NVIT EDUCATION FOR ALL
What is Inclusive Post-Secondary Education at NVIT?
STEPS Forward is a family-driven organization founded to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are included as students in the academic and social life of colleges and universities of British Columbia. NVIT believes STEPS Forward is an inclusive community model that has seized a time when our Elders lead inclusive communities. Students supported through BC Inclusive Post-secondary Education enroll in programs of studies that they choose based on their passions and career interests.
NVIT EDUCATION FOR ALL
Academics
If you are a successful applicant through this initiative, you may enroll in NVIT courses and select an area of study of your choice. You’ll be part of the same classes, tutorials, and labs as NVIT students studying for their degrees, but as a participating auditor: a status that allows your assignments and exams to be modified to suit your individual learning style. You will also be supported by a STEPS Forward inclusion facilitator at NVIT to discover new possibilities and attain your educational goals.
Upon successfully completing your studies, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion at graduation alongside students earning their degrees in the same field.
Student Life
During your time at NVIT, you will enjoy student life in the same social spaces as other students, and – with the support of a STEPS Forward inclusion facilitator – you will be supported in individualized ways about how you envision connecting with campus life.
Career Development
Over the summer months (April to August), the STEPS Forward inclusion facilitator will support you in finding paid work, internships, training, networking, and other volunteer opportunities that relate to your career goals.
Who is Eligible?
There are no minimum academic requirements to be accepted – instead, STEPS Forward will look at your desire to learn and engage as a student at NVIT. The initiative is committed to supporting the inclusion of students with significant and/or complex support needs.
Discover more about the criteria used to select students here.
How to Apply
STEP 1
To find out more about whether accessing your studies through NVIT’s inclusive post-secondary initiative (STEPS Forward) is right for you, please contact the NVIT campus Facilitator Lynne McCormack for more information
- via Email;
- via Phone Call; or
- book an appointment online.
STEP 2
Complete a STEPS Forward application provided by the NVIT STEPS Forward Facilitator – Lynne McCormack
STEP 3
Once your application has been reviewed an informal interview will be scheduled to learn more about you, your goals, and how attending NVIT could help open new opportunities for your future. During the interview, we will ask about what you hope to gain from the experience, how you would like to grow as a student, and how you see yourself taking part in NVIT’s academic learning and student life.
TIP: Before your interview, take some time to think about questions such as:
- Why would you like to come to NVIT?
- What are you hoping to learn or experience at NVIT
- How would you like to be part of student life, activities, or events?
- What are some goals you have for your future?
- What employment opportunities interest you?
Once interviews have been completed, the campus STEPS Forward Facilitator will contact you to let you know the next steps. If your application is successful, STEPS Forward will set up a series of meetings with you and the family members, advocates, or allies you choose to help you feel prepared, supported, and ready to attend NVIT.
NVIT EDUCATION FOR ALL
Meet Lynne McCormack
My name is Lynne McCormack, and I have the honor of being the NVIT Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Facilitator in Merritt. I have been supporting youth and young adults to discover new possibilities and attain their educational goals for many years with our community. My passion for the inclusion of all learners drives me to connect with students to support them to communicate their academic dreams and work towards a chosen future that will be meaningful and fulfilling. Throughout your time at NVIT, STEPS Forward will work closely with the NVIT Success Centre to help you feel supported, connected, and part of the campus community. I look forward to hearing from you to learn more about my role and how to access your studies through Inclusive Post-secondary Education at NVIT!