Online Learning and Community

How can I help?

This website was created in order to raise awareness about the Online Learning and Virtual Community Program and as a means of gathering feedback, opinions, and suggestions from potential participants (including people with special needs as well as their care givers) regarding important issues surrounding its development.

In order to make this project a success, we need your help. When you respond (by answering polls or posting comments) to the questions that will be regularly posted on this weblog, you will be providing us with valuable information that we can use to ensure that the project is as useful as possible.

As we gather information, we will be compiling the results and providing regular feedback as to what people’s thoughts and opinions are. By checking this site regularly, you can see what other people have to say about this project.

What is the Online Learning and Virtual Community Program?

The goal of the Online Learning and Virtual Community Program is to build an online support system for those in the special needs community. We will initially be focusing on adults with developmental disabilities, but our goal is to broaden the program to include a much wider spectrum of users. This program has three key elements:

1. Online learning modules: These modules will provide opportunities for people with special needs to improve their academic and life skills. As well as increasing their independence, participants in the program will have greater opportunities to be active in the community and the workplace.

2. A forum to foster interaction and community-building: Ultimately, the forum will be a self-sustaining support network and resource for people with special needs, allowing for the sharing and exchange of valuable information among participants. One of the key goals of the forum is to eliminate the isolation experienced by so many people in the special needs community.

3. Information resource: This resource, which will be an ever-growing compendium of information, will serve as a road map and a guide for parents and care givers. It will allow them to exchange information, share their experiences, and support other participants. Additionally, it would include information on and links to all the agencies and programs providing support to the special needs community.

What is the Online Learning and Virtual Community Program?

The development of the Online Learning and Virtual Community Program is a collaboration between the University of Victoria Assistive Technology Team (UVATT) and the Garth Homer Society. Funding for this project has been provided by the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development.

When will the Online Learning and Virtual Community Program be completed?

At the moment, the various aspects of the program are either in the planning or the early development stages. To keep informed on the project’s progress, be sure to check back at this site frequently or subscribe to its entries.

I have further questions regarding this program. Can I get in touch with someone?

You can email any questions or comments to uvatt@uvic.ca, or call (250) 213-2442.