Quality of life for people with various abilities the focus of online program

If you are a compassionate person who is dedicated to serving others in your community, then a career in Disability and Community Rehabilitation may be right for you.

Lethbridge College’s certificate and diploma programs in Disability and Community Rehabilitation are available entirely online through eCampusAlberta and the programs train students for careers in which they have an impact on the lives of children, adults, families and communities every day. Graduates are trained to support people dealing with a variety of challenges to help them participate in community living.

“Those who enter the human service field are motivated by serving others,” says Disability and Community Rehabilitation Program Coordinator, Kimber Norbury-Sulin.

“Human service is not a get-rich-quick career. People who succeed in this field are compassionate, caring and dedicated to others. People who strive to be the best they can be while supporting others to have amazing quality lives,” Norbury-Sulin says.

The beauty of online learning is that students can access their studies from anywhere.

“We have students from across Canada and they can continue to live and work in their own communities during their studies,” she says.

This doesn’t mean students are on their own as Norbury-Sulin says they are well supported by the college in the online learning environment. Integration seminars are held regularly during their practicum course so they can connect with each other, share ideas and talk about their work in their respective communities.

And Norbury-Sulin consults with each student individually to ensure the program meets his or her requirements.

“I work with each student to customize the program to suit their timetable and lifestyle. Where possible, credit is given for an individual’s work and life experience and students often challenge the first practicum if they have experience in the human service field.”

Online support is also available to students through Lethbridge College's eLearning Café. Available 24-7, the Café offers help for online learning, study skills as well as writing and research. Online tutoring is also offered.

The certificate program is the first year of the two-year diploma program for those who want to continue their studies and Lethbridge College has transfer agreements with some Canadian universities, including Athabasca, for those interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

As well, Lethbridge College’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Education Certificate program, also offered online through eCampusAlberta, transfers into the Disability and Community Rehabilitation diploma program.

Learn more about Lethbridge College’s online Disability and Community Rehabilitation certificate and diploma programs.