A Certificate Program of Grossmont College
in conjunction with SDSU Interwork Institute

HESC 110 Disability and Society (3 units)
HESC 110 will explore the range of human experience, with a focus on individuals with disabilities; attitudes toward persons who have disabilities; interrelationships between societal institutions and needs of persons with disabilities; and historical responses to these needs. Current research and contemporary issues will be examined with particular emphasis on normalization, integration and community living.

HESC 150 Techniques for Developmental Disabilities Specialist (3 units)
HESC 150 is designed for persons involved in support services for people with developmental disabilities including those who have learning, mental, physical, or severe disabilities. It provides technical knowledge for support personnel to promote social skills and integration, adaptation, self dependence, health, safety, recreation, leisure, and communication skills for persons with disabilities.

HESC 154 Work Experience in Disability Services (1-4 units)
Work experience for individuals desiring directed practical experience in support services for persons with disabilities. This course provides students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained through HESC 110 and 150.

HESC 205 Alternative/Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities (currently 2 units, but proposed as 3 units)
This course introduces principles and procedures in assessing and accommodating the needs of individuals with disabilities in the following areas: 1) alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems and strategies, and 2) other assistive technology (AT) equipment and services. The course will include the historical and legislative development of these supports and services; a foundation of speech and language acquisition and how to apply this information to individuals with disabilities; person-centered assessment strategies and instruments; strategies to assess accessibility of work and other community sites; and access to assistive technology resources and materials, locally and via the Internet.

HESC 206 Behavior Management and Training Techniques (3 units)
This course presents more advanced theory and rationale for the use of management and training techniques with people with disabilities in four major areas: 1) training; 2) behavior management; 3) management of assaultive behavior; and 4) general learning theory. Emphasis is on problem solving and application of theory in specific settings that involve individuals with multiple needs.

(The following course is part of the 30-unit Certificate program, but is additional to the 15-unit certificate.)

HESC 207 Healthcare for Persons with Disabilities (3 units)
HESC 207 examines the medical and social aspects of disability. Concepts needed for independent evaluation and decision making regarding the health care needs for persons with disabilities will be presented. Includes discussion of life style and health consequences, criteria and resources for health status assessment and delivery of services, and simple health care procedures.