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

Associate Dean

Dawn Zinga

Faculty of Social Sciences

Core Faculty

Professors

Maurice Feldman (Applied Disability Studies)

Associate Professors

Rosemary Condillac (Applied Disability Studies)

Kendra Thomson (Applied Disability Studies)

Kimberley Zonneveld (Applied Disability Studies)

Assistant Professors

Priscilla Burnham-Riosa (Applied Disability Studies)

Alison Cox (Applied Disability Studies)

Julie Koudys (Applied Disability Studies)

Nicole Luke (Applied Disability Studies)

Albert Malkin (Applied Disability Studies)

Laura Mullins (Applied Disability Studies)

Valdeep Saini (Applied Disability Studies)

Participating Faculty

Professors

Sheila Bennett (Education), Maureen Connolly (Kinesiology), Jan Frijters (Child and Youth Studies), Frances Owen (Child and Youth Studies)

Associate Professors

David Ditor (Kinesiology), 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, Ivan Brown, Ivy Chong, Tom Craig, John Davis, Kimberly Harris, Barry Isaacs, Darren Levine, Yona Lunsky, Kimberly Maich, Andrew McNamara, Karl Stobbe, Valerie Temple

Chair and Graduate Program Director

Rosemary Condillac

905-688-5550, extension 5671

rcondillac@brocku.ca

BACB VCS Coordinator

Rosemary Condillac

905-688-5550, extension 5671

rcondillac@brocku.ca

Clinical Coordinator

Julie Koudys

905-688-5550, extension 6706

jkoudys@brocku.ca

Academic Administrator

Lesa Mansfield

905-688-5550, extension 5395

ads@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 contribute knowledge and improve services 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 experienced professionals in the field. Faculty are internationally respected in disability studies and Applied Behaviour Analysis.

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). In addition to courses in Applied Disability Studies, students specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis take the coursework required for certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board® (BACB).

The ADS BACB® Verified Course Sequence (VCS) meets requirements for the current BACB® Task List (4th Ed as well as the new Task List (5th 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 disability studies and applied behaviour analysis.

For maximum flexibility, our courses for part-time 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 visit the website.

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:

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 between 70% and 74% 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.

Typically, the MADS (without ABA specialization) is offered on a full-time basis only.

For those intending to apply for the Applied Behaviour Analysis specialization, undergraduate level or college level courses 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 or college 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 for MADS with ABA specialization.

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 the field of 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 undergrad level or colleged level ABA coursework (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 in a BACB® identified related fielde 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., 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 80% average be achieved in each upgrading course to be seriously considered for admission to MADS.

Students who obtained a three-year undergraduate degree less than five years previously are not eligible to take the ADS upgrading courses in lieu of completing a full fourth year of undergraduate study. Students with a Community College diploma or certificate without a four-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, no ABA specialization) is five credits in length. Requirements include: ADST 5F60, 5P00, 5P14, 5P15, 5P30, 5P31, 5P50, 5P55 and a half credit selected from ADST 5P43, 5P56, 5P57, 5P58, 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, 5P10, 5P70, 5P71, 5P72, 5P73, 5P74, 5P75, 5P76 and a half-credit from 5V70-5V79 or 5P42. MA ABA specialization must also take 5N01 (a non-credit required proseminar course) in their first year. 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 are 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 (no ABA specialization) requirements include: ADST 5P00, 5P14, 5P15, 5P30, 5P31, 5P44, 5P45, 5P50, 5P55 and one half credit selected from ADST 5P56, 5P57, 5P58, 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 eight-terms or three years. The final year for full-time and part-time students is considered the residency period. As such, all part-time students will be converted to full-time status in their final year. No change in locations will be required.

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.

Corequisite(s): ADST 5P70 or ADST 5P14.

Note: open to MA students only.

ADST 5P00

Theoretical Foundations in Applied Disability Studies

Overview and examination of Positivist, Constructivist and Systems theories and their applications to disability studies; includes exploration and application of integrated, embodied and critical orientations to disability studies.

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. May include traditional ANOVA, ANCOVA, nonparametric tests 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

Qualitative Research in Applied Disability Studies

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

Program Evaluation as a Research Methodology

Exploration of processes and approaches in program evaluation as they relates to persons experiencing disability and organizations providing services and programs for persons experiencing disability. Includes mixed methods, blended designs and culturally sensitized strategies.

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

Socio-cultural Foundations of Applied Disability Studies

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 5P56

Leadership Development in Disability Contexts

Examination of theories and research relevant to management and leadership practices within disability contexts. Emphasis on significant issues regarding equity, diversity, and sensitivity (e.g., diverse intercultural and indigenous issues) in a Canadian context. Topics may include models of leadership, group facilitation, interpersonal management, feedback skills, team dynamics, and organizational culture.

ADST 5P57

Approaches to Community-Engaged Research and Scholarship

Examination of the underlying conceptual and philosophical bases of engaging in mutually beneficial research activities through partnerships with community members. Emphasis on exploring various methodologies relevant to collaborating with stakeholders in applied settings. Topics may include: fostering partnerships, benefits and challenges of research in community contexts, stakeholder values, knowledge synthesis, and dissemination.

ADST 5P58

Social Policy in Disability Contexts

Examination of Canadian social policies associated with disability issues across the lifespan. Emphasis on policy development and analysis from an interdisciplinary perspective (historical, ideological, economic, social and political contexts). Topics may include programs and services, funding approaches, employment equity, promoting social change, and diversity issues. The relationship among researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders will also be explored.

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. This course may be a blend of classroom and on-line instruction.

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. This course may be a blend of classroom and on-line instruction.

Prerequisite(s): 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. This course may be a blend of classroom and on-line instruction.

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, Implementation, and Supervision

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 supervision, 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. This course may be a blend of classroom and on-line instruction.

Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P72

ADST 5V80-5V89

Selected Topics in Applied Disability Studies

A topic in applied disability studies that will vary by instructor. This course may be a blend of classroom and on-line instruction.

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 Coordinator.

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 Disability Studies I

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.

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.