Embedded Files
AAADD
Purpose
Purpose
Families working together to fight against the cancellation of Algonquin College program for students with developmental disabilities, Academic Assistance for Students with Developmental Disabilities (AAADD)
Families fighting to keep the AAADD program open
Where Do Our Students Belong?
Where Do Our Students Belong?
The closure of the AAADD program at Algonquin College is not an isolated decision — it’s part of a troubling pattern.
The closure of the AAADD program at Algonquin College is not an isolated decision — it’s part of a troubling pattern.
At the K–12 level, families are already fighting for access to educational assistants, specialized classrooms, and individualized support. Now, at the post-secondary level, that erosion continues:
At the K–12 level, families are already fighting for access to educational assistants, specialized classrooms, and individualized support. Now, at the post-secondary level, that erosion continues:
- The cancellation of AAADD
- The quiet removal of Academic Upgrading supports
- No implementation of inclusive alternatives like CICE
- Cuts to Developmental Services Worker (DSW) and Special Education certification programs
- Reductions in staffing and services at the Centre for Accessible Learning due to funding cuts and automation
So, where do our students with developmental and intellectual disabilities belong? What message is being sent to them — and to their families? What does this say about our society and what we truly value?
So, where do our students with developmental and intellectual disabilities belong? What message is being sent to them — and to their families? What does this say about our society and what we truly value?
When programs like AAADD are eliminated without meaningful alternatives, we are not just cutting services — we are cutting opportunities, relationships, and pathways to belonging. We are telling a group of people that there is no place for them in our post-secondary institutions, and by extension, in the inclusive society we claim to be building.
When programs like AAADD are eliminated without meaningful alternatives, we are not just cutting services — we are cutting opportunities, relationships, and pathways to belonging. We are telling a group of people that there is no place for them in our post-secondary institutions, and by extension, in the inclusive society we claim to be building.
True inclusion means creating spaces where everyone — regardless of ability — is supported, welcomed, and given the tools to thrive. When we dismantle those spaces, we reinforce inequality and deepen isolation.
True inclusion means creating spaces where everyone — regardless of ability — is supported, welcomed, and given the tools to thrive. When we dismantle those spaces, we reinforce inequality and deepen isolation.
Our children and adults with developmental disabilities are not an afterthought. They are full citizens. Their voices, their potential, and their presence enrich our communities.
Our children and adults with developmental disabilities are not an afterthought. They are full citizens. Their voices, their potential, and their presence enrich our communities.
If we say we value inclusion, equity, and human dignity, then we must act like it — and that starts with fighting for programs like AAADD and the futures they help build.
If we say we value inclusion, equity, and human dignity, then we must act like it — and that starts with fighting for programs like AAADD and the futures they help build.
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