Access Programs for People with Disabilities: Certificate

Description

The APPD Department offers two ten-month options for adults with a permanent disability or a combination of learning difficulties that hinder scholastic success. The goal of the programs is to help students learn essential employment and academic skills, encourage community engagement, and to identify and plan for further volunteer, employment or educational opportunities. The program starts in September of each year. The Access Program for People with Disabilities has traditionally offered a Vocational Skills Training option; this option is currently under revision and are not available this year..

Students pay application and program fees. Financial support may be available through the provincial Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG). For more information on AUG, visit kpu.ca/awards/student-loans

Career Opportunities

Through participation in university classes and work experience opportunities, students learn about the expectations of universities and entry-level employment.  Students are prepared for further participation in the workforce, university and community.

Admission Requirements

• Graduation from a BC secondary school or the equivalent
• Permanent disability or combination of learning difficulties that hinder scholastic success
• Ability to navigate community and campus safely and independently
• Evidence of previous successful independent work experience
• Satisfactory assessment of English proficiency
• Interview with faculty

How do I Apply?

To start the application process, or to learn more about the options, please attend an Information/Intake Session at your preferred campus. To register for an Information/Intake Session, visit kpu.ca/aca/appd

Curricular Requirements

Work Exploration Option

The Work Exploration option provides information to students about the role and responsibilities of a university student and the basic expectations of competitive entry-level work. Students will participate in classes and have the opportunity to explore a variety of work experiences. Work Exploration students must take APPD 0021 and APPD 0041. Students must successfully complete both APPD 0021 and APPD 0041 in order to graduate. The Work Exploration course runs from September to April. The Strategies for Employment course runs in May and June.

	APPD 0021	Work Exploration: Students will explore work and continuous learning opportunities. They will increase independence in campus, community and work settings. Students will also develop essential skills through participation in a combination of employment-oriented classroom instruction and monitored work experience.
	APPD 0041	Strategies for Employment: Successful completion of APPD 0021 (Work Exploration) or APPD 0031 (Job Preparation) is required before taking this course. Students will reflect on and integrate their experiences in APPD 0021 (Work Exploration) in order to complete a portfolio and conduct an independent or supported job search project. They will demonstrate essential skills on a monitored work experience.

Job Preparation Option

The Job Preparation option provides an opportunity for students to enhance their understanding of the role and responsibilities of a university student and the expectations of competitive entry-level work. Students will participate in classes and have the opportunity to explore a variety of work experiences. Job Preparation students must take APPD 0031 and APPD 0041. Students must successfully complete both APPD 0031 and APPD 0041 in order to graduate. The Job Preparation options runs from September to April. The Strategies for Employment course runs in May and June.

	APPD 0031	Job Preparation: Students will investigate and prepare for future work and academic opportunities. They will identify options for involvement in campus, community and work settings. Students will build essential skills through a combination of employment-oriented classroom instruction and monitored work experience.
	APPD 0041	Strategies for Employment: Successful completion of APPD 0021 (Work Exploration) or APPD 0031 (Job Preparation) is required before taking this course. Students will reflect on and integrate their experiences in APPD 0031 (Job Preparation) in order to complete a portfolio and conduct an independent or supported job search project. They will demonstrate essential skills on a monitored work experience.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of the Work Exploration Option, students are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion in Access Programs for People with Disabilities – Work Exploration.

Upon successful completion of the Job Preparation Option, students are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion in Access Programs for People with Disabilities – Job Preparation.