Inclusive PSE
For more than 30 years, Inclusion Alberta has partnered with post-secondary institutions to create inclusive classrooms and campuses. Inclusive post-secondary education in Medicine Hat is an agreement between Inclusion Alberta and Medicine Hat College. Through inclusive post-secondary education, Medicine Hat College has supported students with developmental disabilities to realize and achieve their educational and career goals since 2014.
Alberta has more post-secondary institutions providing fully inclusive post-secondary opportunities for students with developmental disabilities than any other jurisdiction in the world.
Currently there are more than 20 post-secondary institutions that include students with developmental disabilities in pursuit of higher education.
How it works
How it works
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%.
Campus Life
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.
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 governance
- recreation and social activities
The opportunities that are available to post-secondary students are nearly endless.
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
Next Steps
- Click here to explore MHC programs
- Identify a program of study at MHC that interests you and will facilitate your career goals.
- Consider attending an MHC event or open house.
- Determine eligibility for PDD funding
- Contact Adriana Todaro, Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Coordinator
inclusiveeducation@mhc.ab.ca I 403.594.3263