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Learning, Working, Living.

Do you have a disability or a special learning need? Okanagan College offers courses and programs that will help you improve your academic, employment, and independent living skills in a respectful and supportive learning environment. Personal growth and social development underlie all aspects of our Adult Special Education programs.

Tuition: All ASE programs, except the SAME program, are tuition free. Some mandatory Okanagan College fees do apply such as: student activity, student association, technology, and development fees.

Financial assistance may be available. Contact the Okanagan College Financial Aid & Awards office for more information.

When: Two semesters of approximately five months are offered each year. Program offerings vary based on student demand.

Where: Courses and programs are offered in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, and Salmon Arm.

ASE Programs
Students in Adult Special Education programs at Okanagan College are supported to reach for their best. It is the goal of the ASE Department to provide our students with the best possible opportunity to reach their full potential in society.
Adult Special Education at Okanagan College provides five Certificate Programs for students who wish to work on academic skills, independent living skills, and employment preparation skills.

Independent Living Skills Certificate Programs

Course work focuses on basic literacy and math, interpersonal and self-management skills, creativity and self-expression, and workplace awareness.

Basic Skills Certificate A (BSCA)
Basic Skills Certificate B (BSCB)
Advanced Skills Certificate (ASC)

PACE Program: Preparing for Access to Careers and Education
A one or two year career exploration/work experience program.

SAME Program: Supported Access to Modified Education
A supported inclusion program that helps qualified students access certain modified Okanagan College programs. Completion of PACE is a prerequisite.

This program enables students with cognitive disabilities, who cannot meet entry criteria for regular Okanagan College programs, to access modified versions of those programs. Students will be supported to develop specific vocational skills in a program that has been modified to meet their learning needs. They will also attend a weekly student support class. Successful students will receive an anecdotal grade and a modified certificate.

Admission Requirements

Students who have completed the PACE program
Students may continue into the SAME program based on successful completion of PACE at the SAME standard (80% average) and recommendation of the ASE instructor and the receiving instructor.

Applicants without PACE Completion
Students may enter directly into the SAME program on the recommendation of the ASE instructor and the receiving instructor provided that they meet the PACE Admission Requirements, have an established record of student success behaviours, have a clear and realistic vocational goal based on prior work experience in a field directly related to the chosen SAME Program, and that space is available. Students who are enrolled in or have completed the PACE Program will be given priority access.

Students wishing to enter the SAME program must have specific documentation of disability which indicates that the student cannot meet the entry criteria for a regular Okanagan College program and/or cannot be successful in an unmodified form of a regular program, even with support. Documentation must include one of the following:

Psycho-educational assessment
Educationally specific documentation from a physician or medical specialist

Applicants without PACE Completion must also provide two letters of recommendation, one letter from:
A previous instructor in ABE or ASE, or from a senior secondary teacher. This recommendation must comment on the student’s behaviours and attitudes including:

Attendance and punctuality
Ability to complete work in an accurate and timely manner
Response to criticism
Interactions with instructors and peers
Strategies for coping with stress.
Willingness to participate in class activities and group work.

Another letter from:

An employment-related agency, advocacy group, employer or workplace supervisor. This recommendation must outline related work experience and comment on:
The suitability of the student for the chosen SAME Program based on strengths and abilities demonstrated in the workplace over a period of at least eight weeks.
Employability skills such as attendance and punctuality, willingness to work, ability to follow instructions, ability to cope with constructive criticism, and teamwork skills.
Students applying for direct admission into second year must apply eight months prior to the start date of their chosen program.