the work of holding and advocating for an inclusive life is worthwhile.

This validates students’ full inclusion through the high school years toward higher learning.

The initiative has the commitment to support students with significant and complex support needs. There are no minimum academic or behavioural requirements to receive support and enroll at our partnered universities; the only pre-requisite is a desire to continue learning at the post-secondary level.

partnerships with post-secondary institutions across the province, students who have finished their high school education are supported to enroll at their local university or college to complete a program of study in the field of their choice

n 2001, just five years after the last institutions for people with disabilities in B.C. closed their doors, STEPS Forward founding parents were challenging preconceptions about their family members’ desire and capacity as learners.

STEPS Forward, the BC Initiative for Inclusive Post-secondary Education, was founded by families who wanted their family members to have equitable access to post-secondary education and benefit from the experience as any student would, including greater autonomy, choice, paid work, and social opportunities

At a time when students should feel hopeful about their future, students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are instead being pulled away from an inclusive life path that leads to opportunities. They are deprived of the opportunity to dream big and plan for an adult life that includes post-secondary education.

Post-secondary education is rarely seen as a possible path for their future.

planning for post-secondary education, will set the stage for how they will contribute to their greater community after graduation and helps form both their student and career identities. Our education system’s vision for student success has been created to “enable learners to maximize their potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy society and prosperous and sustainable economy”

At the same time, there are range of CLBC services that may be available to support your goals, based on disability-related needs and available funding.

Facilitators try to learn from you and respect your knowledge and expertise. They work in collaboration with you to explore opportunities to help individuals achieve greater control in their lives. They want to create a team approach rather than a “doing for you” approach. They will work with you to plan in ways that can include connecting to community and requesting CLBC-funded services that best match your strengths, interests, and needs.

CLBC staff work hard to provide information in a way that is easy to understand, to answer your questions and to build a positive relationship with you.

WorkBC Employment Services provide support for people looking for jobs, including specialized services for people with disabilities.

From Surviving to Thriving can help you prepare for challenges and pressures that may arise. The guide will help you identify your personal strengths and develop strategies to manage stress, address challenges and reduce worry and fear

EducationPlannerBC — Search for post-secondary education programs by interest, subjects, type of credential and institutions, including adult special education programs.Find Your Path — Find Your Path is a personalized, interactive education and career planning tool. Explore, save and share your selections all in one place.Upgrading — Planning to upgrade or finish high school level courses to prepare for post-secondary training or education? Find a post-secondary institution or school near you that offers adult upgrading courses.StudentAid BC — Learn how to help fund your education through grants, loans and other student financial assistance programs for students who have a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability. Read StudentAid BC’s brochure Programs for Students with Disabilities (PDF).Resource Directory of Accessibility Programs and Services — Find information for potential students and their counselors, families, and referral agencies on programs and services for students with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability at public post-secondary institutions.