Why do we have a bursary program? (commencing spring 2027)

Approximately 1 in 5 people live with an invisible, hidden, or non-apparent disability, and many face barriers that can affect their education, well-being, and future opportunities. These disabilities may include mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, neurological disorders, learning disabilities, and chronic pain conditions.

For students pursuing post-secondary education, these challenges can create barriers to learning, accessibility, and academic success, often without others recognizing the difficulties they face.

At The Change Coalition, we are committed to reducing barriers, promoting inclusion, and creating equitable opportunities for students with invisible disabilities. Through awareness, advocacy, community partnerships, and practical assistance programs, we help students access the supports they need to succeed.

We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their educational goals and reach their full potential, regardless of whether their disability is visible or non-apparent.

According to Statistics Canada, among youth aged 15 to 24, the most commonly reported disabilities are invisible or non-apparent disabilities, including mental health-related disabilities (13.6%), learning disabilities (9.2%), and pain-related disabilities (6.7%).

Statistics Canada reports that mental health-related disabilities among youth increased by approximately 6 percentage points between 2017 and 2022, with a 9 percentage point increase among young women.

Statistics Canada also notes that nearly all Canadian youth use social media regularly, and while it can support connection, higher usage has been associated with increased anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, cyberbullying, and negative social comparison.

These trends highlight a growing need for support, awareness, and accessible resources for youth living with invisible disabilities, particularly in education and transition to adulthood.

Mental health-related disabilities, including anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions, are considered invisible disabilities because they are not immediately apparent to others, including educators, peers, or family members. Despite this lack of visibility, they can significantly affect a student’s ability to succeed in post-secondary education.

The combined pressures of academic workload, social expectations, and future career planning can intensify challenges for students living with mental health-related conditions.

Youth with invisible disabilities may also face barriers to accessing appropriate supports in higher education, particularly in environments that are not fully equipped to meet their needs. Because these conditions are not visible, they are often misunderstood or overlooked, which can contribute to isolation, increased stress, and reluctance to disclose due to stigma or fear of discrimination.

Students with invisible, hidden, or non-apparent disabilities often face several barriers in post-secondary education that can impact their academic success and overall well-being.

Lack of Support: Many institutions may not have sufficient or appropriately tailored resources to support students with invisible disabilities. Access to mental health services and individualized academic accommodations can be limited.

Stigma and Misunderstanding: Because these disabilities are not visible, students may hesitate to disclose their condition due to concerns about stigma, judgment, or being misunderstood, which can reduce access to needed supports and increase feelings of isolation.

Academic Challenges: Students with learning disabilities or mental health-related conditions may experience difficulties with coursework, concentration, and deadlines. Without adequate accommodations, these challenges can affect academic performance, persistence, and completion rates.

Financial Stress: Some students also face added financial pressures, including reduced ability to work flexible hours or increased healthcare-related costs, which can further compound existing barriers to educational success.

As part of our commitment to educational equity, The Change Coalition will donate computers equipped with assistive technologies to eligible students living with invisible, hidden, or non-apparent disabilities.

These computers may include accessibility tools such as text-to-speech software, speech recognition, reading and writing assistance, organizational supports, and other adaptive technologies tailored to students' individual learning needs.

By reducing financial and technological barriers, this initiative aims to help students:

• Access educational resources and participate more fully in their studies.
• Overcome learning barriers through assistive and adaptive technologies.
• Develop greater independence and confidence in their academic abilities.
• Improve educational opportunities by providing tools that support different learning needs.
• Achieve academic success without being disadvantaged by inaccessible technology or financial limitations.

Our goal is simple: A student's disability or financial circumstances should never determine their ability to access the technology they need to succeed.

We believe that every student deserves an equitable opportunity to pursue their educational goals and reach their full potential—regardless of whether their disability is visible to others.

See Me. Hear Me. Validate Me.

Your support can directly change the educational journey of a student living with an invisible disability.

Many students face mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and chronic health challenges that are not immediately visible but significantly impact their ability to succeed in post-secondary education. The cost of tuition, supports, and essential resources can create additional barriers that place higher education out of reach.

Through the Change Coalition Bursary Program, donations help reduce these barriers by providing financial assistance to students with invisible disabilities, enabling them to access education, stay enrolled, and reach their full potential.

Every contribution helps remove obstacles and create opportunity. By donating, you are investing in equity, accessibility, and inclusion in education.

Donate today to help a student move forward with confidence, dignity, and support.