Dawson College and Cégep du Vieux Montréal awarded college Centre for Technology transfer in innovative social practices (CCTT-PSN)

First Centre for an anglophone CEGEP

Line Beauchamp, the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sport (MELS), made the announcement by designating the Centre for Research on Educational and Professional Inclusion for Students with Disabilities developed by the two CEGEPs as a CCTT-PSN. 

“Having such a Centre dedicated to applied research and technology transfer will allow us to increase the benefits of research in this field and promote the adoption of innovative practices by organizations and institutions that face the challenges of integrating persons with disabilities,” said Murielle Lanciault, Director General of the Cégep du Vieux Montréal.

Richard Filion, Director General of Dawson College, added: “This CCTT-PSN recognizes the long-standing commitment of both CEGEPs in supporting research involving college and university students with disabilities. Looking forward, the Centre will serve to respond to the needs of individuals through the advancement of research in adaptive technologies.”

The two partner colleges have worked together for more than 20 years in the context of mandates given to them by MELS within the public college network to provide services that promote integration for persons with disabilities. Dawson College, through its ADAPTECH Research Network, supports activities in applied research in the area of services adapted to the needs of persons with disabilities.

In existence since 1996, the strength of the ADAPTECH Research Network lies in multi-disciplinary and multi-level collaboration that brings together university and college researchers, students and users of the services. ADAPTECH’s main focus is on research on the use of information technologies and learning technologies, and on adaptive methodologies used by college and university students with disabilities.

Since 1982, the Cégep du Vieux Montréal has executed a regional mandate to provide integrative services to persons with sensorial, motor, organic or neurological disabilities. As the designated CEGEP for western Québec, it has assumed a number of responsibilities for students with disabilities. This mandate has allowed the college to develop expertise in matters relating to pedagogical approaches adapted to a variety of needs.

The new CCTT-PSN was selected based on a strong application jointly formulated by Dawson College and the Cégep du Vieux Montréal in answer to a call for proposals by MELS. It is the first CCTT-PSN awarded to an anglophone CEGEP.

Congratulations to Dr. Catherine Fichten, one of Dawson's most celebrated researchers and the guiding force behind ADAPTECH, and Maeve Muldowney of the Office of Instructional Development for their diligence on this dossier. It is thanks to their tireless efforts that this proposal was so well-articulated and ultimately successful in a competitive field for these prestigious CCTTs.