Source and for more information see:
University of Calgary Gazette
March 30, 1998, Vol. 27, No. 32
Varsity program enriches learning experience
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Varsity Education Program, which integrates people with developmental disabilities into University of Calgary life, will see its first students on the convocation stage in 1999.
Believed to be one of only four programs like it worldwide, Varsity has expanded from serving one student five years ago to eight students this year; it now has a waiting list of four applicants.
Colleen Lance, program director, says U of C faculty, staff and students have been instrumental in accepting Varsity students into the university's social and academic environment.
"The success of the program very much depends on the support of professors," Lance says, adding it's extremely beneficial for Varsity students to meet peers their own age.
Students in the program take from between three to five courses a year. Some professors modify the course requirements and assignments, but students aren't required to complete the normal course work.
At the beginning of a term, a facilitator makes a presentation to the class involved, then recruits three volunteers to act as a supports for the Varsity student.
Allen Hisey, one of the program's facilitators, says the rest of classroom benefits from exposure to different kinds of learners. "It's a learning experience for everyone involved," he says.
Music professor Janos Horvath, who has had a Varsity student in his courses for the last four years, concurs. "I think for the class it's very nice to see a different way of being...it's very healthy for the other students."
Murray Vavra, who is non-verbal, currently attends Horvath's chamber choir class. Horvath says Vavra responds to certain people and to certain sounds and seems to benefit from the exposure to music. Horvath adds that while it's up to individual professors whether to accept a Varsity student, he sees it as a positive experience.
Varsity students are currently taking courses across the entire academic spectrum, including Russian, art, educational psychology, communication studies, music, dance education, and English.
The program is a hit with participants, too. "It's excellent," says Varsity student Ryan Hiebert, who takes archaeology courses. "I'm learning about maps and stuff and how to find bones and stuff."
The University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton have similar programs, as does the University of Jyzaskzla in Finland. Other programs are in the works at the University of Prince Edward Island and Lethbridge Community College.
The University of Calgary provides office support but the program is funded by Alberta Social Services.
Issue Index University of Calgary Public Affairs Gazette Archives Research Stories
