Persons with disabilities face some of the highest costs and most significant barriers to accessing and completing a post-secondary program. They also face numerous challenges entering the workforce and maintaining stable employment after graduation.
That’s why Alberta’s government is expanding supports for students with disabilities to include those with persistent or prolonged disabilities. This change will bring the total number of Albertans receiving these financial supports to more than 11,000 each year, ensuring they can access the funding they need to complete their studies and lead successful careers.
“Our government continues to take steps to make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable so that all Albertans can learn the skills they need to succeed. By increasing access to disability supports, we are ensuring vulnerable Albertans have the supports they need to pursue higher education and find rewarding careers.”
“Post-secondary education in Alberta creates opportunities for success and prosperity. Our government is focused on helping those living with disabilities find that same success through increased accessibility to funding for higher education. Success found through post-secondary education can bring a lifetime of achievement, which is why we will continue to ensure opportunities are made affordable and accessible for all.”
“Having heard from numerous students with disabilities on the challenges they face in accessing funding, we are pleased to see this expansion of support. This will undoubtedly strengthen broader accessibility efforts and help ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need.”
Alberta’s government continues to take steps to make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable so that all Albertans can learn the skills they need to secure Alberta’s future.
These changes will strengthen Alberta’s student aid programming and help make the post-secondary system more accessible, a key aspect of the Alberta 2030 initiative. These changes also support two Alberta 2030 flagship initiatives:
- Increase need-based financial aid to ensure Albertans have the financial support they need to pursue post-secondary programming.
- Expand availability of needs-based grants through Alberta Student Aid.