We are deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to the Employment Access and Skill Development (EASD) department at Vancouver Community College, a vital program that offers specialized education and employment training for individuals living with cognitive disabilities, including autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, mental health challenges, and other disabilities.

For many individuals with cognitive disabilities, access to post-secondary education is not just a privilege but a crucial opportunity to gain independence, self-usefulness, and contribute positively to the community. The EASD department at Vancouver Community College is one of few programs tailored to support these unique needs. By helping students develop skills for employment, this department acts as a lifeline for cognitive integration into the workforce.

The proposed budget cuts are alarming, and will have an impact on seat offerings, quality of programming, classroom size, and will severely limit accessibility for those who depend on these programs to thrive. This drastic decrease not only limits their educational pursuits but also undermines potential employment opportunities—opportunities that contribute to their financial independence, self-worth, and sense of belonging in society. 

These budget cuts might offer a short-term financial reprieve for the college, but the long-term societal cost is immeasurable. Undermining educational opportunities for some of our most vulnerable citizens goes against the very ethos of inclusion and equal opportunity that are supposed to underpin our education system. People with cognitive disabilities deserve the chance to succeed, to work, and to lead fulfilling lives.

We urge you to call on the provincial goverment to support Vancouver Community College. To offer a solution that will result in a reconsideration of these cuts. To explore alternative solutions to address the financial deficit without sacrificing the educational opportunities of students who benefit from EASD programs. Potential solutions could involve seeking additional funding from local government, engaging with community organizations for support, or developing partnerships with businesses committed to inclusive hiring and training.

We cannot stand by and let critical educational resources be stripped away, affecting the futures of so many deserving individuals. By signing this petition, you are standing up for the rights of individuals with cognitive disabilities to have equitable access to education and employment opportunities. 

Join us in advocating for the continuation of the EASD department's full program and course offerings  at Vancouver Community College. Please sign this petition to make your voice heard.