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Student’s career path illuminated by work-integrated learning

In recognition of National Day of Work-Integrated Learning on March 26, we’re sharing this story about one of our accomplished students.

By combining her passion for helping people with her commitment to learning, Developmental Services Worker student Ritika turned a field placement into a life changing experience.

The international student from India embraced her Durham College (DC) program’s opportunities for work-integrated learning, including a 260-hour full-time position in a group home from October to December. There she worked with four clients, including a non-verbal individual. Faced with the unique challenge of supporting someone who couldn’t speak to her, she decided to learn American Sign Language (ASL). She even created a video to help staff and residents learn basic ASL signs, which became an invaluable resource for improving communication in the home.

“It allowed me to connect with him in a meaningful way, and it inspired me to keep on learning, improving and advocating for inclusion and better communication methods for individuals with disabilities,” said Ritika.

She also completed a 98-hour field placement with Community Living Ajax-Pickering & Whitby in early 2024, providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities, helping them with arts and crafts, cooking and recreational activities.

In addition to setting her up for career success, her fine work during her field placements has gained her national recognition. She was nominated for the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada and Emery-Dufault Student of the Year Awards for 2024, and was one of only four recipients of an Honourable Mention.

“This recognition means a lot to me, because it acknowledges all the hard work, dedication and passion I have put into my learning and placements,” she said. “This award is not just about me. It also reflects the support and guidance I received from my professors, my mentors and placement supervisors who helped me grow along the way.”

She is now completing her third placement, this time at St. Hedwig Catholic School in Oshawa. There, she works closely with children who need assistance with their daily activities.

“These learning opportunities have been extremely valuable. I’ve gained real world experience that a classroom alone could never provide,” she said. “I now feel more prepared, motivated and ready to make a difference.”

Her work-integrated learning experiences have reaffirmed her commitment to a career in the developmental services field. After two years at DC, she’s ready to graduate this spring and launch that career.

“I’m excited for the future and the opportunities ahead. DC has given me skills, confidence and memories that I will carry with me forever.”

Developmental Services Worker program guides students to a fulfilling and specialized career

The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program at Durham College (DC) is ideal for those who are passionate about helping people.

Students learn to provide critical support to people with developmental disabilities so that they can lead fulfilling lives as active members of their communities. It’s estimated that one per cent of Canada’s population has a developmental disability and requires support, so capable DSWs have plenty of job options according to Kay Corbier, Program Coordinator.

“This is rewarding work, and it is in extremely high demand in Durham Region. There is currently a staffing shortage in Durham and across the province. There are lots of jobs available and students often get hired for part-time work before they even complete their first placement,” said Corbier, adding that the skills students learn are transferable to other roles as well.

“They’re not limited to only working with people with disabilities. Many students work in recreation and some work with the elderly in long-term care residences. Students have also taken on administrative type roles such as scheduling and case management.”

Experiential learning is a priority in the program and takes the form of partnerships with many external non-profit organizations, including Community Living groups throughout Durham Region. DC also partners with school boards to support children and adults with developmental disabilities. Students have the opportunity to do a placement in a school as an Educational Assistant (EA) and they are placed with children and adults with autism.

These opportunities allow DC students to put their knowledge to work helping real people.

“Being able to watch the growth of the students I support through their academic careers has been the most challenging yet rewarding experience thus far,” said first-year student Kameron Valdez. “From helping students write complete sentences to working on and completing their final projects, this program has shown how much each student has developed and advanced, and being able to see this progress is truly a reward like no other.”

With the core values of social justice, empowerment, dignity, self-worth, human relationships and integrity, the DSW program produces graduates who make an immediate difference in their communities. To follow in their footsteps, apply today.