On behalf of the staff and students at H’art, I would like to thank the instructors from Queen’s University who volunteered to take part in the fifth year of the H’art Inclusive Post Secondary Education program. Thanks go to Philip Shadd, Benjamin Bolden, Richard Day, William Egnatoff, Melody Torcolacci, Kathy Jackson, and Diane Lawrence. Because of you, and instructors like you, we have been able to provide eight students with intellectual disabilities with an inclusive post secondary education experience at no cost to them.
By developing these skills, many of students are able to take part in participating classes at Queen’s University through our voluntary arrangement with Queen’s University’s Faculty of Education.
This past year, students participated in the following classes: Music Teaching in Theory and Practice, Moral Issues, Canada and the “Third World”, Theories of Teaching and Learning Computer Studies, Physical Determinants of Health, Practicum in Physical Activity for Persons with Disabilities, and Science and Technology.
How does it work? After completing an orientation, I place students in participating inclusive classes at Queen’s University based on their own personal interests and goals. They are introduced to their instructor, receive a library card, and get a physical education centre pass. The students meet Queen’s Buddies through the Social Transition and Education Program, a Queen’s student club working to provide the support and resources needed to make students feel at home while on Queen’s campus. Working within their abilities, students participate in classes, do class presentations, complete assignments and homework, explore social activities, and work towards a 5-year certificate of learning. I welcome people with intellectual disabilities to consider this gradual and flexible introduction to inclusive post secondary learning and to attend H’art in 2013-2014.
Thanks again to the instructors who make inclusive post secondary education possible every year. I invite other Queen’s professors to request a brochure, to get involved this September and to see how the experience changes them! Read below to find out how you will change lives.
As Lori’s parents, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at H’art for all the support, encouragement and challenge that has been extended to Lori throughout her ten plus years over the past, present and future of her ongoing life of learning.
We have noticed a significant change in her personality; her ability to assimilate and learn that she can be more tolerant of other people with more difficult disabilities than what she has to cope with and that she can help them advance along with her. She has also found her ability to overcome her own shortcomings and not be so frustrated. She is more pleasant to be with and, she is pleased with her accomplishments along her path of learning and her perseverance to succeed.
We would also like to pay tribute to Michael Lea of the Kingston Whig Standard for his wonderful coverage of Lori and Kevin at the ceremony at MacArthur College where they were recognized and honoured for 5 years attendance to classes at the University [through the Inclusive Post Secondary Education program]. This was a tremendous boost to their morale and satisfaction.
We also wish to recognize the generosity of the University, the professors who agreed to give of their time as Lori and Kevin sat in their lectures throughout their learning processes as well as the students involved in mentoring them. This programme is a wonderful contribution to them and the community. Let us hope it continues.
Ruth and Bill