OUR HISTORY
Steve and Murdeen Vavra were looking for meaningful post-secondary educational opportunities for their son Murray. Confronting challenges and navigating limited opportunities available for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Vavras began a journey to reshape and expand inclusive education in Alberta. To do this they founded the Varsity Education Program (VEP) in 1992, which offered an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program. Murray began his post-secondary experience at the University of Calgary in 1993. This marked the start of our organization. ​​
Murray Vavra and his Facilitator
The Varsity Education Program then expanded to become The Integrated Post-Secondary Education Society of Alberta (IPSESA). In 2001, expansion efforts led to the creation of our Graduate Support Services (GSS) employment program, which provides clients with inclusive employment opportunities. In 2006, our IPSE program began operating on the St. Mary’s University campus, marking our first expansion beyond the University of Calgary. Our most recent expansion came in 2022, when we began operations at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Today our organization supports 29 clients through our inclusive education and employment programs.
The evolution of IPSESA reflects the societal shift toward inclusion, dignity, and growing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our integrated model now stands as a testament to what is possible when advocacy meets opportunity.