COMMUNICATIVE DISORDERS ASSISTANT
Program Outline
Major: CODA
Length: 1 Year
Delivery: 3 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Effective: 2009-2010
Location: Orillia
Start: Fall
Description
The Communicative Disorders Assistant Program prepares the graduate to work in an adjunctive capacity with a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist in a variety of service settings. Emphasis is placed on preparing the graduate to conduct remediation programming after the therapist has completed the assessment and determined the treatment approaches.
The program is based on a firm understanding of physiological and functional speech/language/hearing disorders. The development of programming skills and intervention techniques appropriate for remediation of such disorders is fundamental to the program.
The comprehensive competency-based field practice will provide the student with the opportunity to develop and practise these programming and intervention skills.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from the program should find employment as assistants or technicians, in facilities/agencies serving clients with communicative disorders, such as schools, day care centres, residential institutions, hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. The graduate will work under the auspices and direction of a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist and/or Audiologist.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- implement remedial speech/language/hearing programs under the supervision of a speech and language pathologist or audiologist;
- collect, compute and display therapy data based on observational training;
- perform routinely required maintenance procedures on therapy materials and equipment;
- prepare written and oral progress reports;
- demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to underlying behaviour which contributes to client dysfunction;
- demonstrate awareness of ancillary resources available to the communicatively disordered;
- participate as a team member and demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills;
- demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour.
Program Progression
Sem 1 - Fall 2009
Sem 2 - Winter 2010
Sem 3 - Summer 2010
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a two year college diploma, university degree or equivalent.
Selection Process
Applicants will be asked to submit a resume, transcript, letter of intent and 2 letters of reference.
Graduation Requirements
13 Mandatory
2 Internships
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, a student must attain a minimum of 60% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester. The passing weighted average for promotion through each semester and to graduate is 60%.
Mandatory
CODA1000 Articulation/Phonology
CODA1001 Introduction to Audiology and Amplification Systems
CODA1002 Language Disorders in Children
CODA1003 Introduction to the Profession
CODA1004 Introduction to Augmentative Communication and Technology
CODA1005 Principles of Therapy and Programming
CODA1006 Introduction to Communication Disorders in Adults
CODA1009 Clinical Issues
CODA1010 Stuttering, Fluency, Voice
CODA1011 Language, Learning, Literacy
CODA1012 Augmentative Communication: Applications
CODA1013 Amplification Systems and Aural Rehabilitation
CODA1014 Communication Disorders in Adults
Internship
CODA1007 Field Practicum 1
CODA1008 Field Practicum 2
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CODA1000 Articulation/Phonology 42.0 Hours
This course is designed to provide the student with theoretical background and skills pertaining to treatment methodology in the areas of articulation and phonology. Normal developmental milestones and sequences are studied along with disorders and the intervention process. Activities and strategies reflective of a variety of treatment approaches and current trends are explored as well.
CODA1001 Introduction to Audiology and Amplification Systems 42.0 Hours
This course examines the normal processes of the auditory mechanism as related to the fundamentals of sound. Basic audiological measures are practiced and hearing disorders are discussed. Practical introductory exposure to amplification systems is also provided.
CODA1002 Language Disorders in Children 42.0 Hours
This course provides the student with an overview of the development of normal language. The nature of language disorders is explored with respect to the impact on the child, the family and educational and treatment agencies. Language intervention approaches, for both preschool and school-age populations, are presented.
CODA1003 Introduction to the Profession 28.0 Hours
This course is designed to introduce the students to the professions involved in (re)habilitation and prevention of communication disorders. Roles and responsibilities of Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDA), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) and Audiologists (AUD) are examined as well as affiliated and professionally related organizations and regulatory bodies. The students are introduced to a variety of guidelines and position statements regarding the utilization of supportive personnel in the area of communication disorders. Practica orientation material is presented during this course.
CODA1004 Introduction to Augmentative Communication and Technology
42.0 Hours
This course is designed to introduce augmentative communication and technologies associated with the field of communication disorders. Characteristics of various augmentative communication systems are examined and communication strategies related to the needs of the users are explored. Also a variety of assistive technologies are utilized and studied as related to the area of communication disorders.
CODA1005 Principles of Therapy and Programming 28.0 Hours
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the principles involved in the intervention process. Basic application of methods of treatment such as evoking and sustaining communication behaviours are examined. The student develops observational skills and practices data collection techniques enabling them to document behaviour changes. The course also emphasizes program implementation.
CODA1006 Introduction to Communication Disorders in Adults 28.0 Hours
This course focuses on the communication disorders associated with the adult population. Basic neuroanatomy and normal speech and language functions are addressed along with changes in speech and language abilities due to the normal aging process. Communication impairments due to aphasia and related disorders are discussed in terms of cause, neuroanatomical basis and intervention principles and techniques. Included in this discussion is the impact the communication disorder has on the family and caregivers.
CODA1007 Field Practicum 1 263.0 Hours
Practicum 1 is designed to provide the CDA student with his/her initial experience working in an assistive capacity with registered Speech/Language Pathologist and/or Audiologist. After successful completion of the first academic semester, the student will spend a minimum of 245 hours at an approved agency, working under the supervision of a Speech Language Pathologist and/or Audiologist. A series of behavioural competencies will be provided as a guideline to facilitate understanding of the student's learning objectives.
CODA1008 Field Practicum 2 263.0 Hours
As with Practicum 1, each student will spend a minimum of 245 hours at an approved agency under the supervision of a registered Speech Language Pathologist and/or Audiologist. The competencies for Practicum 2 may reflect different criteria, depending on the nature of the placement, the agency and the specific population served: audiology and/or speech language pathology; school board, hospital, private clinic, agency; specific disorder (e.g. hearing impaired, language, articulation/phonology, augmentative); pediatric and/or geriatric population
CODA1009 Clinical Issues 42.0 Hours
This course is designed to further develop the student's awareness and knowledgebase of the scope of practice within the professions providing therapeutic intervention of communication disorders. Specific issues and disorders encountered while on clinical practica, as well as areas of interest and trends, are addressed. Concurrently, the format of this course enhances the student's ability to organize and conduct formal and in-service presentations.
CODA1010 Stuttering, Fluency, Voice 42.0 Hours
This course provides the student with an introductory understanding of theoretical and clinical issues relating to stuttering, fluency and voice disorders. Intervention and prevention methodologies are discussed and demonstrated, as well as techniques and activities for facilitating transfer, maintenance and generalization.
CODA1011 Language, Learning, Literacy 42.0 Hours
This course examines the development of literacy beginning at infancy. The developmental stages of reading and writing are discussed along with techniques used to facilitate skill development. Also, various intervention programs are reviewed, as well as, approaches to promote literacy development for individuals where English is not their first language.
CODA1012 Augmentative Communication: Applications 42.0 Hours
This course enables the student to further develop and apply skills and knowledge regarding augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention procedures and principles. Students develop competency in matching, adapting and fabricating communication systems dependant on the needs, goals and abilities of the client. The role of AAC in the development of literacy is also examined.
CODA1013 Amplification Systems and Aural Rehabilitation 56.0 Hours
This course provides the student with discussions, examination and use of a variety of amplification systems. The student practices electroacoustical analysis check procedures and makes cursory judgements regarding findings. Practical exercises regarding procedures and problem solving techniques for these systems are provided, as well as the use of a hearing care industry soft wear system. Intervention and (re)habilitative management methodologies and philosophies are examined and discussed.
CODA1014 Communication Disorders in Adults 28.0 Hours
This course continues to focus on the communication disorders associated with the adult population. Therapeutic intervention for speech and swallowing disorders associated with acquired and progressive neurological impairments are discussed. Traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere syndrome and dementia are examined in terms of etiology, cognitive-linguistic features, intervention principles and the impact on the caregiver. Discussion of therapeutic intervention strategies, individual and group therapy, modification of the environment and caregiver education are also included.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: January 21, 2010.