Inclusive Education

Students with developmental disabilities come to college for the same reason that other college students do:
- to further their education
- to develop life long friendships
- to develop career opportunities through practicums
- to gain independence
- to create life enriching experiences
How it works | ||||||
Participating students audit courses so there's flexibility to set a suitable individual learning pace, set individual goals, complete adapted course assignments and exams, complete practicums and also allow time for taking part in campus life. Staff work closely with both students and instructors, to ensure that the students’ inclusion in the classroom and campus life is successful and is a positive experience for everyone involved. The initiative runs year-round. Students are encouraged to find work in the summer and receive support from Initiative staff to ensure students experience success. |
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History of Inclusive Post Secondary Education | ||||||
Alberta has more inclusive post-secondary initiatives and more experience with inclusive post secondary education than any jurisdiction in the world. Inclusive post secondary education is defined as facilitating the inclusion of students with developmental disabilities in regular programs of study and campus life. Initiated by families with the support of advocates in 1987, the University of Alberta became the first university to offer inclusive post secondary education. Since then, with the support of Alberta Association for Community Living and the provincially funded Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD),18 post-secondary institutions across the province now offer inclusive educational opportunities to students with developmental disabilities. In the past 20 years students have taken a variety of programs at colleges and universities across the province. This has included golf operations management, personal trainer, digital arts and media, animal health technology and nursing. |
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For more information | ||||||
If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about this initiative, please call: Ashley Klamot
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Video feature | ||||||
The first half of this video spotlights Kendra Morrison and her family.
Inclusion Social Media for Lakeland from Stingray Television on Vimeo. |
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