Alberta mom praising province for expanding support for students with disabilities
Posted January 28, 2023 3:17 pm.
Last Updated January 28, 2023 3:25 pm.
An Alberta mother says the province’s decision to provide disability funding to thousands of more students is a real step in the right direction.
Alberta announced this week an additional 5,200 students will receive disability funding under the Grant for Students with Disabilities program.
Katie MacMillan, the founder of Kello Inclusive, is celebrating the move by the UCP government.
“It’s honesty exciting, a super positive step in the right direction,” said MacMillan, whose daughter Kelsey is in junior high. “Is it something we could have had it in place sooner? Absolutely. But celebrating the progress we’re making… people will start to understand the importance of authenticity and inclusion.
“We’ve made so many strides in the right direction with so many minority groups but unfortunately disabilities still get left behind.”
Katie MacMillan with her daughter in this undated photo. (Credit: Katie MacMillan/provided)
The updated program means students with persistent or prolonged disabilities are now eligible.
“Being the parent of a disabled child in junior high right now, to think they are making some strides towards reducing some of the barriers in entry to post-secondary education is music to my ears. It’s fabulous,” said MacMillan.
She says she’s happy to know her daughter will have a bright future ahead.
“It is so exciting and important for me as a parent, absolutely, to know that Kelsey will grow up in a world where people are hearing her in a really authentic way, perhaps a lot more than has gone on in the past,” she said.
The government says it is committed to continuing taking steps to making post-secondary education more accessible and affordable.
The province says 11,000 students are now eligible to receive financial supports through the Grant for Students with Disabilities program.
