<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

The Supported Access to Modified Education (SAME) Certificate enables students with learning difficulties, who cannot meet entry criteria for regular Okanagan College programs or courses, to access modified versions of those programs or courses. You will be supported to develop specific academic or vocational goals in a program or course that has been modified to meet your learning needs. You will also attend a weekly support class. Successful students will receive an anecdotal grade and a modified certificate. 

Supported Access to Modified Education (SAME) Certificate

Okanagan College

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Option A. For students who have completed Okanagan College's Preparing for Access to Careers and Education (PACE) Program:

Entry into the SAME (Support Access to Modified Education) program requires at least a 80% average in the PACE Program
A recommendation of the Adult Special Education (ASE) instructor, ASE chair and conditional acceptance of the receiving department dean and chair.

OR

Option B: Applicants without PACE Completion

1. Students may directly enter the SAME program (as long as space is available) on the recommendation of the Adult Special Education (ASE) instructor and receiving instructor if they:

Meet the PACE admission requirements
Have an established record of student success behaviours
Have clear and realistic vocational goals based on prior work experience in a field directly related to the SAME Program
Demonstrated a strong interest in a particular academic field

2. Specific documentation of disability which indicates that the student cannot meet the entry criteria for a regular Okanagan College program and/or cannot be successful in an unmodified form of a regular program, even with support. Documentation must include one of the following:

Psycho-educational assessment (current within 5 years)
Educationally specific documentation from a physician or medical specialist

3. Two letters of reference. This involves:

One letter from a previous instructor in ABE or ASE, or from a senior secondary school teacher. This recommendation must comment on the student's behaviours and attitudes including:

attendance and punctuality;
ability to complete work in an accurate and timely manner;
response to criticism;
interactions with instructors and peers;
strategies for coping with stress;
willingness to participate in class activities and group work.

One letter from an employment related agency, advocacy group, employer or work place supervisor. This recommendation must outline related work experience and comment on:

The suitability of the student for the chosen SAME Program based on strengths and abilities demonstrated in the workplace over a period of at least eight weeks.
Employability skills such as attendance and punctuality, willingness to work, ability to follow instructions, ability to cope with constructive criticism, and teamwork skills.

Academic Admission Requirement

1. Students who are enrolled in or have completed the PACE Program will be given priority access.

2. Students applying for direct admission into second year must apply eight months prior to the start date of their chosen program.

Admission Advice

Applications for Fall and Winter semesters will be open in October. Early application is strongly recommended. For details, see okanagan.bc.ca/apply.

Okanagan College

Supported Access to Modified Education (SAME) Certificate

Overview

Curious where your education can lead you? Have a dream job and unsure how to get there?