Imagine a career where you help others reach their potential. In this 16-month diploma program, you’ll gain the skills to support the well-being of people with disabilities and foster inclusive, diverse communities. You’ll combine classroom learning with hands-on practical experience, preparing you for leadership and support roles in education, non-profit agencies, and direct family support.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may work in a variety of organizations, including:
The Calgary SCOPE Society is a non-profit agency improving lives for persons with developmental disabilities in Calgary and area for over 30 years! SCOPE works with children, adults, seniors and families as respected, contributing members of Calgary’s communities.
Heartland Agency and Educational Services
Heartland Agency and Educational Services is a non-profit organization providing care and education to children including special education.
New Age Services is a member of the Alberta Council of Disability Services.
Pacekids empowers children with diverse needs and their families through excellence in therapy, education, and play.
Providence Child Care offers early childhood programs, schools, and community services that help every child reach their potential
Renfrew Educational Services is a leader in program development for children with special needs. There are also positions for education assistants in classrooms for children with a disability.
Springboard Centre assists adults with developmental disabilities to achieve meaning in their lives.
Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA)
The mission of the URSA is to develop and provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to attain a personal level of achievement and excellence in life.
Classes are generally scheduled Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you choose the online option, note that not all courses are offered online every term, which may extend your program beyond 16 months. Practicum placements outside Alberta require prior approval from the Program Chair. Email communitystudies@bowvalleycollege.ca to connect.
Program availability and start dates are subject to change. Admission is based on first applied, first qualified.
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If English is not your first language, please review the English language proficiency requirements.
Missing a required admission criteria? Complete academic upgrading before applying.
Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. See where this program can transfer to.
If you studied outside of Alberta, you can see which of your courses is equivalent to an admission requirement.
International Students:
Check whether your previous studies completed outside Canada meet the admission requirements using our country-specific document list.
The Disability Studies program includes practicum placements in agencies where employers require a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS). Results of this check may restrict opportunities for placement in a practicum. The Police Information Check must be obtained before the start of the practicum and may need to be renewed more than once while enrolled in a program.
If you live in the service area surrounding Calgary and want to take a course, visit our Regional Stewardship page.
Estimated total tuition:
Estimated total tuition:
Not all delivery modes are available for all courses or programs, and not all courses are available each term. Students should follow up on their individual program areas or their MyBVC for information for courses delivery types and availability.
Delivery modes, descriptions, and availability of courses each term are subject to change.
Bow Valley College
345 - 6 Avenue SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 4V1
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
+1 403-410-1400
1-866-428-2669 (toll free)
