Professor | Developmental Services Worker Program


Carl Toole, Professor in the Developmental Services Worker Program, discovered his passion for helping those with developmental difficulties while working at Camp Opemikon in Maberly, Ontario in 1971. “I was exposed to the field at a time when there was little understanding of people with developmental problems and most of theses persons were institutionalized.”

Since that time, Carl has become the only Canadian trainer to hold triple qualifications in Crisis Prevention Intervention, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and the Mandt Training System. These training systems are designed to prevent and manage aggressive behaviour. “The combination of this training provides our students with the best practice for assisting persons to manage their own behaviour,” explains Carl. “This reduces the reliance on medication, increases community inclusion, and prevents persons from being excluded from programs,” says Carl.

Carl believes those who want to work in developmental services need to have a passion for the field and a positive outlook on life. After working at Camp Opemikon he became camp director with Easter Seals camps and worked in a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. “I really enjoy helping people and for me this has always been a lot of fun,” says Carl. “This is a field with endless opportunities for learning.”

Carl graduated from Algonquin College’s Developmental Services Worker program in 1977 and began teaching part-time at the College afterwards.

“I like the idea that you can get a sound practical education at Algonquin without spending an inordinate amount of time to get it,” says Carl of his college education.

Carl left teaching in 1993 to coordinate an academic program for adults with developmental disabilities at the College for two years. He returned to the classroom and has been a full-time professor since 1999.

Along with his diploma from Algonquin College, he has earned a degree in Recreation, a Master’s in Education from the University of Ottawa, and a Master’s in Social Work from Carleton University. “I can account for about ten years of my life on that wall,” says Carl pointing to where his diploma and degrees hang prominently.

Carl notes that the program he teaches requires a special type of student. “The students in this program are doers. They strive to accomplish their goals,” explains Carl. “I believe to be successful in this field you have to work hard, have a good sense of humour and have fun with what you do.”

Carl finds inspiration in his students especially those who are extremely keen, willing to learn, and have a passion for the subject. “It is easier for students to be passionate when their teacher understands them,” explains Carl. “Students appreciate teachers who are practical and have realistic demands. I will enjoy teaching as long as students continue to come to classes with a passion for learning.”

Algonquin’s ability to attract high quality professors and support the use of technology in the classroom are a just a couple of reasons why Carl loves teaching at the College.

Carl hopes to devote his future time at Algonquin designing and developing websites and online courses to provide an opportunity for people from all over Ontario to take his courses from home.

For students interested in the program, Carl's advice is simple. " There are 20 or 30 different areas of work in my field, so it's important to experience a volunteer placement and find out what you enjoy most! Love what you do, and your career will make you happy."