(left to right) Arthur Coren, interim dean of faculty of academic and career advancement;
Fraser Crinklaw, APPD instructor; Susanne Dadson, SSD program coordinator; and
Lyn Benn, director of student development and success at Disability Resource Network
of B.C. 2010 Celebrate Excellence Award ceremony.

 

For immediate release

June 21, 2010

Kwantlen receives top honours for access programs and services

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s student services coordinator and access program faculty member have been recognized by the Disability Resource Network (DRN) of B.C. for their outstanding professionalism and excellence in serving people with disabilities in the post-secondary system.

For her contribution in developing the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) department, Kwantlen program coordinator Susanne Dadson was awarded the 2010 Celebrate Excellence Award for Services. Through her leadership and management, Kwantlen’s SSD coordinator has provided mentorship and guidance within Kwantlen as well as to other professionals in the province in the areas of policies and practices which offer individuals with disabilities an enhanced access to post-secondary education.

“I am very honoured to receive this service award from DRN,” remarked Dadson. “At the same time, I am grateful for the support from Kwantlen’s SSD faculty and staff members through the years as we continue to strive to provide an even more accessible university education at Kwantlen.”

Kwantlen’s Fraser Crinklaw, an Access Programs for People with Disabilities (APPD) instructor was also recognized with the 2010 Celebrate Excellence Award for Programs for his tireless dedication in teaching individuals with a wide variety of cognitive disabilities and helping them find job placements in the community.

“I am really honoured to receive this award since the nominations came from my fellow colleagues,” said Crinklaw. “I am very fortunate to work within a department of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals who are passionate about providing new learning opportunities to help students succeed in the classroom as well as in the workplace.”

These awards from DRN, a provincial organization that represents individuals who provide programs and services for people with disabilities, reaffirm Kwantlen’s success in providing enhanced access to post-secondary education in the South Fraser region.

“Dadson has demonstrated excellence in serving and educating students with disabilities,” praised Lyn Benn, director of student development and success. “Her outstanding dedication and contribution exemplify the high standard of student services and support that Kwantlen provides.”

"This is outstanding and well-deserved recognition for both Crinklaw and Kwantlen’s APPD program. Kwantlen has a 25-year history of success in broadening access to post-secondary education in the community, developing student talents and transitioning them to the workplace,” commented Arthur Coren, interim dean of faculty of academic and career advancement.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University brings with it a tradition of providing access pathways for students with different talents and abilities, and opportunities for all who are willing to work hard to realize their goals. Key to Kwantlen’s new mandate is an enhanced capacity to integrate research and external community engagement within a learning environment that places students at the centre of all that the university does.

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For more information about Kwantlen’s Services for Students with Disabilities, contact:
Lyn Benn
Director, Student Development and Success
Tel: 604.599.2467
lyn.benn@kwantlen.ca

OR

For more information about Kwantlen’s Access Program for People with Disabilities, contact:
Arthur Coren
Interim Dean, Faculty of Academic and Career Advancement
Tel: 604.599.3252
arthur.coren@kwantlen.ca

OR

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Audrey Wang
Manager, Communications
Tel: 604.599.2385
audrey.wang@kwantlen.ca