Key Details
Program Start Dates
January 2025
September 2025
January 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Program Duration
2 Semesters / 1 YearProgram Contacts
Program Coordinator / Professor
Program Overview
Upgrade your impact on students with learning disabilities
Whether you’re a new graduate or a professional currently working in academic support, this fully online program elevates your ability to work with students with learning disabilities. Diversify your professional portfolio and bolster your employment options by examining and applying new knowledge in education strategies and learning techniques.
Through the use of assistive technology, you’ll explore what impact learning disabilities and autism have on individuals, including those with co-existing conditions. You’ll develop valuable communication skills for building solid interpersonal relationships with those you support and insight into how to gather and retain private information.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Delivered fully online, allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule
- Full-time and part-time options to work while you learn
- Complete in 8-20 months at your own pace
- Unique curriculum focused on learning disability studies plus a combined concentration in learning strategies and assistive technology, communication techniques, and mental health awareness
- Beneficial for new graduates, current and prospective educators, educational assistants, and academic support service providers
Admissions
Admission requirements
Applicants must be graduates of a diploma, advanced diploma, or degree program from an Ontario College or equivalent.
OR
Applicant must possess five years of work experience in a related field (or combination of education and work experience) as judged by the College to be equivalent. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their related experience and a cover letter outlining their competencies and preparedness for the program (any and all post-secondary transcripts must still be submitted).
Program delivery
Program delivery
2024-2025
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2025
- Semester 2: Spring 2025
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2026
- Semester 2: Spring 2026
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
Semester 1 | Credits | |
---|---|---|
PSY 1003 | Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions | 3 |
AST 2051 | Intro to Assistive Technology | 4 |
LDS 1202 | Intro to Learning Disabilities | 4 |
LST 1007 | Intro to Learning Strategies | 4 |
COM 1003 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
Credits | 18 | |
Semester 2 | ||
COM 1004 | Comm. for Client Care | 3 |
LDS 2001 | Applied Practice Capstone | 4 |
LDS 1611 | Learning Disabilities and Other Disorders | 4 |
LDS 1006 | Mental Health Accommodations | 4 |
AST 2061 | Integrating Assistive Technology and Learning Strategies | 4 |
Credits | 19 | |
Total Credits | 37 |
Part-time students
You will be provided with a pathway to complete this program on a part-time basis.
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Community Services
Discover the profound difference you can make in the lives of others when you follow the rewarding and noble path provided by Cambrian’s School of Community Services. Community Services programs prepare you to address social and community needs, support child and family welfare, navigate support systems and become a powerful force for positive change.
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
Web cam and headset - Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended Storage for Assistive Technology: 8 GB of available Hard Drive of Solid State Drive Space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended Audio: Speakers or Headphones for Text-to-Speech and Microphone for Speech Input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!