Abstract:

Access to and participation in postsecondary education (PSE) is critical to achieving individual and societal prosperity, stability, and security in Canada and elsewhere.1,2 Yet at the same time, the historic failure of the education system, institutions, and governments to promote access and create appropriate supports for students with disabilities has contributed to their profound underrepresentation in PSE and, consequently, the labour market.1,3,4,5,6 In Ontario, persons with disabilities are less likely to finish high school, access PSE and attain PSE credentials, or earn a university degree than persons without disabilities.1,3,4,7 Increasing the participation of students with disabilities in PSE is vital to achieving the full participation of people with disabilities in Canadian society.

This presentation describes the goals of a project designed to create a social innovation networking - the Postsecondary Students with Disabilities Network (PSDNet). Developed through a partnership between George Brown College (GBC, Host Institution), the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), Nipissing University, and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), the PSDNet will be a virtual network providing mentorship/coaching, learning, and community-building opportunities for PSE students with disabilities across Ontario. Goals and objectives of the project, anticipated outcomes, and progress to date will be presented. Additionally, results of a survey of PSE alumni with disabilities regarding their perceptions of useful site features to promote project goals will be reviewed.

References:
[1] Finnie, R., Childs, S., & Wismer, A. (2011). Under-Represented Groups in Postsecondary Education in Ontario: Evidence from the Youth in Transition Survey. Toronto: Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
[2] Public Health Agency of Canada (2011). What determines health? Ottawa: Author. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/index-eng.php
[3] McCloy, U., & DeClou, L. (2013). Disability in Ontario: Post secondary education participation rates, student experience and labour market outcomes. Toronto: Author. Retrieved from http://www.heqco.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/At%20Issue%20-%20Disability%20in%20ON_ENG.pdf
[4] Rae, B. (2005). Ontario: A leader in learning. Report and recommendations. February 2005. Retrieved from http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/reports/postsec.pdf
[5] Statistics Canada (2012). Disability in Canada: Initial findings from the Canadian survey on disability. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-654-x/89-654-x2013002-eng.htm
[6] Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. (2008). Second Annual Research and Review Plan. Toronto: Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
[7] Ontario Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (MTCU). (2012). Canada-Ontario labour market agreement 2011-12 Annual plan. Retrieved from http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/labmark/LMA_Plan2011_12.html