Last updated: April 2, 2013 @ 04:16PM

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

Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research
Ingrid Makus
Faculty of Social Sciences

Core Faculty

Professors
Maurice Feldman (Centre for Applied Disability Studies)

Assistant Professors
Rosemary Condillac (Centre for Applied Disability Studies), Rebecca Ward (Centre for Applied Disability Studies)

Participating Faculty

Professors
Sheila Bennett (Education), Maureen Connolly (Physical Education & Kinesiology), Dorothy Griffiths (Child & Youth Studies), Stan Sadava (Psychology)

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

Assistant Professors
Shannon Moore (Child & Youth Studies)

Adjunct Professors
Marjorie Aunos (West Montreal Readaptation Centre), Ivan Brown (University of Toronto), John Davis (Brain Injury Community Reentry Services, St. Catharines), William Gardner (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Barry Isaacs (Surrey Place Centre, Toronto), Yona Lunsky (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto), Andrew McNamara (St. Lawrence College, Kingston) , Valerie Temple (Surrey Place Centre, Toronto), Ali Uzunoz (Private Practice, Hamilton)

Graduate Program Director
Maurice Feldman
905-688-5550, extension 4894
mfeldman@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. In each of these, 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 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 statistics courses (minimum 75% average) and courses related to disability studies and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) (minimum 75 per cent average), volunteer or work experience specifically in disabilities and/or ABA will be considered assets. 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.

Applicants to the Master of Arts who have previously completed the Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) degree at Brock University will be considered under the following conditions:
1.  Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements to enter the Master of Arts program.
2.  Students must complete in addition to the MADS degree requirements, the MA thesis, ADST 5P10, and a half-credit ADST elective in their specialization. These credits plus those completed as part of the MADS degree will comprise the 5.0 credits required for the Master of Arts.
3.  The Master of Applied Disability Studies degree will be rescinded on the student’s academic record if the Master of Arts degree is completed and is to be conferred.

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, volunteer or work experience in disabilities and/or ABA will be considered assets.

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

This program is offered on a part-time and full-time 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%. Undergraduate courses, volunteer or work experience in disabilities will be considered an asset.

In particular, the diploma may be suitable for students who have a completed Master's Degree and wish to take this program to upgrade their educational qualifications in disability studies and ABA and/or may wish to take the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board approved course sequence.

Please note: Students who take the Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies to complete the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board approved course sequence may need to take additional courses beyond those required for the Diploma Programme. Please contact the Centre for details.

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

This program is offered on a part-time or full-time basis.

Degree/Diploma Requirements

Master of Arts students must complete five credits.

MA (no Field Specialization) requirements include: ADST 5F60, 5P00, 5P10, 5P11, 5P15, 5P30, 5P31 and two half-credits selected from ADST 5P01, 5V80-5V89, 5P40, 5P41, 5P42, 5P43, 5P50, 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 5F60, 5P00, 5P01, 5P02, 5P10, 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 with qualified supervisors.

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 5F65, 5P00, 5P11, 5P15, 5P30, 5P31, 5P50, 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 5F65, 5P00, 5P01, 5P02, 5P11, 5P12, 5P20, 5P50, 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 with qualified supervisors.

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies students must complete three credits: ADST 5P00, 5P50 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.

Major Research Paper
A research project will be required for all Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) students.

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies students must complete three credits: ADST 5P00, and 2.5 credits selected from ADST 5P50, 5P01, 5P02, 5P11, 5P12, 5P15, 5V80-5V89, 5P40, 5P41, 5P42, 5P43,5P90, 5P91, 5P92, 5P93, 5P94.

Please note: Students who take the Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies to complete the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board approved ABA course sequence may need to take additional courses beyond those required for the Diploma Program. Please contact the Centre for details.

Course Descriptions

Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
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(s): ADST 5P11 or ADST 5P15.
Corequisite(s): 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(s): MADS ABA Specialization: ADST 5P00, ADST 5P01, ADST 5P02, and ADST 5P11. MADS No Field Specialization: ADST 5P00, 5P50, and one credit in approved research courses.
Note: open to MADS students only.

ADST 5P00
Foundations in Applied Disability Studies and the Study of Exceptionality
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.
Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ADST 5F00.

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(s): ADST 5P01.

ADST 5P10
Quantitative Methods in Social Science Research in Applied Disability Studies
Statistical analysis and computer implementations of quantitative methods, emphasizing applied methodology issues in research with children, youth, and adults with and without disabling conditions. Covers traditional ANOVA, ANCOVA, and multiple regression, including vector-coding of group information under regression, and emphasis on data screening and evaluation of assumptions.

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; ethics of assessment and treatment.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P02.

ADST 5P13
Research Methods in Applied Disability Studies I
This course will survey the breath and depth of applied research methods in disability studies. Quantitative, qualititative, 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.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in ADST 5F10.

ADST 5P14
Research Methods in Applied Disability Studies II
Further analysis and applications of applied research methods in applied disability studies.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P13
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in ADST 5F10.

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 are addressed.

ADST 5P20
Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis I
Students carry out ABA techniques, under supervision, in an applied setting for 150 hours. Supervision will be provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member will coordinate practica and meet with Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement Classroom hours address case studies and professional standards and ethics.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P12.

ADST 5P21
Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis II
Students carry ABA techniques, under supervision, in an applied setting for 150 hours. Supervision is provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member coordinates all practica and meets with Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement at a rate of one hour per 20 hours of practicum placement.

ADST 5P22
Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis III
Students carry out ABA techniques, under supervision, in an applied setting for 150 hours. Supervision is provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member coordinates all practica and meets with Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement at a rate of one hour per 20 hours of practicum placement.

ADST 5P23
Advanced Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis I
Students carry out ABA techniques, under supervision, in an applied setting for 150 hours. Supervision is provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member coordinates all practica and meets with Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement at a rate of one hour per 20 hours of practicum placement.

ADST 5P24
Advanced Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis II
Students carry out ABA techniques, under supervision, in an applied setting for 150 hours. Supervision is provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member coordinates all practica and meets with Field Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement at a rate of one hour per 20 hours of practicum placement.

ADST 5P25
Advanced Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis III
Students carry out ABA techniques, under supervision, in an applied setting for 150 hours. Supervision is provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member coordinates all practica and meets with Supervisors. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement at a rate of one hour per 20 hours of practicum placement.

ADST 5P30
Internship in Applied Disabilities I
Students carry out, for 150 hours, a 150-hour supervised internship project in a government, clinical, educational or other applied setting. Supervision is provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member coordinates the internship and meets with the Supervisor.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in ADST 5F30.

ADST 5P31
Internship in Applied Disability Studies
Students carry out a 150-hour supervised internship project in a government, clinical, educational or other applied setting. Supervision is provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member coordinates the internship and meets with the Supervisor
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P30
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in ADST 5F30.

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.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P02 or with permission of the Program.

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 5P50
Foundations in Applied Disability Studies and the Study of Exceptionality II
Continuing, advanced study of selected topics in disability studies with particular emphasis on broader ideological and socio-political contexts and influences.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P00
Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ADST 5F00.

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 5P93
Directed Studies in Applied Disability Studies III
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 5P94
Directed Studies in Applied Disability Studies IV
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.