Indigenous Disability Canada’s – Support for Indigenous Student Learning Program (SISLP)

NOTE- The SISLP is time limited and based on available resources! It is important to send in your fully completed application and supporting documentation as soon as possible! 

IDC – Support for Indigenous Student Learning Program (SISLP)

Indigenous Disability Canada’s Support for Indigenous Student Learning Program (SISLP) is a time-limited project for Indigenous students across Canada who have limited financial resources, including those students living with disabilities. The SISLP is accepting applications from students of any age enrolled in a Formal educational institution (either online, remote, or through on-site learning) to be considered to receive a laptop and other technology / equipment supports necessary to assist with their continued education and success.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until March 15th, 2024. Applications must be received by BCANDS no later than March 15th, 2024 to be consideration. Due to the limited funding and a high demand, we recommend that applicants submit their completed application as early as possible. Please contact us if you need assistance with the application or have any questions.

Contact:
Email: sislp@bcands.bc.ca
Phone: 250-381-7303 ext.202 | Toll Free: 1-888-815-5511

Follow us on Twitter: @IDCSISLP                                                                              Follow us on Facebook

Goal:
• To assist the continued participation and success of Indigenous students and Indigenous students with disabilities, in their education and eventually, in their future employment

Are You Eligible?

  • Applicants must be of Indigenous ancestry (First Nation, Métis, or Inuit);
  • Applicants must demonstrate a clear financial need for SISLP support;
  • For the purpose of applicants identifying as living with a disability AND demonstrating a clear financial need, the following definition of disability will be used: “Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.”
  • Applicants must be enrolled in formal education at any level from kindergarten to post-secondary, OR taking courses through an accredited institution, AND must be actively attending;
  • Educational programs attended must be of no less than one year in duration (either online, remotely, or on-site learning)
  • Applicants cannot have received prior support from the BCANDS SSLP (now IDC SISLP), must not have received/be receiving support for equipment/technology from their Nation, community, or any other government or organization program;
  • Applicants must be a resident of Canada;
  • Applicants, whose course’s final completion / graduation is less than 3 months away at the time of the application review, will be considered, however will not be prioritized;
  • Applications for the SISLP are for individual learners only, schools, organizations; communities, etc. are not eligible to apply.     

Application Forms

Support for Indigenous Student Learning Application (Word)

Support for Indigenous Student Learning Application (PDF)

SISL Poster for Promotion:

Additional Resources

Telus Internet for Good program
– Offered in BC and Alberta to provide eligible Canadians with the internet they need to succeed
– $9.95/month for 24 month
– Available to PWD or AISH recipients and is extended directly to families in need
https://www.telus.com/en/about/company-overview/community-investment/how-we-give/cause-campaigns/internet-for-good

Disability Resources for Assistive Technology by Province:
https://canasstech.com/pages/resources

netClé
– netClé enables people with physical disabilities to use the computer independently, by serving as an alternative to standard inputs like a keyboard and mouse
– Currently distributing netClé for free
http://www.netcle.ca/

Computers for Schools
– Find the CFS+ affiliate in your province or territory by clicking on the link:
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cfs-ope.nsf/eng/home

Indspire – Building Brighter Futures
Bursaries, Scholarships, and Awards that open doors through education for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students
https://indspire.ca/programs/students/bursaries-scholarships/

For a complete list of Building Brighter Futures Supports, please visit: https://indspirefunding.ca/

Distance Computer Comfort Program – Neil Squire
Free tutoring for persons with disabilities to learn how to use your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Offered through a virtual classroom.
For more information: