2013-2014 Graduate Calendar

Marjorie Aunos (West Montreal Readaptation Centre), Ivan Brown (University of Toronto), Tom Craig (International Communicology Institute), John Davis (Brain Injury Community Reentry Services, St. Catharines, ON), William Gardner (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Kimberly Harris (Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System, London, ON), Barry Isaacs (Surrey Place Centre, Toronto), Darren Levine (Regional Municipality of Durham), Yona Lunsky (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto), Andrew McNamara (St. Lawrence College, Kingston, ON) , Karl Stobbe (McMaster University), Valerie Temple (Surrey Place Centre, Toronto), Ali Uzunoz (Private Practice, Hamilton, ON)

Centre Director and Graduate Program Director

Maurice Feldman

905-688-5550, extension 4894

mfeldman@brocku.ca

Academic Administrator

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 pursuing a MA or MADS degree or Graduate Diploma 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 Ph.D. 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.

For maximum flexibility, our courses are generally offered one weekend a month with online activities taking place in between weekends. Some online and blended course options may also be offered. MA students may also be required to attend classes during the week. For complete course sequence and scheduling details please contact the Program.

Admission Requirements

Master of Arts (MA)

Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a related field (e.g., disability studies, applied behaviour analysis, psychology, sociology, social work, child studies, education) with a minimum average of 75% in the last two years of undergraduate studies. Undergraduate statistics courses (minimum 75% average) and courses related to disability studies and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) (minimum 75% 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 6.0 credits required for the Master of Arts (ABA) or 5.0 credits for the Master of Arts (no field specialization).
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)

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

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies

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.

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

Qualifying Courses

Qualifying courses are meant for students who wish to apply for MADS (either ABA or no specialization), but do not quite meet the minimum admissions criteria. The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and decide which qualifying courses each student should take from available courses. Note that completion of the qualifying courses does not guarantee admission to MADS, but does allow students who do not meet the minimum criteria for MADS (e.g., 3-year degree) to submit an application to MADS that will be seriously considered. All qualifying courses are provided online at various times during the year.

The minimum admissions requirement is a three-year university Bachelors degree or equivalent. Students with a Community College diploma or certificate without a university degree are not eligible to take the qualifying courses.

Degree/Diploma Requirements

Note: Changes in Degree Requirements are published subject to Senate approval.

(This line is to be removed later prior to publishing.)

Master of Arts Requirements.

MA (no Field Specialization) is five credits in length. Requirements include: ADST 5F60, 5P00, 5P14, 5P15, 5P30, 5P31, 5P50, 5P55 and a half credits selected from ADST 5P10, 5P40, 5P41, 5P42, 5P43, 5P70, 5P91, 5P92, 5P93, 5P94. 5V80-83. 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) is six credits in length. Requirements include: ADST 5F60, 5P00, 5P10, 5P70, 5P71, 5P72, 5P73, 5P74, 5P75, 5P76 and a half-credit from 5V70-5V79, 5P42 or 5P90. This path of study involves advanced courses, practicum experience, and intensive research resulting in a 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 5P21, 5P22, 5P23, 5P24 with qualified supervisors.

Thesis

(Subject to Senate Approval)

A thesis proposal and a completed thesis of original work is required of all Master of Arts (MA) students in the program. The MA program 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: 5P00, 5P14, 5P15, 5P30, 5P31, 5P45, 5P44, 5P50, 5P55 and one half credit selected from ADST 5P40, 5P41, 5P91, 5P92, 5P93, 5P94, 5V80-5V89.

MADS (Applied Behaviour Analysis) requirements include: ADST 5P00, 5P50, 5P70, 5P71, 5P72, 5P73, 5P74, 5P75, 5P76 and a half-credit from 5V70-5V79, 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 additional ADST practicum courses: ADST 5P21, 5P22, 5P23, 5P24 with qualified supervisors.

This program is designed to be completed in nine-terms or three years.

Major Research Paper

A Major Research Paper will be required for all Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) (no field specialization) students in their final year.

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies (no field specialization) is three credits in length. Requirements include: ADST 5P00, 5P50 and two credits selected from ADST 5P14, 5P15, 5P55, 5V80-5V89, 5P40, 5P41, 5P42, 5P43, 5P90, 5P91, 5P92, 5P93, 5P94.

Qualifying Courses

Qualifying courses are designed for students who wish to apply for MADS (either ABA or No Field Specialization), but do not meet the minimum admissions criteria. The Graduate Admissions Commitee will review each student's application materials and then decide which qualifying courses each student should take to make them eligible to subsequently apply to MADS upon sucessful completion of the assigned qualifying courses. Therefore the qualifying course requirements will vary between students.

Note that completion of the qualifying courses does not guarantee admission to MADS, but does allow students who do not meet the minimum criteria for MADS (e.g., a 3-year degree) to submit an application to MADS that will seriously be considered. All qualifying courses are provided online at various times during the year.

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 5P70 or ADST 5P14.

Note: open to MA 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 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 5P13

Interdisciplinary Reading in Applied Disability Studies

Examination of literature and research by persons with disabilities from humanities and social sciences perspectives; may include fiction, non-fiction, empirical study or policy.

ADST 5P14

Research Methods in Applied Disability Studies I

This course will survey various approaches in applied qualitative research methods in disability studies. 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 5P15

Research Methods in Applied Disability Studies II

Further analysis and applications of applied research methods in applied disability studies.

Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P14

Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in ADST 5F10.

ADST 5P21

Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis I

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 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 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

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

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)

*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 5P72 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 5P44

Integrative, Scholarly and Expressive Writing in Applied Disability Studies

Exploration of a variety of writing conventions for research, pedagogy, communication, community outreach and program and professional development.

Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P15.

ADST 5P45

Major Research Paper

Supervised writing project involving examination of issues, literature, research, and /or policy in the field of applied disability studies.

Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P50 and ADST 5P14.

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 5P55

Interdisciplinary Reading in Applied Disability Studies

Examination of literature and research by persons with disabilities from humanities and social sciences perspectives; may include fiction, non-fiction, empirical study or policy.

ADST 5P70

ABA Measurement, Research and Evaluation

Describes the scientist-practitioner model, core measurement techniques used in applied behaviour analysis and the design and methodology used for data-based and ethical clinical decision making and research in this field. The focus will be on selecting appropriate methods and designs to answer both clinical and research questions in the field of ABA.

ADST 5P71

ABA Fundamental Elements, Concepts & Principles I

Explores the basic underlying processes and concepts in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), elements of intervention and behaviour change procedures and their application in a variety of everyday life and clinical situations.

ADST 5P72

ABA Fundamental Elements, Concepts & Principles II

Explores the advanced processes and concepts in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), elements of intervention and behaviour change procedures and their application in a variety of everyday life and clinical situations.

Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P71

ADST 5P73

ABA Assessment and Intervention

Reviews procedures and instruments that are essential features of comprehensive assessments in ABA. Teaches interpretation of assessment results and use of these to develop corresponding interventions.

Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P72

Corequisite(s): ADST 5P74

ADST 5P74

ABA Ethics and Professional Conduct I - Assessment

This course includes both classroom and practicum hours in order for students to conduct a comprehensive behavioural assessment and to learn the relevant ethical codes and standards of conduct related to the field of ABA. This course culminates with student presentation of their assessment and proposed treatment directions which will contribute to their final project for graduation.

Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P72

Corequisite(s): ADST 5P73

ADST 5P75

ABA Intervention Planning and Implementation

Reviews the application of treatment to a variety of behavioural excesses and deficits, and strategies to support effective implementation in applied settings.

Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P73

Corequisite(s): ADST 5P76

ADST 5P76

ABA Ethics and Professional Conduct II - Intervention

This course includes both classroom and practicum hours in order for students to implement, monitor and troubleshoot an intervention in an applied setting using an appropriate evaluation design, plan and implement training and supervision of natural mediators and discuss related ethical and professional issues. This course culminates in a final case report of their assessment (from 5P73) design, implementation and evaluation of an ABA intervention.

Corequisite(s): ADST 5P74

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.

Restriction: Open to ABA specialisation students only.

Prerequisite(s): Requires permission of the Director.

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 5V70-5V79

Topics in Applied Behaviour Analysis

This course will explore various topics in ABA that have not been previously covered in other courses.

Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P70

ADST 5V80-5V89

Selected Topics in Applied Disability Studies

A topic in applied disability studies that will vary by instructor.

ADST 6P00

Foundations in Applied Disability Studies

Introduction to a broad spectrum of disability studies and literature as authored by persons with disabilities.

ADST 6P15

Directed Readings in Applied Disability Studies

Includes directed readings, independent study, experiential learning and placement and/or internships opportunities.

ADST 6P50

Disability and Society

Theoretical, philosophical and practical issues facing persons with disabilities examined from a strengths-based model emphasizing diversity, identity and empowerment.

ADST 6P80

Research Orientations and Applied Disability Studies

Comparative and critical engagement with research on, about, with and by persons with disabilities across a variety of perspectives and paradigms.

ADST 6P85

Critical Qualitative Design Applications

Exploration, examination, and application of critical, reflective practice in qualitative research emphasizing patterns and distinctions across theoretical and typological foundations of qualitative inquiry.

ADST 6P90

Applied Behavioural Analysis Across the Lifespan I: Application to persons with disabilities

Introduction to the science of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) as applied to persons with disabilities, their families, caregivers and teachers.

ADST 6P91

Applied Behavioural Analysis Across the LIfespan II: Application to persons with disabilities

Further study in ABA with emphasis on interpretation and critical analysis of ABA research, and use of behaviour analytic framework as applied to effective interventions.

ADST 6P95

Introduction to Research Methods in Applied Disability Studies

An overview of quantitative and qualitative approaches, methodologies, and designs used in inquiry about and with persons with disabilities.

Last updated: May 24, 2013 @ 10:17AM