Disability Services Degree

Description

The Associate in Science in Disability Services degree is designed for students interested in the field of disabilities. The Disability Services Program will equip current and future professionals to be effective communicators and develop a cultural awareness of understanding the disability field.  An associate degree in disability services offers you options in the social and human services fields, as well as in advocacy, and public awareness positions including classroom aide, and disabilities specialist, among others. It can enhance your current career earnings by adding an area of expertise in disabilities services suitable for architects, urban planners, facilities managers, teachers, teaching assistants, home healthcare providers, and others.

The Program covers general guidelines and documentation methods with the importance of confidentiality as well as how to support people effectively and in safely managing their basic needs including self-advocacy and safety. The Program has six core courses covering topics dealing with a wide variety of personal perspectives, cultures, and life circumstances from both a legal and human rights viewpoint.

Potential Earnings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage is $29,430 for social and human service assistants; $29,430 for home health or personal care aides; $29,360  for teacher assistants; and $50,510 for community or social service specialists.1

The demand is increasing for occupations related to disability services. For example, careers in fields that would benefit from additional education in disabilities services include clinical healthcare services, facilities management, and urban planning. Careers that typically require a minimum of a four-year degree are in management, therapy, and counseling, among others. The BLS projects job growth of five percent for teacher assistants and a remarkable 25% growth for home health and personal care aides from 2021 to 2031.2

1 “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 8 Sept. 2022. www.bls.gov/ooh. Accessed 19 April 2023.

2 “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” 8 Sept. 2022.

Program Requirements

To earn an Associate in Science in Disability Services, students must complete: (1) all course requirements with a minimum grade of “C” in each course; and (2) complete General Education Graduation Requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 or better.

See the degree requirements in the Taft College Catalog. Please note: This links to an external website.

Program Learning Outcomes

After completing the Disabilities Services Associate in Science program, a student will be able to:

  1. Use critical thinking and analysis to solve problems when working with individuals with disabilities (K – Knowledge)
  2. Demonstrate cultural competencies and safe practices. (S – Skills)
  3. Apply and reflect on their ethics and professional practices in various settings when working with individuals with disabilities. (A – Affective)

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