Quebec Association for Equity and Inclusion in Post-Secondary Education (AQEIPS)
AQEIPS was created in 1991 by and for students with disabilities (SWD) at the post-secondary level (DVS, AEC, CEGEP and university). We organize activities and collaborate on research projects to support collective advocacy for SWD. We also manage a yearly bursary program to help support SWD pursuing a higher education.
AQEIPS has been fighting for equal opportunities for students with disabilities (SWD) in post-secondary programs since 1991. We are working to build an inclusive society, where SWD can get out of the cycle of poverty and isolation and have the same access to higher education as students without disabilities.
Since its creation, AQEIPS has seen an increase in requests for the need to promote and defend the rights of SWD as well as intervene in situations where needs are not being met. This increase signifies an urgent need for sociopolitical and socioeconomical change.
It is for these reasons that AQEIPS promotes and defends the adequate allocation of human, financial and material resources to ensure the success of inclusive education, a model that has proven efficient in other Canadian provinces as well as around the world.
Several international treaties consider equal educational opportunities for people with disabilities to be a priority, including the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was signed by Canada in 2010.
Together, we must work towards better quality and inclusive education for all.
Mission
To support post-secondary students with disabilities (SWD) by promoting their rights, equity, and inclusion.
Vision
Inclusive access to education.
Objectives
- Defend the rights of SWD to have equal access to post-secondary education.
- Promote and defend the rights and interests of all SWD in post-secondary programs.
- Promote the inclusion of students with visible and/or invisible disabilities in private and public post-secondary institutions.
- Encourage communication between SWD in post-secondary programs.
- Share information with members on all topics related to life as a student with a disability in post-secondary education.
- Inform and educate the general population, academic institutions and governments on the life experiences and needs of students with disabilities.
- Encourage inclusive employment practices for SWD before and after graduation.