Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis
The Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis credential is a 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.
An important component of the innovative relationship between UCalgary and Douglas College is their collaborative Austism Specialty. Douglas provides 12-credits via their Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis (DABA) program and UCalgary provides a 3-credit autism course and a practicum to complete their specialty. Additional information can also be found on the DABA department website and Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation Degree.
Additionally, the 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 both the University of Calgary-Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation and Douglas College Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.
Background:
Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) is a science that uses empirically based approaches to change behaviours and develop skills. Applied principles can be used to create effective strategies for behavioural change in all aspects of life. A key goal of ABA is to increase a person’s repertoire of functional behaviours. Thus, it has application to a broad number of educational and occupational contexts, ranging from addictions to teaching vocational skills. These strategies also represent current best practices in early autism intervention.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are the most common neurological disability affecting children today. Once thought to be rare, ASD affects as many as one-in-150 British Columbian children. Data from school district enrolments demonstrates a continued, significant growth in the number of students with autism along with a corresponding need to train educators regarding best practice teaching methodology for children with ASD. As a result of this rise in incidence, behaviour analysts, also known as behaviour consultants, are in increasing demand here in BC. This program seeks to increase the capacity of well-trained professionals.
The Disability and Applied Behaviour Analysis Advanced Citation completes Douglas College's Autism Specialty laddering. Currently, Douglas College offers an 18-credit entry level Behavioural Interventionist Citation and a 60-credit Classroom and Community Support Behavioural 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.
Career/Further Educational Opportunities
There are many career opportunities for graduates who have earned a degree and 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 Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB)® is the 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 any 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 exam
Students 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.
University Transfer
3rd or 4th year university transfer.
Location
New Westminster Campus
Intake Dates/Application Deadlines
April 1. Although application deadlines may be extended.
Early Admission
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered early 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 AND
- (Category A) Applicants who already have earned a graduate or bachelor degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 from a recognized institution where the language of instruction is English and who seek additional education in disability and ABA OR
- (Category B) Applicants who are currently in 3rd or 4th year of a bachelor's degree program from a recognized institution where the language of instruction is English and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.33 and who will use Disability and ABA courses as their elective options.
Program Duration
This part-time program begins each September. It is offered evenings and weekends across three semesters and must be completed in one academic year. 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