Support worker talking with client

Program Explorer

Disability and Community Support

Create inclusive environments for people living with disabilities, supporting individuals in their personal and professional goals.

Learn to support children and adults with disabilities in a variety of community settings.

Through the Disability and Community Support program, you will develop the knowledge, skills and values required to support and enhance the lives of people with disabilities. You’ll learn to support people in their personal development, relationships and individual pursuits across various settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, communities and alternative day services.

As part of your education, you’ll gain real work experience alongside a variety of direct support professionals (DSP) through practicum placements and experiential fieldwork opportunities.

As a Disability and Community Support student, you can choose to complete a one-year certificate or enhance your employment potential and explore advanced opportunities through a two-year diploma.

Certificate: After completing the first year of this program, you can choose to graduate with a Disability and Community Support certificate and start your career.

Diploma: Choose to continue your education and graduate with a Disability and Community Support diploma.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credentials
    Certificate and Diploma
  • Program Delivery
    In-person hybrid
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    1-2 years
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $5,400 – $11,800
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Direct entry
  • Work-Integrated Learning
    Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities
  • International Program
    Open to students from around the globe

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you will learn to assist individuals with disabilities, helping them plan and achieve their personal goals and maintain their health and well-being.

TERM 1

Develop foundational knowledge in disability and community support and build vital work experience and industry connections through a practicum placement.

TERM 2

Continue expanding your knowledge, complete a second practicum placement and examine the issues facing Indigenous children, youth and families in Manitoba.

TERM 3

Explore and evaluate direct support methods, education services and the role of educational assistants while completing a third practicum experience.

TERM 4

Explore advanced topics such as person-centred planning and dual diagnosis. Complete a final practicum placement in preparation for graduation and a career.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Direct support professional
  • Supported employment professional
  • Educational assistant
  • Residential support worker
  • Team leader
  • Program coordinator
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What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Person playing tennis on a clay court
Build a career that uplifts your community and allows you to make a difference in the life of others.
Support worker and client looking at foliage
As a direct support professional, you’ll combine your talent with RRC Polytech’s practical training to maximize your potential and uplift the community.
Support worker and client pouring coffee in a coffee shop
Learn to effectively support an inclusive community and ensure each individual’s skills, talents and goals are valued and developed.
Two students taking notes in a classroom
Collaborate with peers, expand your network and make lifelong friendships as you join a community of dedicated professionals at RRC Polytech.
Group of people sitting outdoors at a picnic table
Take advantage of small, focused classes to create professional connections, incorporate feedback and learn from each other’s experiences.
Group of students sitting around a table
Meet like-minded classmates, instructors and community members through a variety of clubs, student associations and community events.
Three students sitting around a laptop
Enhance your learning with others. Collaborate with classmates, meet one-on-one with instructors and work with industry experts to build experience.
Two girls looking at a laptop
Let us invest in you. Our student supports, career services and networking events are here to help you at any point in your career journey.
Man raising his hand in a classroom
Bring your creativity and people skills into your work. Your passion and personal drive are essential to helping others.
Woman sitting in a classroom
Learn by doing, building practical skills, work experience and professional connections at Manitoba’s only polytechnic.

Graduate Success

RRC Polytech’s Disability and Community Support graduates are recognized as qualified employees with strong values, up-to-date skills and practical experience. Graduates quickly find jobs and become leaders in their industry, making important and meaningful contributions to the community.

The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2019-2020 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.

Support worker and client sitting at a table taking notes

100% – NEW GRADS HIRED

Disability and Community Support grads are often employed in the industry before they graduate. The skills and experience you develop at RRC Polytech provide a strong foundation for career success and advancement, allowing you to follow diverse career paths and find the right environment for you.

92% – CONSIDER PROGRAM UP TO DATE

RRC Polytech works with the industry to create engaging learning experiences focused on your career success. By partnering with community leaders, employers and industry experts, we ensure your skills are relevant, up-to-date and aligned with community needs.

Person painting on canvas
Support worker and client eating in kitchen

92% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE

Our instructors have years of experience in their fields and are constantly working to create an inclusive community for people with disabilities. They draw upon their industry insight to provide meaningful learning opportunities, teach practical skills and connect you with community leaders.

“I learned to focus on what the individual wants to achieve, and not what you think they should achieve.”

Audrey Dennis – Team Leader
St. Amant

“I would not be where I am today had it not been for my practical experiences… I really enjoy the community, the people who work in the disability field.”

Jennifer Everard – Work Experience Coordinator
SCE Lifeworks
Photo of Laura Bustamante

“I started my career as a job coach for people with disabilities. […] I cannot even express how much the diploma meant to me and how it has helped me to shape my career path in social services.”

Laura Bustamante – Work Experience Services Coordinator
SCE Lifeworks

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As a Disability and Community Support student, you enjoy spending time with people and take the time to reach out, connect with and understand others. You’re interested in positive social change and establishing a community where everyone belongs and feels appreciated. You are also open to learning and changing your worldview and want a career where you can make a difference.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Adaptable
  • Community-oriented
  • Critical thinker
  • Empathetic
  • Ethical

SKILLS

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Integrity
  • Positive attitude
  • Reliability

INTERESTS

  • Human services
  • Disability
  • Helping
  • Social work
  • Inclusion
  • Diversity
  • Community
  • Social change

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

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LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

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DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

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LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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