Inclusion Alberta Expands Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Initiative
For immediate release – December 7, 2021
Edmonton, AB – Inclusion Alberta is pleased to have received funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services in order to expand Inclusive Post-Secondary Education opportunities at several institutions across the province as well as develop new opportunities at institutions not currently including students with developmental disabilities.
This funding will allow 15 additional students across the province to pursue their aspirations for higher education, friendships and employment this winter and fall:
“As a parent and an educator, I know how life-changing a post-secondary education can be for our family members with developmental disabilities,” says Inclusion Alberta President Monica Braat. “Higher education can open the doors to a meaningful life and career, perhaps even more so for a person with an intellectual disability.”
Inclusion Alberta is appreciative of our university, college and technical school partners along with their faculty and students for their willingness to welcome learners with developmental disabilities.
Learn more about Inclusive Post-Secondary Education and see vacancies for the 2021-2022 school year.
About Inclusion Alberta’s Inclusive Post-Secondary Initiative:
Alberta has more post-secondary institutions providing fully inclusive post-secondary opportunities for students with developmental disabilities than any other jurisdiction in the world. Inclusion Alberta has been partnering with post-secondary institutions across the province for more than 30 years to include students with developmental disabilities to participate in regular programs of study and campus life.
Our approach means that students with developmental disabilities, including those with significant disabilities, are fully included in regular program of studies as well as campus life. Students audit programs of study to pursue individualized learning goals related to regular course content and complete modified course assignments and exams to demonstrate what they have learned. On average, employment outcomes for students completing their studies are between 70-80%, which is in stark contrast to the nearly 80% unemployment rate that Albertans with developmental disabilities typically experience.
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For further inquiries, or to arrange for an interview please contact:
Sara Protasow
Communications Coordinator
Inclusion Alberta
sprotasow@inclusionalberta.org
Cell: 780-906-4693
About Inclusion Alberta: Inclusion Alberta is a family based, non-profit federation that advocates on behalf of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Together, we share a dream of meaningful family life and community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities. As an advocacy organization we support families and individuals in their desire to be fully included in community life.