Vancouver Community College (VCC), in partnership with Adler University, is launching a new initiative to enhance accessibility and educational opportunities for both institutions. This collaboration will create new opportunities for students experiencing undiagnosed learning challenges to access psychoeducational assessments they may not have otherwise, providing essential support to help them succeed in their academic programs.
Adler Community Health Services (ACHS), a centre of Adler University, will conduct assessments for VCC students identified by educational teams and faculty as needing additional support. This process is intended to identify strengths and barriers to learning, enabling VCC's Student Services and Accessibility Services departments to tailor resources and accommodations more effectively and reinforcing the college's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that prioritizes access for people with disabilities.
"This initiative is a vital step forward in ensuring our students can receive tailored support along their learning journey. We greatly appreciate the partnership with Adler University and Adler Community Health Services in helping us increase access to these invaluable assessments for our students," said Clayton Munro, Associate Vice President of Student Services at VCC.
This initiative aligns with VCC's Accessibility Plan and Mental Health and Well-Being Framework. The Accessibility Plan, launched in 2023, aims to reduce barriers for people with disabilities at VCC. These frameworks are designed to cultivate a campus culture that supports access and mental health while fostering resilience and encouraging students to thrive in their educational pursuits.
Adds Munro, "This shared approach to student success reflects our institutions' shared commitment to building strong communities and ensuring accessible opportunities for all. Through these assessments, we are better able to understand each student's unique challenges and provide accommodations that will make a lasting difference in their educational experience."
A formal psychoeducational assessment is the key to unlocking greater understanding and support for students. These assessments are often required for students to access educational accommodations, such as additional time on exams or other tailored support services. By offering these assessments, the partnership is helping open the door to a range of accessibility services, ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to succeed.
"A core principle of ACHS is to create partnerships with mission-aligned organizations in our communities to provide mental health services while developing and expanding a culturally responsive health workforce in British Columbia," said Kevin Osten-Garner, Psy.D., executive director of Adler Community Health Services. "Our collaboration with VCC offers a valuable training environment for ACHS student-clinicians in higher education while enhancing VCC students' access to educational resources and support."
Adler Community Health Services serves as a community-embedded service model whereby services and training occur in the communities most in need of mental health care. This model alleviates community members from the burden of traveling for needed services. At the same time, ACHS student-clinicians learn first-hand the social contexts of those they care for, providing a more effective educational and clinical experience. This realignment to community-embedded services allows ACHS to be guided by the community itself in its offerings and delivery of mental health services.
Additional quotes:
Ajay Patel, VCC President & CEO
"We are proud to collaborate with Adler University to offer our students access to such a crucial assessment, and we are grateful for their partnership," said Ajay Patel, President and CEO of Vancouver Community College. "It's wonderful that both of our student communities can benefit from this collaboration. Our students receive the assessments they need to support their success, while Adler's graduate students gain real-world, hands-on experience - a core value at VCC, where we believe in Real learning for real change.'"
Moira Gookstetter, Executive Director, VCC Foundation
"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to cover the costs of these assessments which would otherwise be out of reach for many students. This unique project demonstrates how donor support can make a direct and meaningful impact on student success. We are thrilled to be part of this important initiative with Adler University and Adler Community Health Services."
Lisa Coleman, Ph.D., President, Adler University
"At Adler University, we understand that mental health and wellness are essential to student success. Through our partnership with VCC, we're providing personalized assessments that address the unique challenges their students face - and by supporting both mental health and overall well-being, we're not only removing barriers to education but creating a more equitable and empowering environment where students can thrive academically and personally."
