AAADD program making a difference in the lives of local learners

Posted on Monday, December 5th, 2022

“The activities and the work we do here is fun and I like it a lot.” two men in their mid 20s sitting arm and arm smiling in an office.

This is the sentiment from 22-year-old, Jesse Cruz, a student in in the Academic Assistance for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (AAADD) program. AAADD curriculum offers adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to further their academic skills as well as build social skills within a college environment, or in an online, remote setting.

Cruz is a student ambassador for the AAADD program, speaking to potential and new students about what to expect and look forward to in the program. “I feel proud to be an ambassador,” he said. “I feel like I’m a leader. I feel confident to tell people coming into the program what’s it about.”

Cruz is one of 84 students who are enrolled in the program.

AAADD runs 40 weeks per year, from August to the end of June. Students can attend AAADD day courses for a maximum of four years. Depending upon availability, applicants may be offered the option to attend evening courses prior to moving into the day sessions.

Students work on individualized materials, at their own pace with the assistance of a Developmental Support Specialist in both literacy and numeracy. The current events, computers, job search and life skills subjects involve group work.

“These men and women are incredible,” said Hillary Dolan, Program Coordinator and Developer. “We work with adults who have developmental disabilities; it’s continued academic learning in a college setting. Students can expect to be in a mature environment with other adults who are interested in learning new skills and take part in learning many new skills themselves.”

Dolan speaks passionately about the program and the learners she works with. “They have a fulfilling college experience and socially they are growing leaps and bounds because of the maturity they see and experience. Their independence makes a huge difference with them later.”

Bujar Bullaku, 25, is another student in the AAADD program, also set to graduate this June. “I like the students,” he said. “They make me feel welcome at the school. I like to go on the field trips to the gym and the veterinary clinic.” He had good things to say about his experience as a student, crediting his instructors for playing a vital role in his learning, “The teachers are amazing, they take time with us, they help us learn new things and they are patient. I really like Dawn (an instructor and Adult Developmental Support Specialist with the program).”

Dolan explained about the unique aspects of the program, the only one of its kind in Ontario: “Core subjects of English and math are taught at the student’s individual level. Assessment occurs at the beginning, and then we can adjust depending on the student’s needs and capabilities. Other subjects are taught in a group setting with rich conversation. They include life skills, current events, computers and job search.”

One of the other unique program aspects is that AAADD students are integrated into the college community and facilities, said Dolan. “For the health component, we visit the gym. To learn about skin care, we spoke to an esthetician at the salon, and we visited a vet tech to learn about animal care. We are working with hospitality who speak to our students so they can learn the difference between a Starbucks drink and healthy shake. We’ve worked with media studies to teach about current events, where we come up with mock discussion segments and film them in the green room.”

Other examples of collaboration include sessions with the dental assistants who teach learners about oral hygiene, therapeutic recreation students who lead healthy living activities, and developmental services workers who conduct a six-week sexuality program for learners.

AAADD students also have opportunities for job placements throughout the college, allowing them to acquire job training and employable skills.

Participants attend the program 40 weeks per year for four years. While the age of students varies, many learners are in their early 20s to early 30s. Daytime and evening sessions are available and there is also an online option — this makes the program attractive and accessible for learners outside the National Capital Region, though the program is the only one of its kind in Ontario. All programs have a significant waiting list. Program fees are reimbursed up to $5,000 by The Passport Program through Developmental Services Ontario.

AAADD has been active at the College for over 30 years and is led by dedicated and caring employees. “They are truly remarkable people who make a difference in society and are making a difference at the College — we are just along for the ride to support them as best we can,” said Dolan. “We are passionate about what we do because of the students we work with, and they make (us) want to do more.”

To learn more about the AAADD program visit www.algonquincollege.com/aaadd.


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