Yellowknife, N.W.T. - One MLA is looking to the GNWT to change the way funds are accessed from the Student Financial Assistance program.

Frame Lake MLA Wendy Bisaro used the example of a young autistic student who is graduating from high school later this month and wants to attend college.

Bisaro said there are transitional vocational programs in southern colleges and universities and these would be ideal for the student in question and while there is a study grant available from the SFA program, there's a catch.

"The catch is the student has to be enrolled in an academic program. Transitional vocational programs are not considered an academic program and thus are not approved by Student Financial Assistance for funding," she said.

Bisaro said challenged students taking an academic program at college or university is an unrealistic goal in her mind.

Education, culture and employment minister Jackson Lafferty said there are other sources of funding disabled students can access.

"[There is] the labour market agreement through federal that we have within the GNWT within the ECE department. We are willing to assist in that area so I would encourage that individual to apply through that venue," he said.

Bisaro responded by saying this particular student isn't looking for a job, but looking for skills to be able to live an independent life.

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