Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is this program about?
2. Why take this program, rather than some other?
3. How does an on-line course work?
4. Does this program award credit?
5. What courses are included?
6. How do I qualify?
7. What is the application process?
8. Are there any costs?
9. Does taking this course make me a student at the City University of New York?
10. If I have quite a few college credits, should I take this program?
11. What kind of an Internet connection is required to make this work?
12. Will there be technical support if I have a problem?
13. What do I do next, if I am interested?

1.) What is this program about?

The Online Disability Studies Program is a customized, four-course program for workers in the field of developmental disabilities. It begins March 2002, and ends in June 2003. Students take one course each semester. If you work with people with disabilities, you may qualify.

2.) Why take this program, rather than some other?

Like other work-related college courses, the Online Disability Studies Program provides an opportunity to learn more about the field of developmental disabilities, to participate in a learning environment with other direct care workers and professionals, and to potentially improve and alter aspects of your work life. But, unlike other programs, it will not require you to travel to campus and sit in a classroom on a regular basis. The courses are structured like traditional classrooms with weekly readings, discussions, assignments and projects. The student and the teacher form a class and all the students move through the materials at the same pace. However all discussions, project presentations and group work occur online. In this format students log on to the course site and do their work any time of the day or night, as long as they meet the deadline set by the instructor.

3.) How does an online course work?

The students meet face to face once at the beginning of the semester to become familiar with the course software, receive their books and other materials, and meet the instructor. The rest of the course happens online. All discussions, project presentations, delivery of assignments, group work and tests occur in the course site. The class meets in person again at the end of the semester to make final presentations and/or take final exams and to celebrate their achievements.

It is important to remember that this is NOT a self-paced class. Like a traditional classroom, there are weekly topics, deadlines and assignments. This means that you must be able to commit to consistently logging on to the class site at least three times a week for the whole semester. To take a self-assessment quiz to see if online learning is right for you, click here.

4.) Does this program award credit?

Yes, you earn three credits for each course that you successfully complete. You can earn a total of 12 credits in this program.

5.) What courses are included?

There are four courses:

• Introduction to Developmental Disabilities
• General Psychology
• Principles of Behavior Management
• Foundations of Residential Services

Click here for a description of the courses.

6.) How do I qualify?

• You must have been working for one year at an agency that provides services to people with developmental disabilities.
• You need to get your agency to approve your online study.
• You need to be a New York State resident.
• You need to have a high school diploma or GED.
• And — very importantly in this program — you need to have regular access to a computer that has an Internet connection, be comfortable working on a computer, and be able to communicate clearly and effectively through writing.

7.) What is the application process?

The application process takes place online. The application is five pages long and asks for information about your current job, past employment and education. You may need to collect some of this information before you begin to fill out the application. The last section of the application is a writing sample and asks you to write about your current work and your career plans. Give yourself plenty of time to fill out this application. To see a sample copy of the application, click here. Once you have submitted your application, the Project Coordinator will email you to ask further questions and inform you of your status.

8.) Are there any costs?

Contact your supervisor about your agency sponsoring you. If your agency agrees to sponsor you, the tuition would be waived. Students are required to pay a one-time application fee of $40and a $30 student fee each semester. Students must pay for their books and other materials.

9.) Does taking this course make me a student at the City University of New York?

Students enrolled in the Online Disability Studies Program are non-degree students at LaGuardia Community College, which is part of the City University. Once you complete the program, you may take a placement examination to become a matriculated student at LaGuardia or transfer your credits to another college.

10.) If I have quite a few college credits, should I take this program?

This program may provide a more focused study of developmental disabilities for a student who has taken courses in another field. If you have already taken one of the courses, you would not be eligible for the program. A beginning student who is able to write easily in English would be able to benefit from this course.

11.) What kind of an Internet connection is required to make this work?

You'll need at least version 4.0 of Netscape or Internet Explorer. To download the latest version of Netscape, for free, click here. To download the latest version of Internet Explorer for free, click here.

12.) Will there be technical support if I have a problem?

Yes, there will be part-time technical support through the College.

13.) What do I do next, if I am interested?

Click here to begin the application process.