Unique program breaks barriers for students with disabilities
Just a few years ago, it would have been unlikely for any one of them to attend college. But thanks to Niagara College’s Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program, a group of students with disabilities, who previously had no access to postsecondary education, became college graduates on June 21.
The first of its kind in the Niagara region, NC’s CICE program gives individuals with developmental disabilities and other significant learning challenges the opportunity to experience college life, and enhance their vocational, academic and social skills.
“The vision for the CICE program is the vision we have for all our learners here at NC, enriching lives and fulfilling dreams,” said Fiona Allan, dean of Academic and Liberal Studies. “Aligned to the strategic direction of the College, the CICE program provides inclusive experiential learning opportunities in our college and our community.”
The unique program combines academic and field placement opportunities for students who take core classes as well as academic experience classes, with support from learning facilitators. After completing the two-year program, they graduate with an Ontario College certificate.
“It is important for the College as it enables inclusion for students that have previously had barriers to postsecondary education,” said academic manager Amanda Shanks. “The CICE program provides opportunities to students that thought they could not ever become a college student.”
‘I’m proud of being able to graduate from college’
Twenty-two-year-old St. Catharines resident Noah Jones said he was “nervous and excited” leading up to his convocation day.
“I’m proud of being able to graduate from college,” said Jones, who was among the first graduating class of CICE students and the recipient of the Academic and Liberal Studies Award of Excellence.
Jones chose the program because he wanted to experience college life and, since then, his journey has transitioned into much more. After gaining experience at his first work placement at the College’s Sustainability office, he had an opportunity to work at a reptile pet store in St. Catharines, Niagara Exotics. The placement not only equipped him with work experience, it fuelled his passion for the field.
“My placements gave me hands-on experience in the field I want to pursue,” he said. “I’m hoping to possibly continue my education in a program that is geared towards my career path, which is working with animals.”
CICE students gather for a photo to mark their convocation day. – Submitted by Amanda Shanks
Meeting a need in Niagara
With no other opportunities in the area for formal education after high school, the program was long awaited by families and support agencies. While there are similar programs outside of the region, the need for transportation created barriers since most CICE students need to live with, or close to, their families.
NC launched the program with support from parents and community agencies who recognized the need for the program in Niagara – which has proved to be in great demand. The program is currently waitlisted for September and January admisisons are increasing.
“Secondary schools have an increasing number of students with significant learning challenges and welcome the program as an option for their students,” said Shanks.
Academic and work experience
By the time they graduate from CICE, students gain academic as well as work experience.
They have an opportunity to attend classes from various program areas throughout the College, such as culinary, horticulture, office administration, business and environment.
They also complete three field placements during the program. Their first placement experience is on campus, followed by two off-campus placements.
“Typically, the students enjoy the field they have chosen to work in, therefore build on each experience moving to greater responsibilities with each placement,” Shanks said.
She noted how the program has had strong support from staff and faculty, as students begin their placements in various areas on campus – including the greenhouse, landscaping, Benchmark restaurant, computer services (ITS), the Teaching Spa, the libraries, the Centre for Student Engagement and Leadership, hairstyling, trades, Facilities Maintenance Services, and in beekeeping.
Shanks noted that organizations in the community have been supportive of the program as well, offering work experiences to NC’s CICE students, including Sodexo/Brock University, White Oaks, Niagara Exotics Pet Store, Goodwill Industries, Habitat for Humanity, NTEC, Total Landscaping and Contracting, Niagara Parks, Grimsby Public Library and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library.
“We often hear that they find the experience very rewarding as they help the CICE students succeed,” said Shanks.
Social benefits and college life
With a small group of 10 students in the first intake of CICE, Shanks noted that the students bonded quickly, and formed friendships as they moved through the program.
For Shanks, it has been extremely rewarding to be a part of the program and see how much the students progress. Without any other local educational opportunities for them past secondary school, some of the students have been out of school for several years and felt isolated prior to enrolling in the program.
The social components of the program are vital. Shanks said that students graduate very different people than they were during their admissions interview. They quickly become very independent and involved in college activities such as the LEAD program, mentorship programs and SAC events. They can often be seen volunteering to make a difference at the College – everywhere from college open houses, to recruitment, to sustainability projects and more.
“As with any program, but particularly this one, the students arrive at the College very nervous and often shy,” she said. “We have seen them evolve greatly during their time here, gaining confidence and moving on to become mentors for incoming students.”
Allan added that watching the students thrive socially, academically and in the workplace is the most rewarding aspect of building this program.
“These students have so much to offer as engaged and productive community members,” she said.
For information about NC’s CICE program visit www.niagaracollege.ca/academic-liberal-studies/programs/cice/
