taking ABA practicum courses to gain supervised experience hours required 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.

Thesis
A thesis proposal and a completed thesis of original work is required of all Master of Arts (MA) students in the program. For students specializing in the ABA field, the thesis must also relate to ABA. For full-time students, the MA is designed to normally be completed in six terms or two years.

Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) students must complete five credits.
MADS (no Field Specialization) requirements include: ADST 5F00, 5F30, 5F65, 5P11, 5P15 and two half-credits selected from ADST 5P01, 5V80-5V89, 5P40, 5P41, 5P42, 5P43, 5P90, 5P91, 5P92, 5P93, 5P94.

MADS (Applied Behaviour Analysis) requirements include: ADST 5F00, 5F65, 5P01, 5P02, 5P11, 5P12, 5P20 (or 5P21 or 5P22), and a half-credit from 5V80-5V89, 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 5P01, 5P02, 5P11, 5P12, 5P15, 5V80-5V89, 5P40, 5P41, 5P42, 5P43,5P90, 5P91, 5P92, 5P93, 5P94. For part-time students, the MADS and Graduate Diploma is designed to normally be completed in nine terms or three years.

Research Project
A research project of original work will be required for all Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) students. For students specializing in the ABA field, the research project must relate to ABA.

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 Disability 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.
Prerequisite: ADST 5P11 or ADST 5P15.
Co-requisite: ADST 5P11 or ADST 5P15
Note: open to MA students only.

ADST 5F65
Research Project
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.
Prerequisite: MADS ABA Specialization: ADST 5F00, ADST 5P01, ADST 5P02, and ADST 5P11. MADS No Field Specialization: ADST 5F00 and one credit in an approved research course.
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.

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 5P15
Applied Research in Disability Studies
Includes quantitative qualitative, program evaluation, action, participatory, and single-case methodologies, ethical issues in conducting applied research with vulnerable populations.

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.

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 5P23.

ADST 5P25
Advanced 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.
Prerequisite: ADST 5P24.

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.

ADST 5P41
Dual Diagnosis II
(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.

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.

ADST 5P43
Assessment and Diagnosis in Autism and other Developmental Disabilities
Survey of methods including ethics of assessment and diagnosis, psychometrics, diagnostic classification, approaches and instruments.

ADST 5P90
Directed Studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Applied Disability Studies
Under the supervision of a faculty member with appropriate expertise, a sustained program of study of a topic in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Applied Disabilities Studies culminating in a formal academic assignment.

ADST 5P91
Directed Studies in Applied Disability Studies I
Under the supervision of a faculty member with appropriate expertise, a sustained program of study of a topic in Applied Disabilities Studies culminating in a formal academic assignment. Note: The instructor may not be the same faculty member as in ADST 5P90.

ADST 5P92
Directed Studies in Applied Disability Studies II
Under the supervision of a faculty member with appropriate expertise, a sustained program of study of a topic in Applied Disabilities Studies culminating in a formal academic assignment. Topic must be different from, or an extension of, topics covered in other Directed Studies courses.

ADST 5V80-5V89
Selected Topics in Applied Disability Studies
A topic in applied disability studies that will vary by instructor.