ASQF Level: 2

Course Overview

The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program in Bangladesh prepares professionals to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The curriculum is tailored to Bangladesh’s legal, social, and cultural context, emphasizing inclusion, advocacy, communication, person-directed support, and best practices in teaching and intervention. Graduates are equipped to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Course Objectives

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Conduct themselves ethically and professionally in all relationships.

  • Provide person-centered supports that promote self-determination and inclusion.

  • Ensure safety and well-being of people with disabilities, themselves, and others, in line with Bangladeshi law and standards.

  • Support health, education, and social participation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Apply teaching, communication, and advocacy strategies suitable for the Bangladeshi context.

  • Demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and reflective practice.

  • Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with families, communities, and multidisciplinary teams.

  • Utilize time management and resource access skills.

  • Develop strategies for personal and professional growth and adaptability in the sector.

Course Structure 

Unit 1: Foundations of Developmental Services in Bangladesh

  • Overview of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Bangladesh

  • Historical and social perspectives on disability in Bangladesh

  • National laws (e.g., Disability Welfare Act 2001, Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013)

  • Role of organizations

  • Ethical and professional conduct

Unit 2: Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  • Effective communication strategies

  • Interpersonal skills development

  • Teamwork and collaboration with families and communities

  • Augmentative and alternative communication, including Bangla Sign Language

Unit 3: Person-Directed Planning and Support

  • Principles of person-centered planning

  • Promoting self-determination and independence

  • Assessing and addressing personal support requirements

  • Time management and accessing local resources

  • Coordinating with families and community networks

Unit 4: Health, Wellness, and Safety

  • Supporting personal health care needs

  • Basic pharmacology relevant to developmental services

  • Promoting health and well-being in the Bangladeshi context

  • Ensuring safety and compliance with national standards

Unit 5: Teaching and Learning Strategies

  • Introduction to teaching and coaching

  • Adapting teaching methods for diverse needs and local realities

  • Evidence-based teaching methods: direct instruction, modelling, physical help, verbal cues, forward/inverse chaining, errorless teaching, sensory-based teaching, and computer-assisted instruction

  • Universal design for inclusion

  • Formal and informal learning supports

Unit 6: Behavioural Intervention and Support

  • Understanding normal vs. abnormal psychology1

  • Behavioural intervention strategies: positive behaviour support, functional behavioural assessment, and individualized behaviour plans

  • Modelling, role-play, feedback, and reinforcement techniques for staff and family training

  • Monitoring and documenting behaviour and intervention outcomes

Unit 7: Research Skills and Professional Development

  • Basic Research Methodology:

    • Introduction to research in developmental services

    • Formulating research questions relevant to Bangladesh

    • Conducting basic literature reviews (including local sources)

    • Collecting and analyzing simple data

    • Ethical considerations in research

    • Writing and presenting a mini research report

  • Professional writing and documentation

  • Career preparation and entrepreneurial skills

  • Reflective practice and ongoing professional growth

Unit 8: Community, Family, and Social Inclusion

  • Understanding family and community roles in Bangladesh

  • Facilitating community participation and inclusion

  • Leadership in developing inclusive environments

  • Advocacy for social change and disability rights

Unit 9: Global Citizenship and Social Responsibility

  • Disability rights in the context of Bangladesh and the UNCRPD

  • Social analysis and action for equity and inclusion

  • Ethical issues and promoting social justice

Training Methodology

  • Interactive Lectures: Covering foundational and advanced concepts, with Bangladeshi examples.

  • Hands-on Projects: Practical exercises, case studies, and community observations.

  • Group Discussions & Peer Learning: Sharing experiences and feedback in a collaborative environment.

  • Role-Playing & Modelling: Practicing intervention, teaching, and communication strategies through demonstration and rehearsal.

  • Case Study Analysis: Applying knowledge to real-life scenarios in the Bangladeshi context.

Assessment Methods

  • Assignments: Applied tasks in communication, planning, support, and advocacy.

  • Class Participation: Active involvement in teamwork, seminars, and discussions.

  • Mini Research Report: Preparation and submission of a basic research report on a topic relevant to developmental services in Bangladesh.

  • Final Exam: Written assessment of theoretical and practical understanding.

Program Highlights

  • Faculty with experience in Bangladesh’s disability sector.

  • Curriculum reflecting best practices, national laws, and local needs.

  • Emphasis on communication, critical thinking, research, and teamwork.

  • Preparation for diverse roles in homes, schools, workplaces, and community agencies.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates may find employment with:

  • Special and inclusive schools

  • Community-based organizations

  • Family support networks

  • Health and wellness programs

  • Advocacy and support agencies

  • Government and non-profit organizations