Name: Aidan Shields Year: 2018

Professional Growth Plan

Goal 1: To increase my formal training in the disability sector to enhance the quality of
care to the individuals I support.
Strategies:
- Complete the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Course on February
26- 27, 2018.
- Complete the Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment and Management training
offered through Alberta Health Services online.
- Complete the Foundations in Community Disability Services course offered
through the Alberta Council of Disability Services starting online on April 1, 2018.
- Complete the QPR Gatekeeper Online Course.

Goal 2: Work towards obtaining my Bachelors degree as a double major in Social Work
and Psychology.
Strategies:
- I plan on attending Lethbridge College in January of 2018 with my specialization
in Psychology and Sociology. In September of 2018, I plan to transfer to the
University of Lethbridge and start on my Bachelors of Science with a major in
Psychology. Completing most of my degree through correspondence and
evening classes to allow opportunities to maintain my experience in the disability
services field.

Goal 3: Work towards getting my Certified Community Disability Worker designation

through the Alberta Disability Workers Association.
Strategies:
- Find a mentor to supervise and evaluate my progress.
- Identifying and reflect on my strengths while working on my weaknesses
throughout the process.
Goal 4: Increasing my network of resources I can utilize for information to enhance the
quality of care I provide.
Strategies:
- Establish relations with provincial inclusive agencies (i.e. Inclusion Alberta)
- Establish and maintain relationships with professionals in the field (i.e.
psychologists, therapists, behaviourists, etc.)
- Maintain my memberships with: The National Association for Dual Diagnosis,
Alberta Disability Workers Association and Alberta Council for Disability Services
(Associate Membership).
- Apply for memberships with: Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC)
and Canadian Association for Community Living,

Goal 5: Help mentor colleagues and promote awareness/ education in the disability
sector.
Strategies:
- Work on creating a blog to share information about disabilities and strategies.
Publishing posts twice a week about topics that I encounter or feel like should be
talked about. Drawing on past experiences to help create an image while
maintaining confidentiality and respecting FOIP regulations.
- Complete the QPR Gatekeeper Instructor Course.
- Complete the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Instructor Course.
- Complete the Mental Health First Aid Instructor Course.
- Complete the Supporting Individuals Through Valued Attachments Instructor
Course.
- Complete the Non- Violent Crisis Intervention Instructor Course.

Goal 6: Increase my alternate communication abilities.

Strategies:
- Learn how to fluently communicate using American Sign Language; gesturally
and written.
- Learn how to communicate using Braille with individuals.