RDP Employee Honoured with Community Inclusion Award 

May 02, 2024

Dan Haas receiving the Community Inclusion Award on stage with a few other group members

Inclusion Alberta has acknowledged Dr. Dan Haas, Associate Dean, School of Arts and Education at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), with a Community Inclusion Award.  

Dr. Haas was recognized for creating an inclusive community for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

“We are so proud of Dan for his exemplary work as a teacher and leader at RDP, and are chuffed that Inclusion Alberta has recognized him as one of their own,” says Dr. Jonathon Penny, Dean, School of Arts and Education.  

As an advocate of inclusive post-secondary education, Dr. Haas has positively impacted the lives of students with diverse needs since he began working at RDP in August 2017. He has been a champion for including students with intellectual disabilities in the humanities and all programs of study.  

“Dan is deeply convinced of the importance of the humanities to every person and is committed to ensuring that people have the opportunity to read, think, talk, and practice those arts as they learn and as they live,” adds Penny. “He works hard to include students who face unique barriers to learning.”  

Dr. Haas eagerly collaborates with a variety of stakeholders to enhance experiences for RDP learners with intellectual disabilities through inclusive programming, services and supports.  

The 2024 Inclusion Alberta Awards were announced at the Inclusion Alberta Family Conference in Edmonton.  

Inclusion Alberta is a family-based, non-profit federation that has worked to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families for more than 60 years. Red Deer Polytechnic is a member of the Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Network, which fosters collaboration to support students with developmental disabilities. 

More information about the Inclusion Alberta Awards, including the list of recipients, is available online.

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