Students with developmental disabilities attend post-secondary for the same reasons as other post-secondary students:

• further their education
• meet new people and develop friendships/relationships
• develop and pursue career opportunities
• contribute to and benefit from campus life and associations

Students audit programs of study to pursue individualized learning goals related to regular course content and complete modified course assignments and write modified exams to demonstrate what they have learned. Students receive a certificate of recognition to acknowledge their hard work, accomplishments, and commitment to their learning at the completion of their program. Students do not typically receive credits or the associated credentials (degrees, diplomas, certificates, etc.), as they are not taking the program of study for credit. However, students develop new skills; gain new knowledge; build both personal and professional networks; and have valuable learning experiences related to their career ambitions. Students completing their studies participate in convocation where they are acknowledged by the post-secondary institution. On average, employment outcomes for students completing their studies are between 70-80%.

Click here for more information on Inclusion Alberta.

Click here for a list of participating educational institutions.

Students with developmental disabilities participate in all the same learning and campus activities as their peers.

With the supports of inclusive post-secondary education, students attend class, complete assignments, participate in practicums, write exams, and contribute to group work. Inclusion Alberta team members collaborate with faculty and school staff to adapt and modify course expectations and materials when necessary. In class, fellow classmates offer natural support by sharing notes, including students in group work and engaging students in discussion, among other classroom learning activities.

Students attend class daily, depending on their respective course load.

Students can expect to spend their time:

• Attending class
• Reviewing course material with support from one of our team members
• Engaging in independent and group study with classmates
• Hanging out with classmates and peers
• Participating in campus life activities (clubs, events, etc.)
• Working part-time

The opportunities that are available to post-secondary students are nearly endless.

Student participation in campus life is essential to their academic success and personal fulfillment. An Inclusion Alberta education facilitator will support students with developmental disabilities to pursue an active campus life.

Involvement is encouraged inside and outside the classroom, as well as off campus for the purposes of students developing interpersonal skills and expanding employment opportunities. Additionally, students benefit greatly from becoming an active member in the community, by increasing their ability to form long-lasting friendships, with natural relationships emerging.

Students supported by inclusive post-secondary education staff often seek to enhance their student experience by becoming involved in extracurricular activities such as:

• clubs and events
• student associations
• recreation and social activities
• intramurals
• student residence
• student governance

Eligibility

Interested in applying for post-secondary studies with our support? Inclusive post-secondary education is open to any individual who is PDD eligible. Please do not think your family member might be excluded from this possibility based on the complexity of their disability. Inclusion Alberta is committed to ensuring these opportunities are available to all. We truly believe that everyone is able to learn.

As required by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, everyone who receives support for inclusive post-secondary education must be eligible for PDD funding. If you are unsure what this means, please review the eligibility details or contact PDD. The applicant doesn’t need to be currently receiving PDD supports at the time of application, just to be eligible for supports.

Tuition

Please note, tuition is not covered by PDD Funding. Tuition is the responsibility of each student. Students should budget roughly $2000/year for tuition, textbooks, and associational fees. If this is a barrier for you or your family, please contact Inclusion Alberta for discussing payment options.

For more information, please contact:

Ashley Funk, Coordinator, Inclusive Post-Secondary Education MHC

inclusiveeducation@mhc.ab.ca | 403-594-3263