Families speak out about Algonquin College’s plan to phase out adult special needs program

Families are pushing back on Algonquin College’s plan to phase out the adult special needs program. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

Brennan White is currently enrolled in the Academic Assistance for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (AAADD) program at Algonquin College.

The AAADD program has been offered at the college since 1997, providing academic and social skills for adults with developmental disabilities.

White just finished his second year at the school but said he was “disappointed and upset” to learn the school is phasing out the program as it faces financial challenges.

The college says the program will conclude on April 30, 2026 to allow students currently enrolled to finish their studies.

Brennan’s mother Charlene White says the news came as a shock and adds the program is important for her son’s independence.

“Brennan does love going to the (AAADD) program, it increases his independence,” Charlene White says. “He goes on the bus to get here, he loves the college atmosphere, that is so crucial.”

AAADD students are given a certificate of completion and not a formal credential approved by the Ministry of Education when they finish their studies. The college previously told CTV News Ottawa that it would be focusing on credentialed programs that align with its mandate.

The program does not receive funding from the Ministry of Education.

White is one of many families that are affected by the closure of the program. There are currently 73 students enrolled in the program, but no new students have been accepted for three years.

“It is a really important niche for so many young adults and adults with exceptionalities who need extra help, support with continued learning, but are certainly capable of continued learning and so this should be funded in some way, shape or form by the provincial government,” Charlene White adds.

A town hall is being hosted on Thursday by Ottawa West-Nepean NDP MPP Chandra Pasma at City View United Church at 7 p.m.

“It’s an opportunity for parents and those who are concerned about these program cuts to come, share the impact on their children and to talk about what we can do to fight to get this program and to have it continued,” Pasma says.

White says they are planning to hold a protest later this fall.

The college already announced wider cuts earlier this year, including the suspension of 41 active and dormant programs, the closure of the Perth Campus and the offering of voluntary exit packages to staff, citing a drop in international student enrollment and a tuition freeze.

Staff say enrolment is projected to drop 11 per cent in 2025-26.

Algonquin College reported in January that it was projecting a $32 million loss in revenue for 2024-25, and a $60 million loss in 2025-26 and $93 million for 2026-27.

The board of governors approved the $479 million 2025-26 school year budget last month, using $41 million in reserves to cover the multi-million-dollar budget deficit and to support projects and initiatives at the college for the next school year.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Josh Pringle and William Eltherington

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