'Equity for everyone': Lethbridge Polytechnic launches accessibility micro-credential
To enhance inclusivity at Lethbridge Polytechnic, the institution has launched a new accessibility micro-credential.
"It provides a common language and understanding of what accessibility services is, people's basic human rights and how to navigate it here at the polytechnic," said Mark Davids, accessibility manager at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
The new bite-sized, non-credit micro-credential will be used to teach students, faculty and the community about services offered to help those with disabilities.
"Distractions are a huge thing," said second-year practical nursing student Niculina Jensen, who has ADHD.
"When you get to a college level or polytechnic level, you have to be able to understand that content, so having these spaces is essential for students."
Students, faculty and parents can complete the 40-minute course through the polytechnic's internal learning hub.
"I would say (students are) 50 per cent more successful than without it," Jensen said.
"It gives them the chance to be on the same level as other students that don't require these assistances."
The micro-credential was launched on Friday -- an optimal time, according to Davids.
He says within the past 10 years, the institution has seen a 135 per cent increase in students with a disability applying.
"Within that group, there's a 403 per cent increase in students with multiple disabilities and we've had a 500 per cent increase in students with psychiatric disabilities," Davids said.
While the course may be small, the polytechnic is hoping the lessons learned will be used within the wider community, outside workplaces and eventually, other post-secondary institutions.
"We're not trying to change courses or the academic integrity of what the polytechnic is doing," Davids said.
"That's not what this is about.
"It's just about lowering the barriers to make sure that there's equity for everyone trying to get an education.
"Students are the ones that are going to be going into the workforce, so eventually, they're going to make up the bulk of the population and by learning these skills now, they're able to advocate in the future."
Lethbridge Polytechnic employees will have to complete the mandatory course, while students, caregivers, parents and support persons will have the option.
"It's by far the most exciting thing I've ever seen this polytechnic do," Jensen said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada's response to Trump deportation plan a key focus of revived cabinet committee
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's promise to launch a mass deportation of millions of undocumented people has the Canadian government looking at its own border.
Who should lead the Liberals? 'None of the above,' poll finds
As questions loom over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership, a new Nanos Research poll commissioned for CTV News says a quarter of Canadians say none of the potential candidates appeal to them.
New technology solves mystery of late First World War soldier's flower sent home to Canada
In 1916, Harold Wrong plucked a flower from the fields of Somme, France and tucked it into a letter he mailed home to Toronto. For decades, the type of flower sent remained a mystery.
U.S. election maps: How did 2024 compare to 2020 and 2016?
Though two states have yet to be officially called, the U.S. election map has mostly been settled. How does it compare with the previous two elections?
Canada rent report: What landlords are asking tenants to pay
Average asking rents declined nationally on a year-over-year basis for the first time in more than three years in October, said a report out Thursday.
N.S. school 'deeply sorry' for asking service members not to wear uniforms at Remembrance Day ceremony
An elementary school in the Halifax area has backed away from a request that service members not wear uniforms to the school's Remembrance Day ceremony.
Remembrance Day: What's open and closed in Canada?
While banks and post offices will be closed nationwide on Remembrance Day, shops and businesses could be open depending on where you live in Canada.
Judicial recount for Surrey-Guildford confirms B.C. NDP's majority
The B.C. New Democrats have a majority government of 47 seats after a judicial recount in the riding of Surrey-Guildford gave the party's candidate 22 more votes than the provincial Conservatives.
48,584 space heaters recalled in Canada after burn injury in U.S.
Health Canada has announced a recall for electric space heaters over potential fire and burn risks, a notice published Thursday reads.