Online Learning and Virtual Community Program
Nourishing Ideas > Philia in the Community > Contribution
The University of Victoria Assistive Technology Team (UVATT), in collaboration with the Garth Homer Society, has embarked on an ambitious program to build an online learning and community-building resource and support network for the disability community.
This program, funded by the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development and the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance, will initially focus on adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Over time, though, they intend to make the program totally inclusive and to provide support for all people with disabilities. The overall goal of the program is to increase the opportunities for people with disabilities to be engaged in the community, and to have their contributions to society recognized and appreciated.
The program has three key elements:
- Online learning modules: These will help people improve their academic and life skills. As well as increasing their independence, participants in the program will have greater opportunities to be active in the community and the workplace.
- A forum to foster interaction and community-building: The forum will become a self-sustaining support network that will allow participants to share and exchange information. One of its key goals is to eliminate the isolation experienced by so many people with disabilities.
- Information resource: This ever-growing compendium of information will serve as a road map and a guide for parents and care givers. It will allow them to exchange information, share their experiences, and support other participants. It will also include information on and links to agencies and programs providing support to the special needs community.
A website has been set up to gather feedback and opinions about important issues surrounding this program. You are encouraged to contribute by visiting the website and posting comments to the questions posted on the site. By doing so, you will be providing the developers with valuable information that they can use to ensure that the project is as useful as possible.
This project is in its early stages. Help make it a success by responding to their request for feedback!
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