March 28, 2024
Education News Canada

ALBERTA
Expanding access to inclusive post-secondary education

December 6, 2021

As part of Alberta's Recovery Plan, the government is honouring its $2-million platform commitment to help more students with developmental disabilities pursue post-secondary education.

The expansion of the Inclusive Post-Secondary Education and Transitional Vocational programs will help more Albertans with developmental disabilities reach their educational goals and prepare for the workforce. Alberta's government currently supports more than 248 post-secondary students with developmental disabilities.

"This investment gives more students with developmental disabilities in Alberta the opportunity to advance their personal development and build knowledge and skills to prepare for the workforce. Alberta's government believes every Albertan deserves the chance to fully participate in their communities and this supports that goal by also providing a strong pathway to employment for people with developmental disabilities."

Jason Luan, Minister of Community and Social Services

The vocational program is a one-year post-secondary program that focuses on employment and skills training to help prepare students for the job market.

"In April, we released a new 10-year vision for post-secondary education. The first pillar of that strategy is to expand access and create a more inclusive learning environment. This investment is a real step forward in achieving this new vision and, most importantly, it ensures all Albertans have access to high-quality post-secondary programming."

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education

"Mount Royal University is grateful to the Government of Alberta for its support of inclusive post-secondary education and the Transitional Vocational Program. As we use this funding to expand these programs, MRU is dedicated to creating a different kind of undergraduate experience, one that offers a diverse scholarly community where students of all abilities thrive, find their identity, explore their potential and prepare for their futures."

Tim Rahilly, president and vice-chancellor, Mount Royal University

"For the longest time, I wanted to prolong my education through post-secondary but was never able to because of my disability. And then I found out about IPSE and I was more than excited to be part of it. Next semester, I will be starting my first practicum with the Child and Youth Care Counselling program. I'm excited to experience fieldwork and to build relationships with children and youth."

Jory Chan, IPSE student in the Child and Youth Care Counselling program

"Expanding access to post-secondary education for students with developmental disabilities is another positive step towards improving accessibility to education and making Alberta a more inclusive province. Supporting additional students with disabilities to pursue their educational goals will benefit Alberta for many years to come."

Greg McMeekin, chair, Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities

"Albertans should be able to fully participate in their communities by obtaining a post-secondary education, however financial barriers exist for many students, preventing their enrolment. This program will help alleviate some barriers enabling Albertans to gain additional knowledge and skills valuable for employment and community involvement."

Rachel Timmermans, vice-president external, Students' Association of Mount Royal University

Quick facts

  • This new investment benefits:
    • Inclusion Alberta - $1.19 million for the Inclusive Post-Secondary Education program (IPSE)
    • Mount Royal University - $162,218 for the Transitional Vocational Programs (TVP) and $178,317 for IPSE
    • Lethbridge Family Services - $212,322 for TVP
  • Alberta's government has a previously signed provincial contract with Inclusion Alberta worth approximately $2.4 million.
  • In addition, Alberta's government has previously signed contracts worth approximately $6.1 million with the following IPSE and TVP providers:
    • Lethbridge Community College
    • Edmonton on Campus Education Society (University of Alberta)
    • Integrated Post-Secondary Education Society of Alberta (University of Calgary and St. Mary's University)
    • Mount Royal University
    • NorQuest College
    • Red Deer Polytechnic
    • Olds College

Related information

For more information

Government of Alberta

www.alberta.ca


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