INCLUSIVE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION -IPSE

Inclusive Post Secondary Education Program-IPSE

What Does IPSE Offer?

IPSE learners participate in regular college or university environments while becoming actively involved in campus life. Based on each learner’s individual interests, strengths, and goals, Bridge to Care provides support across three key areas:

🎓 Campus & Academic Life

Participate in selected college or university courses based on individual interests and goals.
Join campus clubs, sports, events, and student activities.
Build natural relationships and lasting friendships with fellow students.

🌱 Personal Growth & Independence

Strengthen communication, self-advocacy, and social skills.
Develop practical life skills, independence, and problem-solving abilities.
Build natural support networks within the campus and broader community.

💼 Career & Future Readiness

Explore career interests, personal strengths, and employment goals.
Participate in volunteer, employment-readiness, and work-related opportunities.
Prepare for a successful transition toward meaningful employment and adult life.

Individualized Support

Every learner’s journey is unique. Bridge to Care’s IPSE Program Coordinators and Student Facilitators provide individualized support based on each learner’s strengths, interests, goals, abilities, and support needs.

Our team works alongside learners to help them participate meaningfully in courses, navigate campus life, build friendships, develop independence, access campus activities, and explore employment opportunities.

We also collaborate with instructors, campus personnel, families, PDD workers, and other members of the learner’s support network to create a positive and inclusive post-secondary experience.

Our Approach: We facilitate and empower—we do not do the work for the learner. Supports are designed to build confidence, independence, self-advocacy, natural relationships, meaningful participation, and a genuine sense of belonging. As learners gain skills and confidence, support can be gradually adapted to encourage greater independence and successful participation in campus and community life.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome inquiries from adults with developmental disabilities in Alberta who are interested in learning, personal growth, and experiencing post-secondary campus life. The IPSE Program supports learners in building confidence, relationships, independence, and community connections.

Prospective learners should have an interest in:

Experiencing a college or university environment.
Learning and developing new skills.
Building friendships and social connections.
Becoming more independent and confident.
Participating in campus and community activities.
Exploring personal interests and future goals.
Developing self-advocacy and practical life skills.
Exploring career and employment opportunities.

Learners do not need to have their educational or career goals determined before applying. Our IPSE team will help explore each learner’s interests, support needs, aspirations, and goals.

Please Note: Participation is subject to eligibility requirements, available placements, participating post-secondary institutions, and PDD/Government of Alberta funding and referral requirements.

Apply for the IPSE Program

Academic Success & Learning Support

At Bridge to Care, we empower students with developmental disabilities to thrive in secondary education. Our Academic Success & Learning Support services enhance academic confidence and independence through personalized support, study skills development, assistive technology, and mentorship. We align with Inclusive Post-Secondary Education principles to promote academic participation, community inclusion, and career readiness, helping students discover their strengths and achieve their goals.

Campus & Community Inclusion

At Bridge to Care, we believe inclusion extends beyond the classroom. Our Campus & Community Inclusion supports empower students with developmental disabilities to confidently engage in college life and build meaningful relationships. We celebrate Alberta's cultural diversity, promote participation in Indigenous services, and offer various supports, including peer relationship development, campus engagement, community inclusion, and social skills building. Our goal is to create inclusive communities where every student belongs and thrives

Independent Living & Life Skills Development

At Bridge to Care, we empower students for independent living through our Life Skills Development program, which focuses on practical learning and confidence-building. Our personalized coaching equips students with essential skills for daily life, education, and employment. By collaborating with students, families, and community partners, we promote lifelong independence in areas such as time management, financial literacy, decision-making, and healthy living.

Employment & Career Development

At Bridge to Care, we empower students for successful careers through our Employment & Career Development program. We help them identify strengths, explore job opportunities, and provide personalized planning,, and skills training. By partnering with employers, we create valuable experiences that lead to sustainable career success.

Person-Centred Planning & Family Collaboration

At Bridge to Care, we empower students by focusing on their unique journeys through personalized planning and collaboration with families and community partners. Our approach fosters independence and inclusion through tailored support, student-led goals, and continuous communication, ensuring lasting success for each student.

Transition & Ongoing Student Support

At Bridge to Care, we believe post-secondary success involves building confidence and essential life skills beyond academics. Our Transition & Ongoing Student Support services provide personalized coaching to help students transition to independent adulthood, focusing on practical skills and self-confidence. We collaborate with families and community partners to tailor our approach, covering areas like independent living, time management, financial literacy, and health and wellness for lifelong success