Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis

The Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis credential is an upper level 15-credit advanced citation (post diploma/degree) that provides graduates with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the application of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) within a disability context.

This credential is intended to build on lower-level coursework and to present a consistent professional standard of education and qualifications via specialized courses. The program is built on the principles of ABA, an evidence-based and scientific approach to changing human behaviour.

The Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis credential also has the distinct advantage of being the only bachelor-level program in BC approved by both the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB) and the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS). These approvals make the credential highly attractive to professionals aspiring to become Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) and/or K-to-12 teachers working toward a higher pay level and specialized knowledge base.

The DABA program has partnered with Simon Fraser University (SFU) to offer a BA Psychology Major with Applied Behaviour Analysis Concentration. SFU Psychology students who have declared a major can block transfer their DABA credential credits to SFU and receive an ABA concentration in their SFU degree. For more information please see http://www.psyc.sfu.ca/ugrad/index.php?topic=aba_major

University of Calgary-Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation recognizes the DABA credential as approved elective/option courses. University of Victoria and Douglas College Child and Youth Care degrees also accept DABA courses as electives. Other provincial degrees may as well; please check with your credentialing institution.

Additionally, the DABA courses may also appeal to several interdisciplinary sectors within the education, health, human and social service sectors, e.g. Child and Youth Care, Corrections, Early Childhood Education, Infant Development, Nursing, Psychology, Supported Child Care, Therapeutic Recreation, etc.

Students in third or fourth year of any undergraduate program are welcome to take these courses as a specialty or elective within their degree upon approval of the degree program. Currently, Douglas College has formal specialty/elective agreements with the University of Calgary Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation, Douglas College Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care and Simon Fraser University-Department of Psychology.

The Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis Advanced Citation completes Douglas College's Autism Specialty laddering. Currently, Douglas College offers a 15-credit entry-level Behaviour Interventionist Citation and a 60-credit Classroom and Community Support Behaviour Interventionist Specialty Diploma. Graduates of the DABA program have successfully moved on to master's level course work in applied behaviour analysis and special education.

Department Website

Career/Further Educational Opportunities

There are many career opportunities for graduates who have earned a degree in the Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis Advanced Citation, e.g. teaching, behaviour consultants, etc.

Teachers who possess this specialized knowledge will considerably increase their teaching and learning skill set. In addition, current K-12 teachers can use the Disability and ABA coursework to move toward a higher pay scale.

Well-trained behaviour consultants/behaviour analysts are in extremely high demand here in BC. An assistant behaviour analyst is someone who has in-depth knowledge, skills and abilities in the science of changing human behaviour. Assistant behaviour analysts work under the direction of master’s prepared behaviour analysts and help persons to acquire new behaviours, and replace problem behaviours with more socially appropriate alternative behaviours. Certification is becoming increasingly important in virtually all ABA-based fields. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)® is a definitive certification body.

The BACB certifies that professionals have met specific and rigorous minimum standards. To become Board Certified, Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA) professionals must have:

an undergraduate degree in an ABA-related subject from an accredited post-secondary institution
successfully complete specific and approved undergraduate course work in ABA
successfully complete 1,000 hours of supervised ABA field work

pass the BCaBA examStudents who wish to pursue BACB certification at the assistant level will meet the coursework requirements by successfully completing our Disability and ABA coursework. To fulfill all the BACB requirements, students will need to complete the other requirements separately. Please note that students can begin their clinical supervision requirements only after they have begun their BACB-approved coursework.

*Please note that BACB requirements have changed; only an ABA related degree, plus the BACB course work, plus supervised experience hours and BCBA examination will qualify for BCaBA designation. See the BACB website for details.

University Transfer

3rd or 4th year university transfer.

Location

New Westminster Campus
In September 2012, most CFCS programs are moving to the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam. Please check with your program for more details.

Intake Dates/Application Deadlines

EARLY ADMISSION

Please note, although application and document deadlines are identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those applicants who do may be formally offered admission before the application deadline.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this program is contingent upon availability of seats and applicant ranking as determined by a process of selective admission evaluation. To be considered for a seat in the program, applicants must meet all minimum general program admissions criteria. The selective admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants in relation to the degree to which they have met the admission criteria. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as they may be offered early admission to the program.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:

Douglas College General Admission Requirements
A graduate or bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and the intent to seek additional education in employment supports specialty OR currently in 3rd or 4th year of a bachelor’s degree program from a recognized institution and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.33
Submit a Letter of Intent outlining the reasons for choosing this program, long- and short-term goals, and strengths and limitations
Submit an up-to-date resumé
Submit two professional letters of reference that support the candidate’s application.

Program Duration

This part-time program begins each September. It is offered evenings across three semesters and must be completed in one academic year. Currently, 3/15 credits of this credential is offered online. Students must take all DABA program courses offered in a semester unless they have approved transfer credit. Please note: this is a part-time program and students may not be eligible for a Student Aid BC loan.

Credentials

Advanced Citation

Program Content

Curriculum Framework

Fall	Winter	Spring/Summer
DACS 5111: Disability in Context + (3-credits)	DACS 5112: Autism Spectrum Disorder Community of Practice: Selected Topic I +(1.5-credits)	DACS 5113: Autism Spectrum Disorder Community of Practice: Selected Topic II +(1.5-credits)
DACS 5121: Applied Behaviour Analysis: Basic Principles* +(3-credits)	DACS 5122: Applied Behaviour Analysis: Behavioural Techniques*+ (3-credits)	DACS 5123: Applied Behaviour Analysis: Research and Applications* +(3-credits)

* - approved by BACB® for BCaBA coursework
+ - approved by TQS