NVIT EDUCATION FOR ALL
What is Inclusive Post-Secondary Education at NVIT?
STEPS Forward is a family-driven organization founded to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are included as students in the academic and social life of colleges and universities of British Columbia. NVIT believes STEPS Forward is an inclusive community model that has seized a time when our Elders lead inclusive communities. Students supported through BC Inclusive Post-secondary Education enroll in programs of studies that they choose based on their passions and career interests.
NVIT EDUCATION FOR ALL
Academics
If you are a successful applicant through this initiative, you may enroll in NVIT courses and select an area of study of your choice. You’ll be part of the same classes, tutorials, and labs as NVIT students studying for their degrees, but as a participating auditor: a status that allows your assignments and exams to be modified to suit your individual learning style. You will also be supported by a STEPS Forward inclusion facilitator at NVIT to discover new possibilities and attain your educational goals.
Upon successfully completing your studies, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion at graduation alongside students earning their degrees in the same field.
Student Life
During your time at NVIT, you will enjoy student life in the same social spaces as other students, and – with the support of a STEPS Forward inclusion facilitator – you will be supported in individualized ways about how you envision connecting with campus life.
Career Development
Over the summer months (April to August), the STEPS Forward inclusion facilitator will support you in finding paid work, internships, training, networking, and other volunteer opportunities that relate to your career goals.
Who is Eligible?
There are no minimum academic requirements to be accepted – instead, STEPS Forward will look at your desire to learn and have a typical student experience. The initiative is committed to supporting the inclusion of students with significant and/or complex support needs.
Discover more about the criteria used to select students here.
How to Apply
- Get in touch with us to find out more about whether accessing your studies through NVIT’s inclusive post-secondary initiative (STEPS Forward) is right for you:
- If you’re interested in attending NVIT Merritt, contact lynne@steps-forward.org, or
- Book an appointment for STEPS Forward Consultation.
- Attend an interview. The interview is a way for us to learn more about what you want to get out of post-secondary education. You’ll be asked questions about what you’re hoping to gain from the experience and how you’ll grow from NVIT’s academic teaching and student life. TIP: Before your interview, think about topics such as:
- What makes you feel great about going to school?
- Why do you want to continue your education after high school?
- How do you want to get involved with Student Society, cultural activities and campus events?
- How can you get the most out of being a student with inclusion facilitator support?
- What employment opportunities interest you?
About a month after your interview, we will contact you to let you know if you are accepted. If your application is successful, STEPS Forward will set up a series of meetings to prepare for attending NVIT with you and your chosen family, advocates, or allies.
NVIT EDUCATION FOR ALL
Meet Lynne McCormack
My name is Lynne McCormack, and I have the honor of being the NVIT Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Facilitator in Merritt. I have been supporting youth and young adults to discover new possibilities and attain their educational goals for many years with our community. My passion for the inclusion of all learners drives me to connect with students to support them to communicate their academic dreams and work towards a chosen future that will be meaningful and fulfilling. Reach out to me to learn more about my role and how to access your studies through Inclusive Post-secondary Education at NVIT!