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Disabilities Services
Please review the Employability Issues Entry time: Fall, Spring or Summer Length: 2 years (5 semesters) for associate degree Award: Associate of Arts degree Description: The Disabilities Services Careers program prepares students for employment in a variety of school or community agencies that serve people with disabilities. The student has the option to enter employment as a paraeducator upon completion of the associate degree or pursue a four-year degree in one of the related fields of study. This program provides advising to guide students in choosing courses that will meet the requirements of specific transfer institutions. Basic computer literacy is required. Contact the coordinator for specific requirements. A nine-credit-hour Career and Transition Services or Employment Consultant certificate program may be completed by individuals with one or two years of experience working with people with disabilities. These credits may be applied to the diploma or degree program. The curriculum is designed with a set of core courses and four major areas of emphasis. They are: Paraeducator Certificate: The Iowa Department of Education has approved courses leading to the Iowa Paraeductor Certifcation. Completion of two courses, Introduction to Disabilities Services Careers plus Observation and Management of Behavior, meets the requirement of the Generalist Certification. The Instruction and Adaptation Strategies course meets the requirements of the Level II Area of Concentration--Special Needs Certification. The Career and Transition Services course meets the requirement of the Level II Area of Concentration--Career and Transition. Graduates of the program qualify for the Advanced Paraeducator Certification. Special Education: Graduates work with students with disabilities in a variety of special education settings and assist with integration in the school and transition into the community. Duties include instruction, behavior management and physical care. Residential Services: Graduates work with people with disabilities in community-based residences as house parents or in supervised apartments as counselors. They help individuals maintain as much independence in the community as possible. |
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