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Community Engaged Learning in Disability and Physical Activity (DIPA)

About DIPA

Please note: DIPA is now offered as both an in-degree option and a certificate. 

Applications for the current cycle are now closed. Please check back for future application dates.

Community-engaged learning in Disability and Physical Activity (DIPA) is offered through a collaboration between the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies and Revved Up, an exercise program for persons experiencing disability.  The goal of the Revved Up program is to provide world-class, community-based exercise programming that fosters healthy living and quality of life among people living with mobility impairment and/or developmental disability.  Students will be on the front lines helping to make this goal a reality. 

Primarily located in the SKHS, and in a satellite location at Providence Care Hospital, students learn about and participate in community-based programming for persons with disabilities.  Students in will get an opportunity to work closely with persons from a variety of special populations.  If you are considering a career in healthcare or working with persons with a disability, you will gain valuable experience in addition to academic skills.  In addition, students will:

  • Strengthen communication and leadership skills
  • Develop a deeper understanding of what it means for people to live with a disability/chronic disease
  • Develop exercise prescription skills with a focus on considerations for people with a disability, and perform program reassessments on Revved Up participants. (The practical component has been designed so that students will achieve 3 of the 6 core competencies necessary to pursue the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology’s Certified Personal Training designation, which students may elect to pursue upon their completion of the community engaged learning experience)

Admission Requirements:

  • Level 2 or above and a minimum GPA of 2.70

New for 2026!

Required Courses:

  • HTLH 210/3.0 - Human Health and Performance Foundations of Experiential Learning * tuition + course-based fees
  • HLTH 200/3.0 - Physical Health and Exercise Programming (non-Kin students) or KNPE 255/3.0 - Physical Activity, Fitness and Health (Kin students only)
  • HLTH 332/3.0 - Foundations of Disability 
  • KNPE 386/3.0 - Experiential Learning in Disability and Physical Activity * tuition + course-based fees
  • KNPE 486/3.0 - Advanced Experiential Learning in Disability and Physical Activity * tuition + course-based fees

Community Engaged Learning in DIPA Options

1. In-degree option 

  • Complete 5 courses within your degree plan (DIPA courses will count as electives unless they are required for your degree)
  • Suggested completion stream
    • Level 1 DIPA courses, take in 2nd year
      • HLTH 200 
      • HLTH 210
    • Level 2 DIPA courses, take in 3rd year
      • HLTH 332
      • KNPE 255 (Kin only)
      • KNPE 386
    • Level 3 DIPA courses, take in 4th year
      • KNPE 486
      • option to take level 2 DIPA courses in 4th year if space available
  • Receive a record of completion of 200 practicum hours. Receive community engagement hours. 

Benefits of within degree: Gain additional practicum hours and hands-on experience earlier in your program; Explore community-engaged learning and determine whether you would like to continue in this area; Develop professional skills for working with clients, patients, and community members; Complete the required courses within your degree, with no additional courses needed beyond your program requirements.

Recognition: Options may include, but are not limited to, a letter of completion and a Community Engagement Record.

Approximate total cost: Tuition for DIPA courses + course-based fees for practicum courses ($320 per practicum course, cost pending approval from the University).

2. Certificate option  

  • 5 courses, 3 courses over and above your degree plan, 2 courses double count 
  • Suggested completion stream
    • Level 1 DIPA courses, take in 2nd year
      • HLTH 200 
      • HLTH 210
    • Level 2 DIPA courses, take in 3rd year
      • HLTH 332
      • KNPE 255 (Kin only)
      • KNPE 386 *consider taking in Summer going into 3rd year
    • Level 3 DIPA courses, take in 4th year
      • KNPE 486 *consider taking in Summer going into 4th year
      • option to take level 2 DIPA courses in 4th year if space available

Recognition: DIPA certificate noted on your transcript, letter of completion and a Community Engagement Record.

Approximate total cost: Tuition for DIPA courses (including 3 courses over and above your degree) + course-based fees for practicum courses ($320 per practicum course, cost pending approval from University).

 

Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 to complete the DIPA program and must be at Level 2 standing (by the end of the winter term) at the time of application. Please note that spaces are limited, and while a 2.7 GPA is the minimum eligibility requirement, the actual admission cut-off may be higher. Successful applicants will receive conditional acceptance, with final acceptance confirmed once winter term grades are available (typically in May or June).

How to apply: The Community-Engaged Learning in DIPA in-degree program will open for new applications to students from all degree plans in February 2027. A limited number of spaces are available. Applicants can expect to receive a decision on their application status in March 2027.

Application Form: Disability and Physical Activity Stream (In-degree or Certificate)

Placement Requirements for KNPE 386 (Community Field Placement in Disability and Physical Activity) and KNPE 486 (Advanced Placement in Disability and Physical Activity):

  1. Maintain a valid Canadian Police Information Check (CPIC) with Vulnerable Sector Screening, as well as current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification
  2. Complete mandatory online and in-person training (full-day) prior to beginning placement hours. Training details will be provided in advance of each term and will take place during the first week, outside of scheduled class time
  3. Achieve a minimum grade of B in both the placement and practical reassessment components of KNPE 336/386, and obtain approval from the course coordinator in order to progress to KNPE 486

Please note: KNPE 386 and KNPE 486 are offered in the Fall, Winter and Summer terms. There is a defined enrollment for both courses each term. When a student can access KNPE 386 will determine sequencing for KNPE 486.

Need more information or assistance? Please e-mail the Revved Up and DIPA Coordinator.