RRC makes dreams reality for students with intellectual disabilities
A new program at Red River College (RRC) aims to make the education system more accessible to students with intellectual disabilities.
Baldeep Dhillon is going to college, something he never dreamed would be possible.
“I like the class and the students, they are so friendly and nice,” said Dhillon, who is acting as a student representative. “I got to help all of them.”
Dhillon is one of 20 students in Transforming Futures, a specialized program for people with intellectual disabilities.
“The bigger picture is that they are in a facility that’s for everyone and they get to participate,” said Paul Brady, program coordinator at Transforming Futures.
“That's what's important.”
There are four teachers who work with the students all day on courses about computers, introduction to college, personal management, and math courses.
In its second year, Transforming Futures students get to specialize in administrative assistant or culinary skills.
“It's just no different than any other program,” said Brady. “Some people like some things, don’t like some things, but that supportive environment helps those students.”
Less than a month into the program and student Caitlin Boland already has a favourite class.
“In personal management we talk about self-advocacy and self-etiquette,” said Boland.
She also loves computer class and plans on becoming an administrative assistant.
Boland is thinking about putting her knack for typing to the test and joining RRC’s student newspaper, The Projector.
Student Amanda Wallace has cerebral palsy, which affects parts of the brain.
“I came back to school to further my education to get a better job,” said Wallace. “This is so I don’t have to rely on other people.”
In two years of schooling, Wallace will get a diploma along with her independence.
