Lethbridge Polytechnic is celebrating the launch of a new microcredential (a bite-sized, non-credit course) designed to enhance accessibility and inclusivity on campus.
On Friday morning, polytechnic students and employees were joined by parents and caregivers of students with disabilities, and municipal government representatives to officially launch the Getting Started with Accessibility microcredential.
“Lethbridge Polytechnic is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the support and encouragement needed to be successful in their studies,” says Mark Davids, manager of Accessibility Services. “We have long offered flexible, innovative support to advance a culture of universal teaching and learning, and now we’ve gone one step further. Offering this microcredential means more people, both on- and off-campus, will be knowledgeable in the language of disability support and responsibility.”
The Getting Started with Accessibility microcredential features three streams of courses for three distinct audiences:
- Lethbridge Polytechnic employees: A mandatory course for all polytechnic employees, it introduces accessibility and universal design concepts, covers the basics of accommodations and emphasizes collective responsibility in providing support.
- Lethbridge Polytechnic students: Designed for students who may require accessibility support, this course provides a foundation for understanding accommodations at the polytechnic and how to access them, emphasizing the shared responsibility in ensuring proper support is provided.
- Caregivers, parents and support persons: Tailored for caregivers, parents, guardians and other support persons of students with accommodation needs, this course is available to the public and offers detailed information about disability supports at the polytechnic. It also serves as an informational resource and aims to empower students by ensuring they have the necessary support for autonomy and success in their educational journey and beyond.
“Having this new microcredential is like having a toolbox for success, not only for students but for instructors and anyone who works with people who are utilizing accessibility services,” says second-year Practical Nurse student Niculina Jensen.
“Making it easier for students to get the supports they need will open so many doors, from working in health care like me, or being successful in a career they never thought possible.”
Friday’s launch event was also planned to coincide with and support Disability Employment Awareness Month which takes place every October in Alberta.
To learn more about Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, visit lethpolytech.ca/accessibility.