Retired UBC Registrar Recognized with National Inclusive Education Award

New Westminster, B.C. - Retired UBC Registrar Brian Silzer will be receiving a National Inclusive Education award from the Canadian Association for Community Living and the British Columbia Association for Community Living. Silzer is being commended for his role in developing a way for students with developmental disabilities to attend the University of British Columbia with classroom support from STEPS Forward Inclusive Post Secondary Education.

Silzer has been recognized, along with one other individual in B.C., as part of National Inclusive Education Week, celebrated from February 15 to 22 across Canada.

“Brian Silzer created the pathway for students with developmental disabilities to attend and complete their studies at the University of British Columbia in the same way as their ‘non disabled peers,” writes Jessica Humphrey, Director at the STEPS Forward Inclusive Post‐Secondary Education. In his role as Registrar, Silzer created a new category named “Access studies,” that allowed students with developmental disabilities to register and access all campus services, as “ordinary students.” “Because of the work of Brian Silzer, [students with developmental disabilities] belong to the university community in the same way as any other student.”

For many Canadians, attending a university or college to pursue personal interests or career goals is an important option. However, for many people with developmental disabilities, post‐secondary access is limited due to stereotypes and rigid eligibility criteria. As individuals such as Brian Silzer break down barriers, we become closer to the successful inclusion of students in schools and classrooms throughout Canada.

We know inclusive education works. Children who learn together in school also learn to live well together as adults and are better able to create communities where everyone belongs. For more information on Inclusive Education week, visit www.bcacl.org.

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