Credits.
The course is 2 credits. One credit is given for participation in weekly trainings and discussions (Fall 2022 Wednesdays 11:15am-12:05pm). An additional credit is given for 3 hours of field experience, in line with UMass guidelines for internship credit hours. Students can receive additional an internship credit if they choose to complete an additional 3 hours of field experience each week.
Schedule.
This course is offered every fall and spring semester. This course will be available during the summer starting summer 2023. The class meeting time is subject to change, please visit Spire for up-to-date information.
Eligibility.
Students in the Developmental Disabilities and Human Services (DDHS) program receive priority registration, but students across all majors and years are welcome to enroll.
Training.
Students will complete the Respite Care Provider Training developed by the ARCH National Respite Network at the start of the semester. This training is completed online at your own pace.
Students will receive additional training during the weekly class. Students in the course also have the option to receive free pediatric and adult CPR training (with first aid and AED).
Match.
Students will be asked to complete a basic profile about themselves including, for example, their major, past experience with people with disabilities, hobbies and career goals. Students will be asked to indicate their preferences for their match. Students will be matched to participating families based on both student and family preferences. Students will be assigned in pairs to a family during the add/drop period. There will be an opportunity several weeks into the semester to reevaluate student-family matches.
Service.
Students will go to family homes in pairs. This would allow students to split their focus between the person with a disability and siblings, if relevant. At the beginning of the semester, students will review the background information provided about the family and complete additional training with the family as needed. Parents/caregivers will not be leaving the house while students are providing respite care. With guidance from parents/caregivers, students will be responsible for designing activities for their visits.
Transportation.
Students using their own cars to travel to the family’s home will be reimbursed for their mileage. Student pairs are expected to carpool to their site. Transportation (e.g., Zipcar, Uber) will be covered for student pairs without access to a car.
Cancellations.
In the event that a family cancels, students should make their best effort to reschedule with the family. If no convenient alternative can be arranged, students should use the missed time to make plans for future sessions. If a student needs to cancel for any reason, they should notify their partner and the coordinator as soon as possible. If an alternate partner is available, the respite visit can continue as scheduled. If no alternate is available, the family should be notified as soon as possible about the cancellation. Students should not go to their site alone.
Grading.
Grading will be based on attendance and participation in the weekly class and field experience as well as completion of assignments throughout the semester. Family cancellations will not affect the students’ grades, however unexcused student cancellations will result in a grade penalty beyond one per semester. Student grades will not be penalized for their partner’s cancellation.
This course is a designated “Service-Learning” course and endorsed by the office of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning at UMass, therefore it provides opportunities for students to engage in service outside the classroom that is guided by appropriate input from a community partner and contributes to the public good. This course also fulfills one S-L requirement for the UMass interdisciplinary Certificate in Civic Engagement & Public Service (CEPS). Please contact CEPS advisor Candice Travis at ctravis@umass.edu if you are interested in applying to earn the Certificate.