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by David Johnston, Counselling and Accessibility Services
in the December 2018 issue
In September 2016, as the result of a directive from the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), there were a number of changes in processes that needed to be implemented by all post-secondary institutions in Ontario with regards to academic accommodations. Given that we are now 2 years into the new processes, we wanted to provide an update as well as some key reminders related to the changes that were required.
It is important to start with the purpose of academic accommodations as outlined by OHRC:
The aim of accommodation is the inclusion and full participation of students with disabilities in educational life. Education providers must make efforts to build or adapt educational services to accommodate students with disabilities in a way that promotes their full participation. Barriers must be prevented or removed so that students with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities to access and benefit from their environment and face the same duties and requirements as everyone else, with dignity and without impediment.
In short, academic accommodations are intended to provide students who have a documented disability with the supports necessary to remove barriers and “level the playing field” given the impacts of their disability.
The Counselling and Accessibility Services department (CnAS) will continue to work with students to determine if they are eligible for academic accommodations based on confirmation of a disability and the functional limitations that result.
An Update:A major change was required in the distribution of accommodation letters. Prior to September 2016, students would be given copies of their accommodation letter and encouraged to have a conversation with their professors. However, that was determined to be an obstacle by OHRC for some students and it is now an institutional responsibility for CnAS to distribute the accommodation letters as directed by the student.
Beginning in September 2018, CnAS implemented an electronic distribution of accommodation letters. When requested by the student, the Accommodation Letter is sent to faculty, the program chair, co-ordinator, and student adviser. Faculty will receive an email such as:
The following student is registered with Counselling and Accessibility Services.
Please review their academic accommodations letter (see below after signature).
In addition, you may view a list of students with accommodations in your courses using this Online Portal for Faculty: https://cnas.senecacollege.ca/clockwork/user/instructor/default.aspx.
Should you have questions, please check the Frequently Asked Questions section: https://www.senecacollege.ca/student-services-and-support/support-services/counselling/faq.html.
It is important to highlight a couple points in this email:
Reminders:
Academic Accommodations for Tests/Exams/Quizzes:
Thank you for being such a valued partner in working with students with disabilities. Your help and support doesn’t go unnoticed, and it allows students who have faced many obstacles and barriers to walk across the stage at graduation with their head held high cloaked in the respect and dignity that you have provided.
View the December 2018 issue of the Academic Newsletter.
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