Holyoke Community College
DVD 110 - Developmental Disabilities
Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
Instructor: Debra Ecker
decker@hcc.mass.edu MRB 221 phone 552-2464

Course Description:
DVD 110 Introduction to Developmental Disabilities Introduction to developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, syndromes (e.g; Down's syndrome, Fetal Alcohol syndrome), neurological, sensory, physical and health impairments, learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders. Incorporates a socio-political perspective (laws, legislation, court cases, and attitudes on the treatment of people with developmental disabilities). Effective teaching and intervention strategies will be explored. Special attention will be devoted to addressing barriers to integration and the impact on the individual and his/her family. Students will explore their own beliefs and biases regarding people with disabilities and their possible role as change agents in society.

Prerequisite:
ENG 101 3 credits

Required Text:
Hardman, Michael L; Drew, Clifford J; and Egan, M. Winston. Human Exceptionality: Society, School, and Family (eighth edition) Boston, MA Allyn and Bacon, 2004. ISBN #0205428622.

Course Objectives and Goals:

1. To give students a basic understanding of the etiology, presentation, and complexities of a range of developmental disabilities.
2. To familiarize students with key issues, concepts, and effective interventions relating to working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
3. To provide students with current research on issues relating to developmental disabilities, advocacy, and social change.
4. To engage students in critical thinking and the use of analytical skills to help them understand the complexities of living with a developmental disability.

Methods of Instruction:
This course will be delivered in an asynchronous format. This means that you do not need to log in at specific times: you can complete your work in a manner that fits with your schedule and meets the due dates outlined in the course calendar. Please be advised that examinations are time-sensitive: check the calendar and plan accordingly. Your ability to write fluently, participate regularly in discussion, and complete assignments, quizzes and tests in a timely fashion will determine your success in this class. Questions are always encouraged.

Class Policies:
Attendance is mandatory. I have the ability to monitor your "attendance" by tracking your log-in history at the course website. If you do not log in to your WebCT account for a period of seven days during the course of the semester, you will be subject to removal from class with a grade of "AW" (see Student Handbook for details). If you are aware of a potential absence from class in advance, please let the instructor know as soon as possible.

"Plagiarism is a form of theft. It is the stealing of another's ideas, information, creative work, or words and passing them off as one's own. Examples of plagiarism include quoting from a published work without the use of quotation marks and identification of the author, and copying from another student's report or examination or web resources. Students who are accomplices in the act of plagiarism are equally guilty of academic dishonesty, and may be subject to disciplinary action (see the Student Policy Guide). " - HCC Catalog, 2000-01

I am available to you during my office hour at HCC : Monday, 2:30-3:30 pm; or by appointment. I will be on-campus on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays this semester. I would prefer that you schedule time to meet with me, if needed, so that I may plan appropriately for our meeting. Additionally, I am available to you by telephone and email, which are provided on this syllabus. Please feel free to provide me with feedback, ask questions, and use me as a resource to further your education.

Your time and effort is valued - each member of the class has much to contribute. Please remember to respect each other and the work that you do here.

Course Calendar and Assignments:
Reading selections will be discussed in class on the day they are due (for example, students should read Chapter 3 by our meeting on February 2, 2004).

Methods for Evaluation:
Students will be given multiple opportunities to "show what they know". Various methods of evaluation are employed (written assignments, objective quizzes and tests, participation in discussion, etc.) to maximize student potential to excel. Evaluation shall be conducted as follows:

Computation of Final Grade: 1000 points possible / 10 = percentage earned

*Extra Credit is available by prior approval from the instructor. A focused literature review of three articles selected from scholarly journals published in the last three years may be submitted for up to 50 possible points of your final grade. If selected, this optional project is due on May 3, 2005.

Grading criteria for the computation of final grades are outlined in the Student Handbook (p. 73).

Students with special needs:
committed to full inclusion of all students. Students who, by nature of a documented disability, require accommodations should notify the instructor at the beginning of the semester. Students may also speak with the Office for Students with Disabilities to request accommodations. Your immediate attention to these arrangements is necessary to assure a positive learning experience.