Staff from the Neil Squire Society (new window)’s Atlantic region was out and about in Fredericton (new window) on Monday afternoon. Julie Chamberlain, Distance Learning Coordinator, and Shelley Jones, Employ-Ability Program Coordinator, had the exciting opportunity to visit New Brunswick Community College (new window)’s new, state-of-the-art campus in Fredericton (new window) during their Open House on November 7th.

Among the pristine, white hallways and technologically advanced classrooms, Julie and Shelley met hoards of NBCC (new window) staff devoted to student success. Even more exciting, however, are NBCC (new window)’s new initiatives to better serve students with disabilities. Julie and Shelley learned that there are now student accommodations advisors at each campus throughout New Brunswick as well as a provincial coordinator to oversee services for students with disabilities. They had the opportunity to speak with NBCC (new window) counselors, the student accommodations advisor for the Fredericton (new window) campus, NBCC (new window)’s marketing coordinator, and the Associate Vice President of Student Development. There is also the potential of at least two additional networking meetings with the individuals who are responsible for disability services at NBCC (new window) on a provincial level. Now when Employ-Ability Program participants and other individuals with disabilities explore education at NBCC (new window) as part of their path to employment, they can rest assured that supports are available and that they will be connected with the right people to ensure their success.

Shelley and Julie also had the opportunity to get the word out about the Neil Squire Society (new window) and all that we do—information that is so important in strengthening the network of support available to individuals with disabilities. An added bonus was that Julie and Shelley got to catch up with a former Employ-Ability Program participant, now attending one of NBCC (new window)’s programs. Hopefully, this Open House has opened the doors to many more opportunities like this, not only where participants move onto NBCC (new window) as part of their Action Plan for Employment, but also where individuals with disabilities are referred to the Neil Squire Society (new window) after graduating from NBCC (new window) for employment services individualized to meet their specific needs.