Last updated: July 17, 2018 @ 03:41PM

Applied Disability Studies

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

Field(s) of Specialization
Applied Behaviour Analysis

Dean
Ingrid Makus
Faculty of Social Sciences

Acting Associate Dean
Dawn Zinga
Faculty of Social Sciences

Core Faculty

Professors
Maurice Feldman (Applied Disability Studies)

Associate Professors
Rosemary Condillac (Applied Disability Studies)

Assistant Professors
Priscilla Burnham-Riosa (Applied Disability Studies)
Julie Koudys (Applied Disability Studies)
Kendra Thomson (Applied Disability Studies)
Kimberley Zonneveld (Applied Disability Studies)

Participating Faculty

Professors
Sheila Bennett (Education), Maureen Connolly (Kinesiology), Dorothy Griffiths (Child and Youth Studies), Frances Owen (Child and Youth Studies)

Associate Professors
David Ditor (Kinesiology), Jan Frijters (Child and Youth Studies), Gail Frost (Physical Education and Kinesiology), John McNamara (Child and Youth Studies), Shannon Moore (Child and Youth Studies), Christine Tardif-Williams (Child and Youth Studies), Donato Tarulli (Child and Youth Studies), Tricia Vause (Child and Youth Studies), Dawn Zinga (Child and Youth Studies)

Adjunct Professors
Marjorie Aunos (West Montreal Readaptation Centre), Ivan Brown (University of Toronto), Ivy Chong (Florida Institute of Technology), Tom Craig (International Communicology Institute), John Davis (Hamilton Health Sciences), Kimberly Harris (London Family Court Clinic), Barry Isaacs (Surrey Place Centre), Darren Levine (Regional Municipality of Durham), Nicole Luke (Surrey Place Centre), Yona Lunsky (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto), Kimberly Maich (Memorial University of Newfoundland), Andrew McNamara (George Brown College), Laura Mullins (Regional Support Associates), Karl Stobbe (McMaster University), Valerie Temple (Surrey Place Centre)

Chair and Graduate Program Director
Maurice Feldman (returning July 1, 2018)
905-688-5550, extension 4894
mfeldman@brocku.ca

Acting Chair and Graduate Program Director
Rosemary Condillac (to June 30, 2018)
905-688-5550, extension 5671
rcondillac@brocku.ca

Academic Administrator
Darlene Berg
905-688-5550, extension 5395
dberg@brocku.ca

Administrative Assistant
Brandy Sokoloski
905-688-5550 extension 5987
bsokoloski@brocku.ca

Website
http://www.brocku.ca/ads

Program Description
The Vision of the Department of Applied Disability Studies is to be an internationally-recognized, preeminent academic program that contributes to the betterment of the lives of people in our community and beyond with a focus on persons with disabilities and underserved populations.

The Mission of the Department of Applied Disability Studies is to educate students who will be agents of change to help better the lives of people in our community and beyond with a focus on persons with disabilities and underserved populations, We strive to improve services and contribute to knowledge by conducting cutting edge basic and applied research, and by providing transdisciplinary, quality postgraduate education to the next generation of professionals, researchers and educators, and 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 Department of Applied Disability Studies (ADS) 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 focus on Applied Disability Studies or 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 Analyst Certification Board® (BACB). The ADS BACB® Verified Course Sequence (VCS) is designed to meet the current BACB® Task List (4th Edition). 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 be prepared to pursue the wide variety of career possibilities in disabilities and applied behaviour analysis.

For maximum flexibility, our courses for part-time and diploma students 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 and full-time MADS students may also be required to attend classes during the week at the St. Catharines Campus as well the weekend format at the Hamilton Campus. For complete course sequence and scheduling details please contact the Program.

Admission Requirements

Master of Arts (MA)
Successful completion of four year 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. 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.

For applicants who wish to focus on Applied Disability Studies (without ABA specialization), courses related to disability studies, volunteer or work experience specifically in the disability sector and research experience (such as an undergraduate honours thesis) will be considered assets.

For applicants who are applying to the ABA specialization, undergraduate statistics courses (minimum 75% average), undergraduate or college courses related to Behaviour Analysis (minimum 75% average), volunteer or work experience specifically in the disability sector and/or ABA, and research experience (such as an undergraduate honours thesis) will be preferred.

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.

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 5Q30, 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)
Successful completion of four year 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 study. MADS applicants with averages less than 75% in the last two years of undergraduate study will also be considered.

For applicants who wish to focus on Applied disability Studies (without ABA specialization), courses related to disability studies, volunteer or work experience specifically in the disability sector will be considered assets.

For those intending to apply for the Applied Behaviour Analysis specialization, undergraduate level course related to Behaviour Analysis (minimum 75%), volunteer or work experience specifically in the disability sector and/or ABA will be preferred. If accepted without satisfactory prior undergrad level ABA coursework, completing a course through our on-line upgrading courses or our in-house ABA tutorial would be required prior to registration.

Full-time and part-time study is available.

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

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies
Successful completion of four year Bachelor's degree, or equivalent with a minimum average of 75% in the last two years of undergraduate studies. Undergraduate courses, volunteer or work experience in disabilities will be considered an asset.

Applicants wishing to pursue the ABA specialization must hold a Master's Degree in a related field, as identified through BACB® (http://www.bacb.com), in order to complete the course sequence for BCBA certification. If accepted without an undergrad level ABA course (min 75%), completing a course through our on-line upgrading courses or our in-house ABA tutorial would be required prior to registration. Applicants who do not hold a Master's Degree should apply for admission to MADS (ABA) or MA (ABA).

Typically, this program is offered on a full-time basis.

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

Undergraduate Upgrading Courses

Undergraduate upgrading courses are meant for students who wish to apply for MADS (either ABA or no specialization), but do not meet the minimum admissions criteria for MADS (e.g. holds a 3 year undergraduate degree instead of a 4 year undergraduate degree or has an admission average less than 75% in the last two years of study of a 4 year undergraduate degree). The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and decide which undergraduate upgrading courses each student should take from available courses. Note that successful completion of the undergraduate upgrading courses does not guarantee admission to MADS, but does allow students who do not meet the minimum criteria for MADS to submit an application to MADS for equivalency consideration. No minimum grade average is required to be achieved in these courses: however, it is recommended that at least an overall 75% average be achieved to be seriously considered for admission to MADS.

Students with a Community College diploma or certificate without a three year university degree are not eligible to take the undergraduate upgrading courses.

For information and course descriptions please see the Undergraduate Calendar: https://brocku.ca/webcal/current/undergraduate

Degree/Diploma Requirements



Master of Arts Requirements.

MA (Applied Disability Studies) is five credits in length. Requirements include: ADST 5F60, 5P00, 5P14, 5P15, 5P30, 5P31, 5P50, 5P55 and a half credit selected from ADST 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 (with Applied Behaviour Analysis Specialization) is six credits in length. Requirements include: ADST 5F60, 5P00, 5P70, 5P71, 5P72, 5P73, 5P74, 5P75, 5P76, 5Q30 and a half-credit from 5V70-5V79 or 5P42 and 5N01 (a non-credit required course). 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 Analyst Certification Board®) should consider taking all ADST practicum courses: ADST 5P21, 5P22, 5P23, 5P24 with qualified supervisors.

A thesis proposal and a completed thesis of original work is required of all Master of Arts (MA) students in the program.

This program is designed to be completed full-time in six terms or two years.

Master of Applied Disability Studies Requirements

Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) is five credits in length whether focusing on Applied Disability Studies or Specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis.

MADS requirements include: ADST 5P00, 5P14, 5P15, 5P30, 5P31, 5P44, 5P45, 5P50, 5P55 and one half credit selected from ADST 5P91, 5P92, 5P93, 5P94, 5V80-5V89.

A required Major Research Paper (ADST 5P45) is completed by Master of Applied Disability Studies students in their final year.

MADS (with Applied Behaviour Analysis Specialization) requirements include: ADST 5P00, 5P50, 5P70, 5P71, 5P72, 5P73, 5P74, 5P75, 5P76 and one half-credit from ADST 5V70-5V79, or 5P42.

The Master of Applied Disability Studies (with Applied Behaviour Analysis Specialization) is a course-based degree with a final project and presentation in ADST 5P76.

This program is designed to be completed full-time in six terms or two years, and part-time in nine-terms or three years.

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies Requirements

Graduate Diploma in Applied Disability Studies (ABA) requirements include: ADST 5P70, 5P71, 5P72, 5P73, 5P74, 5P75, 5P76 and one half credit selected from ADST 5P42 or 5V70-79.

This program is designed to be completed in five terms.

Course Descriptions

Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable timetable for details.

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.

APPLIED DISABILITY STUDIES COURSES

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 I
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 in applied disability studies. 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 5P28
Ethics and Professionalism in ABA Practice and Research
This course will focus on ethics and professional conduct related to research and practice in ABA.
Note: This course is designed to provide the necessary Ethics coursework to fulfill 4th Edition Task List requirements for ABA graduates from a program that met the BACB 3rd Edition Task List Requirements.

ADST 5P42
Dual Diagnosis
Selected topics in dual diagnosis (mental health and intellectual disabilities) and applied behaviour analysis 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.

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 5P44

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
Course provides exposure to graduate-level ABA research knowledge and skills including critical review of research, interpretation of data displays, observation and collection of data, single-case experimental designs, applied research, program evaluations and research ethics.

ADST 5P71
ABA Fundamental Elements, Concepts & Principles I
Course provides graduate-level exposure to the basic concepts and principles of the science of behaviour and corresponding techniques, interventions, research, ethical considerations and applications of behaviour analysis.Pre-or co-requisite: ADST 5P70

ADST 5P72
ABA Fundamental Elements, Concepts & Principles II
Course provides graduate-level exposure to the basic concepts and principles of the science of behaviour, and corresponding techniques, interventions, research, ethical considerations, and a more in-depth focus on applications of behaviour analysis.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P71

ADST 5P73
ABA Assessment and Intervention
Course provides graduate level exposure to the selection and use of behavioural assessments, treatment models and tools for a wide-range of clinical applications to socially relevant problems. This course may be offered as a blend of classroom and on-line instruction.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P72
Corequisite(s): ADST 5P74

ADST 5P75
ABA Intervention Planning and Implementation
Course provides graduate level exposure to ABA assessment and treatment approaches for a variety of behavioural excesses and learning challenges, with an emphasis on strategies to support effective implementation in applied settings. Topics include mediator training (staff, parents, educators), supervision, data collection techniques, procedural integrity, and treatment adherence. This course may be a blend of classroom and on-line instruction.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P73
Corequisite(s): ADST 5P76

ADST 5P90
Directed Studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Applied Disability Studies
Under the supervision of a faculty member with appropriate expertise, this course will offer graduate level exposure to a specific topic in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Applied Disabilities Studies, culminating in a formal, academic assignment. This course is not currently part of the BACB® verified course sequence.
Restriction: Open to ABA specialization students only.
Prerequisite(s): Requires permission of the Director and permission of the BACB VCS Coordinator

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
Course provides graduate level exposure to various topics in ABA (e.g., Diverse Applications, Autism & ABA, Genetic Syndromes and ABA), which expand on the foundational material covered in other courses.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P72

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

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING COURSES

ADST 5P21
Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis I
Students carry out ABA techniques in an applied setting for 150 hours under the supervision of an approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement at a rate that meets (at minimum) the BACB® Experience Standards for the hours of practicum placement.
Note: Course must be arranged in advance with an ADS Faculty member and approved by ADS Clinical Coordinator

ADST 5P22
Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis II
Students carry out ABA techniques, under supervision, in an applied setting for 150 hours under the supervision of an approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement at a rate that meets (at minimum) the BACB® Experience Standards for the hours of practicum placement.
Note: Course must be arranged in advance with an ADS Faculty member and approved by ADS Clinical Coordinator

ADST 5P23
Advanced Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis I
Students carry out ABA techniques in an applied setting for 150 hours under the supervision of an approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement at a rate that meets (at minimum) the BACB® Experience Standards for the hours of practicum placement.
Note: Course must be arranged in advance with an ADS Faculty member and approved by ADS Clinical Coo

ADST 5P24
Advanced Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis II
Students carry out ABA techniques in an applied setting for 150 hours under the supervision of an approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member.Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement at a rate that meets (at minimum) the BACB® Experience Standards for the hours of practicum placement.
Note: Course must be arranged in advance with an ADS Faculty member and approved by ADS Clinical Coordinator.

ADST 5P25
Advanced Supervised Practicum in Applied Behaviour Analysis III
Students carry out ABA techniques in an applied setting for 150 hours under the supervision of an approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member.Regularly scheduled supervisory meetings and observations take place during the placement at a rate that meets (at minimum) the BACB® Experience Standards for the hours of practicum placement.
Note: Course must be arranged in advance with an ADS Faculty member and approved by ADS Clinical Coordinator

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 II
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 5P74
ABA Ethics and Professional Conduct I - Assessment
This course includes both classroom and practicum hours. In class, students are exposed to relevant ethical codes, standards of practice, and legislation related to the field of ABA. Practicum focuses on ABA assessment and intervention skills and assignments that are conceptually consistent with the ethical and professional practice of ABA. Students are required to secure their own practicum site in an ABA setting with a BCBA supervisor.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P72
Corequisite(s): ADST 5P73

ADST 5P76
ABA Ethics and Professional Conduct II - Intervention
This course includes both classroom and practicum hours.Classroom topics include ethical issues, professionalism and related skills and practices necessary for research and practice in ABA. Students are required to secure their own practicum site in an ABA setting with a BCBA supervisor.Practicum focuses on evidence-based ABA assessment, intervention planning, implementation, monitoring and troubleshooting in applied settings using an appropriate evaluation design. This course culminates in a final case presentation at the CADS ABA Graduating Student Conference.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P74
Corequisite(s): ADST 5P75

NON-CREDIT COURSE

ADST 5N01
Proseminar
This non-credit required course will present guest lectures from faculty, students and other guest speakers on topics related to applied disability studies and applied behaviour analysis, as well as opportunities to access program related information and discussion.