inclusive post-secondary education in nova scoita
AXCESS ACADIA PROGRAM OF STUDY
Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE) promises a future and vision for diverse learners by removing barriers and leveling the playing field. Currently, there are no funding options available for Nova Scotians who might choose to pursue IPSE. It remains an elitist program of study and cost prohibitive to most. We need to make it truly a viable option for transition from High School. Currently, Axcess Acadia is the only IPSE program offered in Nova Scotia. Help us build a bursary fund. Together, we can do it!
Caden's Story: (name has been changed to protect privacy) **UPDATE**
We found out the hard way, there are no other options available to fund our son's education other than out of pocket. There are no student loans, no disability grants or bursaries. One must qualify for at least $1.00 funding in Student Loans and ONLY THEN, are assessed for any of the Provincial and Federal grants/bursaries available for low-income or disabled students.
Our son began IPSE in September. How much he has grown up in two months, managing his money, being independent, making new friends and learning new things. He walks with a confidence and glow that I never dared dream was possible. At first, he wanted to come home. Things would go along fine, then suddenly there would be meltdowns and dramatic text message that he was coming home, that was it. Now, the only time I hear from him is if he needs something. He is operating like any, regular University student. He is taking Environmental Studies and Philosophy is his favourite subject. This is study break and he will be writing an exam, next week.
The only other transition opportunity would have him learning to write resumes and stack dog food! He has so much to offer and is settling into University life just fine with his tutors and mentor. My boy is now a man. He is furthering his education so he can become whatever he wants to be and get a job to be self-supporting citizen of his community.
His father is permanently disabled. We cannot afford out of pocket for our son's education. We can see the unbelievable benefits for our son, a diverse learner. It breaks our heart that it will all come to an end by the end of this semester because there are no financial options available. What will this leave him to transition to...
This is what has been going on with inclusive post-secondary education and the Axcess Acadia program. After much run-around, misinformation and ignorance, I have found out why a Student Loan is not available for this program of study and what other provinces (more specifically, Alberta) are doing to support IPSE. I am excited to find out that NS Services for Persons' with Disabilities is in TRANSFORMATION, but cautiously hopeful of ground floor opportunities.
Axcess Acadia is an IPSE program supported by government grant to the University to provide supports to offer such a program. It is a wonderful opportunity, but remains elite because of lack of funding means at the student level. It is not a degree program, but a program for intellectually delayed individuals hosted at Acadia. The students audit the courses (non-credit) of choice according to their ability. These students would not otherwise have been able to qualify for university admission (IPP grad) by regular admissions standards.
Alberta (world leader in IPSE ) has been offering IPSE since the late 80s with 18 institutions participating! Funding for students is via bursaries through the university student aid office and administered by The Alberta Association for Community Living. What a great model to follow.
Currently, I am working on getting an Inclusive Post-secondary Education Bursary Fund up and running here in Nova Scotia. I am in talks with The Halifax Association for Community Living, Nova Scotia Association for Community Living, Stephen Gough, Sackville/Beaver Bank MLA , Dr. Lynn Aylward, Axcess Acadia program initiator and faculty, the Lions Club. I am exploring possible grants that could be available for such a fund. Also, I will be sending an email to Mr. Rudderham, NS Services for Persons with Disabilities Transformation.
UPDATE: I have not heard back from Mr. Rudderham, nor any of the MLA offices that I emailed (all MLA's of NS!) except Stephen Gough. The Lions club does not see this as anything that falls within their scope of support. NSACL has been supportive and a God send! I have contacted Provincial Government Departments (Community Services and Labour and Advanced Education) and it is not a priority or even on the radar!
**Caden was unable to return for second semester after Christmas because there was no money and no way of financing his education. He was devastated. We have not received any donations to the bursary fund for Axcess Acadia. We have found that there no longer is an IPSE program at NSCC. It has been suspended and being reviewed.
Caden wants to continue his education. His only option - return to high school until he is 21.**
Published on March 17, 2014 Read full article here
Students Stephen Darville and Nicole McDonald posed for a photo in Acadia’s Student Union Building. They are participants in the unique Axcess Acadia program. - Wendy Elliott, Kingscountynews.ca
Students Stephen Darville and Nicole McDonald posed for a photo in Acadia’s Student Union Building. They are participants in the unique Axcess Acadia program. - Wendy Elliott, Kingscountynews.ca
Dare to dream...
Leading up to High School graduation, each student and parent begins to dream about and prepare for transition from High School. Options for Diverse learners is limited. Inclusion has been promoted all through Primary to graduation. And then, no options for higher education were available until Don Glover , Director of Student Services with the NS Dept of Education approached Dr. Lynn Aylward, Acaida University faculty of Educaiton about an IPSE opportunity, here. We have made steps forward that are bringing possibilities for inclusive community that were not even a dream a few short years ago.
It is now time to take it to the next level - providing financial options to allow these students dare to dream of going to University along with their peers. To experience the excitement of receiving a letter from a university that they will be attending and sharing that news with their peers. It even changes how unchallenged students react and treat the Diverse Learner! They feel accepted, a person of equal value. We all are different and have gifts to offer as full citizens in society.
It is now time to take it to the next level - providing financial options to allow these students dare to dream of going to University along with their peers. To experience the excitement of receiving a letter from a university that they will be attending and sharing that news with their peers. It even changes how unchallenged students react and treat the Diverse Learner! They feel accepted, a person of equal value. We all are different and have gifts to offer as full citizens in society.
VIDEO: overview of the full inclusion of adults with developmental disabilities in universities and colleges by AACL
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AXCESS ACADIA PROGRAM OF STUDY
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