(DCW Level 1 and Level 2 APD) Direct Support Professional - Aging Adults

The Principles of Direct Support (PDS) is a multi-faceted curriculum with an emphasis on supporting Aging Adults. This course moves away from an outdated way of thinking that center around a person’s deficits and pathology. Instead, PDS focuses on the importance of developing a relationship of mutual trust and respect

This comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the principles of Universal Enhancement, Social Role Valorization, Positive Behavior Support and Person-Centered Practices. It includes classes on Safety, Dementia, Activity Planning with Aging Adults and Grief and End of Life. These, along with six other modules, provide a holistic and integrated approach to support. The curriculum is presented by Subject Matter Experts and other professionals who have actually done the work, allowing them to deliver the information in terms of practical application. The lessons provided in this course outline a series of behaviors a Direct Support Professional (DSP) can implement on a day to day basis and are designed to enhance the quality of life of the people they support. Following course completion, the learner will have gained the knowledge, tools, and most importantly, learned the new behaviors necessary to assist an Aging Adult in living a life full of meaning and value.

ALL MODULES BELOW ARE REQUIRED BEFORE TAKING THE CHALLENGE TEST and meets the requirements for Level 1 Fundamentals AND Level 2 Aging and Physical Disabilities within Arizona's Direct Care Worker (DCW) program.