The CIBC Navigator Program has been made possible thanks to a $250,000 donation from CIBC (Photo courtesy of the University of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

CIBC NAVIGATOR PROGRAM

New program at the U of L to support students with disabilities

Feb 5, 2020 | 11:59 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – CIBC has donated a gift to the University of Lethbridge to help launch a new program aimed at finding employment for students with disabilities.

The CIBC Navigator Program is a five-year project that’s been made possible through a $250,000 donation. It will offer support and help encourage students within the U of L’s Accommodated Learning Centre to take part in volunteer and co-operative education opportunities.

CIBC Navigator will also help develop partnerships with employers so they can provide a quality co-operative educational experience for students with disabilities.

“Through this project, we are building an environment based on diversity and inclusion,” said Eileen Sowunmi in a release issued by the U of L.

Sowunmi is a third-year sociology, co-operative education student who helped develop the program from the student perspective.

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“Initiatives like this help reduce the stigma surrounding people with disabilities. With different forms of accommodation, such as adaptive technology, students with disabilities are able to flourish in various work environments, benefitting themselves and employers.”

The yearly funding will support the hiring of a program developer and navigator, a hiring subsidy for employers and scholarships for students selected for the program.

In the first year, three students will be selected to take part.

“We believe the CIBC Navigator Program will have a strong impact on the students’ competitiveness in the labour market and enable them to be full participants in our economy,” stated Per Humle, senior vice-president, Alberta and Central Canada, Personal and Small Business Banking.

“This, in turn, will also lead to increased social and community connections and help build a sense of belonging and future opportunities.”

The CIBC investment is part of the University of Lethbridge’s SHINE campaign.