Alberta Leads in Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Success

Sharjah, September 16, 2025: Canadian education expert Bruce Uditsky, CEO Emeritus of Inclusion Alberta, shared insights on Alberta’s remarkable journey in integrating people with intellectual disabilities into post-secondary education. His presentation, titled “The Impact of Inclusion in Post-Secondary Education,” was a highlight of the inaugural day of the World Congress 2025, “We Are Inclusion,” held in Sharjah.

Uditsky highlighted Alberta’s 38-year experience, noting that it has set a global standard for inclusive education and for enabling people with intellectual disabilities to achieve full participation in society.

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Building a Comprehensive Life Through Inclusion

Uditsky explained that achieving what he calls a “comprehensive life” requires the inclusion of people with disabilities in mainstream pathways from childhood to adulthood. A comprehensive life, he noted, is one where individuals can live independently, pursue meaningful education and careers, build social networks, and participate fully in community life.

He emphasized that this journey begins within the family, where children first learn essential life skills and values. It then extends through mainstream schools, where inclusive classrooms and friendships help develop confidence and social connections. As these individuals transition into adulthood, post-secondary education becomes a crucial stage, equipping them with professional skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to succeed in the labour market and beyond.

Uditsky underlined that the ultimate goal of this approach is not only academic learning but also building independence, self-reliance, and personal fulfillment.

Inclusive Education in Alberta’s Universities

Sharing practical examples, Uditsky described how Alberta’s universities, including the University of Alberta, have successfully implemented inclusion programs. These programs enable students with intellectual disabilities to attend regular classes alongside peers, with guidance from faculty and support from classmates.

The students gain practical knowledge and skills while simultaneously preparing for employment. Uditsky highlighted that this model helps students develop confidence, expand social networks, and engage meaningfully in their communities.

Employment Success and Student Impact

After nearly four decades of these programs, Uditsky revealed remarkable outcomes. Approximately 80% of graduates with intellectual disabilities have successfully secured employment. Over 1,200 students have benefited directly from Alberta’s inclusive education initiatives.

The programs have produced multiple positive effects:

• Enhanced skills and knowledge: Students gain both academic and practical skills.

• Greater self-confidence: Participation in mainstream education boosts self-esteem.

• Expanded social networks: Students make friends, engage with peers, and form community connections.

• Independent living: Graduates develop the skills needed to live and work independently.

Uditsky emphasized that these outcomes show how inclusive education not only benefits students individually but also strengthens communities by enabling more people to contribute meaningfully to society.

Historical Foundations and Global Influence

Uditsky pointed out that the philosophy behind Alberta’s inclusion programs is rooted in the work of researcher Wolf Wolfensberger from the 1970s. Wolfensberger’s studies showed that integrating people with developmental disabilities into educational and community settings improves self-esteem and provides opportunities for equal participation in society.

He explained that in the mid-1980s, families of children with intellectual disabilities raised concerns about the lack of opportunities for their children after high school. In response, Alberta launched its first comprehensive university initiative in 1987, making it the first province in the world to offer fully integrated post-secondary programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

Today, Alberta continues to lead in this field. Out of 26 post-secondary institutions in the province, 22 enrol students with intellectual disabilities, and 14 work directly with Alberta’s Inclusive Post-Secondary Education program. This successful model has inspired adoption in other Canadian provinces and countries worldwide.

The World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion”

The World Congress 2025, held in Sharjah, is the first of its kind in the MENA and North African region. The event brings together over 500 participants from 74 countries, including 152 speakers representing 160 organizations, across 59 parallel sessions.

The Congress serves as a global platform for sharing best practices, discussing policies, and advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities. It is co-organized by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services and Inclusion International, in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Government Media Bureau.

Uditsky’s presentation was among the key highlights of the Congress, demonstrating how decades of inclusive practice in Alberta can inform policies and programs worldwide.

Key Takeaways

Bruce Uditsky’s session emphasized several important lessons:

1. Inclusion from Childhood to Adulthood: True inclusion requires a continuous approach starting at home, through schools, and into higher education and employment.

2. Comprehensive Life Model: Education alone is not enough; individuals need opportunities to build friendships, independence, and community connections.

3. Proven Success: Alberta’s inclusive education programs have helped thousands of students gain skills, confidence, and employment.

4. Global Inspiration: Alberta’s model shows that successful inclusion is possible and scalable across regions and countries.

Alberta’s long-standing success in integrating people with intellectual disabilities into post-secondary education highlights the transformative power of inclusion. From fostering self-confidence and independence to creating meaningful employment opportunities, Alberta’s programs serve as a blueprint for the world.

Bruce Uditsky’s insights at the World Congress 2025 reaffirm the importance of inclusive education as a pathway to a comprehensive life and underscore the global responsibility to provide equal opportunities for all.

As the Congress continues until September 17, participants will have the chance to exchange experiences, explore innovative inclusion models, and advocate for the rights and empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities around the world.