Dec. 19, 2018
Vice-provost recognized for working to create a more inclusive campus
荔枝视频 Mayor Naheed Nenshi presents the award to the 荔枝视频's Susan Barker.
City of 荔枝视频
Dr. Susan Barker, the 荔枝视频鈥檚 vice-provost (student experience), received the City of 荔枝视频鈥檚 2018 Accessibility Award for Advocacy.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi presented Accessibility Awards to Dr. Barker and two other recipients at city hall on Dec. 17.
鈥淭oday, we recognized the award recipients for their exceptional qualities and actions in supporting people with disabilities,鈥 said Mayor Nenshi. 鈥淓ach award recipient is doing vital work to ensure that 荔枝视频 is inclusive for all.鈥
As a strong advocate for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) at U荔枝视频, Dr. Barker has worked to create opportunities for students with developmental disabilities to have an authentic university experience. Students in the IPSE program attend classes with other students, join clubs and take part in campus life. Upon finishing the program, they cross the convocation stage with their graduating peers and are awarded certificates of completion.
The students who take part in the IPSE program are happy to share their positive experiences at U荔枝视频. Brett Garth, a student who completed the program this past year, described the 荔枝视频 as 鈥渢he greatest school.鈥 鈥淚 love going to class and being on campus,鈥 he added. Garth crossed the stage at this year鈥檚 June convocation 鈥 which was the first time that IPSE students received a hood as part of their academic regalia, something Dr. Barker made a point of including after one student said that not receiving a hood like other students made her feel left out.
A student who joined the program this year, Quinn McSwiney, also enjoys sharing about his experience at U荔枝视频; he recently gave a presentation to promote the IPSE program. 鈥淒r. Barker is a great supporter of the Inclusive Post-Secondary Education program here on the 荔枝视频 campus,鈥 he said.
鈥淚 think the best thing about Dr. Barker is her generosity,鈥 said Rhonda Frizzell, director of the Integrated Post-Secondary Education Society of Alberta. 鈥淲hether it's introducing our students and staff to important resources on campus or being a catalyst for building relationships 鈥 she鈥檚 always so thoughtful. I think that鈥檚 such a paramount part of building accessible communities.鈥
The Accessibility Award for Advocacy is one of three the city hands out every year to individuals or organizations that work toward making 荔枝视频 a more accessible place. The other two categories are the Access Recognition Award, which was awarded to West Campus Development Trust鈥檚 Northwest Commons Park, and the Transportation Opportunities Award, which went to Brooke Garcia, owner of 4 Seasons Transportation, for providing barrier-free transportation to children.
IPSE has been operating since 1992 and is run by the Integrated Post-Secondary Education Society of Alberta. The Government of Alberta funds the program.