Students with Disabilities Survey

For Immediate Release November 8, 2008

(Halifax) – The Alliance of Nova Scotia Students Associations is encouraged by the results of a recent study released by the Nova Scotia Department of Education and the Canadian Council on Learning.

The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Canadian Council of Learning, has undertaken a study on the employment trends of students with disabilities in Nova Scotia. This study follows 259 former students over a period of five years. The study reports that of the 259 students surveyed, 195 graduated from either Nova Scotia Community College or a Nova Scotia University, while 64 withdrew before graduating. University grads employed in their educational fields earned an average of $32,941 per year, while college grads earned $28,331. Those who withdrew earned an average of $28,101.

ANSSA welcomes this news. “While students with disabilities earn slightly less then students without disabilities, the gap appears to be closing. It’s also promising to see that students are being employed in areas that are related to their education. This is a win for students and a win for Nova Scotia” says Matt Risser, President of ANSSA.
While outside the scope of this study, it’s interesting to note the high percentage of students withdrawing from their program prior to completion. The article reports that of the 259 students involved in the survey, 23% of college students and 31% of university students with disabilities withdrew from their program prior to completion. Meaning, almost 1 in 4 students withdrew from their program and were not granted a diploma or degree.

While these numbers are not drastically out of step with national figures, they may represent a point of opportunity. “We must continue to identify areas of unmet need for students with disabilities and aim to address the myriad of issues around retention and persistence in post secondary education” says ANSSA Executive Director, Kelly Wilson.

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