General Studies, Developmental Disabilities Specialization, AA&S

Degree: Associate of Arts and Sciences in General Studies and with a Specialization in Developmental Disabilities

Length: Four-semester (two-year) program

Purpose: Students will take courses from a variety of disciplines. Emphasis in core courses is placed on development of relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide professional delivery of services to individuals with a developmental disability. Fieldwork experience will provide opportunities for application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Graduates should qualify for positions in family services, social services, rehabilitation, and educational agencies that provide services and supports to disabled individuals in the community.

Occupational Objectives: This degree will prepare current licensed providers and students who wish to become licensed providers with essential knowledge to support people with all types of disabilities under the new waiver program. Students with this degree will be prepared to meet the training requirements to support people with disabilities in most levels of the new waiver redesign. Courses delivers to providers needed knowledge to supervise support workers in their program. These disabilities studied include individuals diagnosed with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, and Dually Diagnosed individuals with co-morbid disabilities. Also a course in positive behavior support techniques is part of this program. Course emphasis is not only on disabilities, but also on documentation, writing and communication skills, which are necessary to become a licensed provider in VA.

Program Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the college, entry into the General Studies, Developmental Disabilities Specialization program requires competency in English and Math Essentials MTE 1-5 as demonstrated through the placement and diagnostic tests, or by satisfactorily completing the required MTE units or equivalent.

Internship Requirements: Admission to HMS 290  (Coordinated Internship) is selective and must be approved by the internship coordinator. Eligibility is based on the following criteria: minimum GPA of 2.0, completion of course prerequisites (HMS 100  and HMS 162 ), faculty recommendation, expected graduation date, and any relevant internship site requirements. Arrangements for the internship placement are made the semester prior to the one in which the student actually takes the class.

The following list is a suggested sequence in which students may plan their class schedules to ensure graduation in two years.