Practicum General Information

University of Calgary Graduates have the abilities to...

• Pose questions which approach the frontiers of knowledge
• Solve the academic, professional, and ethical problems they face
• Relate theory and practice
• Establish and realize goals, working alone and with others
• Communicate meaning in competent and effective ways
• Understand the world from a variety of perspectives

Graduates from the Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies program can...

• Understand disability and chronic illness as constructed by societies
• Recognize vulnerability, devaluation and marginalization
• Advocate and educate for social justice and the rights of people with disabling conditions and chronic health concerns
• Manage and coordinate human services
• Apply foundational skills to ascend a ladder to specialized careers in disciplines such as therapy, psychology, education and/or medicine
• Support people through clinical skills in assessment, individualized planning and intervention

A Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation means occupational diversity. Actual career examples from our graduates include:

Developmental Specialist: teaching/supporting young children and their families in their home settings
Advocate: facilitating community inclusion of individuals and effecting social policy change
College Instructor: teaching Community Rehabilitation to college students and supporting their practicum placements
Case Manager/Job Coach: supporting adults with various disabilities in their entrance or return to the work-force and career counseling
Outreach Coordinator: supervising staff and managing resources to support people with disabilities in the community
Group Facilitator: leading counseling/education groups for people with disabilities
Vocational Evaluator: evaluating and recruiting potential workplace sites for persons who are being reintegrated into the workforce
Clinical Coordinator: working with a trans-disciplinary team in the coordination and implementation of Individualized Program Plans for preschool children

Graduates from the Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Program are in high demand by the labor market. Community Rehabilitation is listed as one of the top Canadian growth occupations. The Alberta Association of Rehabilitation Centers (AARC) states over 2000 vacancies in positions across Alberta per year.

A degree in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies presents opportunities for certification in professional associations such as; The Canadian Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (CARP) and Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification (CRCC).

Responsibilities of the University Instructor / Practicum Coordinator

The Course Instructor or Practicum Coordinator will be the primary contact from the University of Calgary regarding the student practicum placement. Responsibilities include:

• Initiating the process of matching students with practicum settings.
• Prearranging 20 practicum sites per senior-level course for each semester for students to choose from (with the exception of student-initiated placements).
• Helping in the negotiation and evaluation of student activities and goals.
• Providing theoretical and practical instruction to students in designated class times.
• Consulting with practicum site-facilitators regarding student progress.
• Addressing concerns of students and site-facilitators.
• Being available to visit the practicum site upon request.
• Networking with the Community Rehabilitation community to maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date Database and filed collection of practicum site and employer information.
• Supervising and grading students¹ assignments and field work.

For more information please contact Patti DesJardine by e-mailat padesjar@ucalgary.ca or by phone at 403.220.2416.