Image: Students with extra needs can now get more support for extracurriculars / Yuri Acurs | dreamstime.com

By Alyssa Conti

EDUCATION SUPPORT

Chilliwack students with disabilities receive expanded after-school support

Jan 25, 2025 | 6:00 AM

CHILLIWACK — Children with extra support needs may now have a better shot at taking up extracurricular activities– the Chilliwack School District has launched a pilot program expansion to the After School Sport and Arts Initiative (ASSAI) Grant.

The grant currently covers students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 across the province, but the project carries some changes for the community.

“Students in our district have benefited from the ASSAI grant for many years,” said the Chilliwack School District in a statement to Fraser Valley Today. “We’ve seen the value of the program for K-8 students and as a pilot project we’ve set aside some district funds to expand support to students in grades 9-12.”

Details shared by Chilliwack School Trustee candidate Katie Bartel on Thursday (Jan. 23) also reveal that the program would include funding for social programs, arts and sports, as well as after-school Educational Assistant (EA) support.

“This is a game-changer for Chilliwack families,” said Bartel in a release. “My daughter, Sofie, is the first student in Chilliwack, possibly in BC, to have district-funded EA support for an afterschool club. Watching her come alive on stage in her drama club with her peers is proof of how vital this program is.”

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Bartel is asking parents to request EA support for their kids’ after-school activities.

“This program’s success depends on families using it. Let’s show how essential inclusion is and ensure this initiative grows.”

The pilot program currently runs under limited funding and may not be guaranteed to continue.

This story has been updated to include a clarification from the school district.