Training/Courses
Many agencies and programs offer specialized training courses within communities and/or regions. To access the Canadian FASD Training Online Database, visit the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) web site: http://www.ccsa.ca/Eng/Priorities/Fetal_Alcohol_Spectrum_Disorder/fasd/Pages/default.aspx
(updated Nov. 2010)
College of New Caledonia (Burns Lake Campus)
FASD Advanced Diploma Online / FASD Online Courses
Behaviours of students who have FASD are often difficult to accommodate in a classroom setting. FASD is one of the most prevalent brain based disabilities in Canada. As noted in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Across the Lifespan, “the prevalence of FASD is somewhere between 25 and 233 per 1,000 people”. Hence up to 23% of students in a classroom could be affected.
The College of New Caledonia’s online offerings include standalone credit courses and a post graduate diploma program for university/diploma graduates. These courses are of interest to students and professionals in the fields of social services, health, justice and education. These courses are designed to provide you with skills to improve services for individuals with FASD, impact policy development, and design effective intervention and prevention services.
“For me, this program had a profound effect. I am now more understanding of my students and the strategies discussed have helped me better manage disruptive behaviours in my classroom.” BC Teacher
Take advantage of this unique online FASD Advanced Diploma program. For more information visit our website here.
(updated Jan. 20113)
FASD Center - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
A fantastic (May, 2007)resource is available at http://fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/educationTraining/courses/FASDTheCourse/
This is a FREE on-line course which provides an overview of risk factors for fasd, signs and symptoms, and prevention and treatment methods. The course has 7 modules and includes many video clips by leading researchers and a 3-D tour of the brain! Provides lots of information about the effects of alcohol on the developing fetus and conesquent damage to the brain.
(updated Nov. 2010)
Lethbridge College
There is a growing demand for support workers and caregivers who have the knowledge and skills to support children, adults and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This certificate is designed for current professionals and those aspiring towards careers in education, health care, disability services, criminal justice and other human service areas where services to individuals who were exposed prenatally to alcohol are provided.
Course work includes topics on prevention, intervention strategies, diagnosis, behavior associated with FASD, functional assessment, family support, cultural diversity, and case management. Understanding how this developmental disability impacts a person throughout their life is a primary focus of the curriculum. During the practicum courses, you will transfer your new found knowledge about FASD into practical and meaningful ways to support individuals, families and communities. The practical learning experiences can be completed in most Canadian communities and are supported through seminars and regular instructor contact.
Make a difference in your community by choosing a career supporting individuals living with FASD.
www.lethbridgecollege.ca/program/fasd
(updated Dec., 2009)
MCFD Keyworker Training
Many MCFD regions will be offering provincial level 1 and level 2 training for the "Keyworker" positions. As well, other regions may be offering specialized training. If you know of regional or provincial training, please inform us.
(updated Nov. 2010)
University of Calgary Post-Diploma Program
www.ucalgary.ca/newcurrents/Vol6.6/FAS.html
The Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Program at the University of Calgary offers a post-diploma program (Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation [BCR]) to students working in the field of rehabilitation who want to complete a degree. The degree is available to students in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan through small groups of students identified as Community of Learners (COL). These students can access the program through a variety of means, including distance education.
One area of required study is in the area of health as it relates to disability. The COL has identified a particular interest in the study of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Many students felt that they had encountered disabled adults in their practice who indeed had many of the characteristics of FAS, but had never been formally diagnosed. It was decided that it would be beneficial to offer a course in this area to provide professional training and promote awareness of FAS among community rehabilitation professionals. COL students identified a need to receive training in the many complex issues related to FAS, an entirely preventable disability.
For information on the Community Rehabilitation and Disabilities Program, check out the Web site at www.crds.org
or contact Dr. Anne Hughson at 403-220-6273.
(updated Nov. 2010)
Vancouver Island University Special Education Teacher Specialty Post Degree Program (SETS)
This program is a framework for a continuing professional development diploma program for credentialed practicing educators. The content of the "special topics" courses will relate to curricular or specialist areas in education.
EDPD 588 (3) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Investigation of Practice
An overview of the characteristics and needs of students with FASD. Best practices and a range of teaching strategies that encompass the essential components of a supportive program are presented. Participants will develop a student plan and practice strategies known to be beneficial for students with FASD.
For more information, visit http://www.viu.ca/calendar/Education/teacherprofpostdegreediploma.asp
Western Regional Training Center for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (WRTC for FASDs)
The WRTC for FASDs offers two free online continuing education courses for health providers including physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers. These courses take approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete and were released August 22, 2008.
1) Identification, Evaluation and Diagnosis of FASDs
The purpose of this course is to educate health providers about the incidence, the different diagnostic categories and the long-term effects of FASD. As well, this course will help practitioners better recognize the individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure so that they can be appropriately referred for treatment and case management. You can access this course at www.fascme.com/c101.html.
2) Screening and Brief Intervention Training for Alcohol Reduction or Cessation for Pregnant Women: Client Centered Care
This course is targeted for health providers who do not necessarily have prior experience in alcohol screening and brief intervention. It will educate practitioners about the effects of alcohol on the fetus and help them to develop skills to identify and advise women about alcohol reduction or cessation during pregnancy. You can access this course at www.fascme.com/c000.html.
(updated Nov. 2010)
Whitecrow Village FASD Society also offers training and opportunities to volunteer at Whitecrow Village Camp - for more information see http://www.whitecrowvillage.org/index.htm
(updated Nov. 2010)
