Whether you are a new or experienced faculty member, you may have questions regarding how to accommodate students with disabilities. The videos below will assist you in better understanding your roles and responsibilities as well as the ways in which Accessible Learning Services can provide support. Contact your Program Coordinator/Program Head if you are interested in inviting us to facilitate a workshop or attend a faculty meeting to provide further information.

Academic Accommodations - Our Legal Responsibilities 

The Law and Collaboration:

• Providing students with disabilities full access to the learning environment is legislated by the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
• Accommodation planning is a collaborative process that is shared amongst faculty, the student and Accessible Learning Services.
• When a student has met with Accessible Learning Services and the need for accommodations has been identified, an Accommodation Letter will be developed.

Three Steps to Take When You Receive an Accommodation Letter

• Send an email to the student to acknowledge receipt of the Accommodation Letter.
• Carefully review the Accommodation Letter. If you identify an accommodation that you feel may conflict with the essential requirements of your course, contact ALS to discuss.
• Advise the student that they are welcome to contact you in person or via email to discuss the accommodations if they wish to do so.

Accommodations and the Essential Requirements

Three Key Questions to Determine if a Requirement is Essential:

• Is there a rational connection between the requirement and the learning objectives?
• Was the requirement established in good faith?
• What is the evidence of the necessity of the requirement?

Maintaining Academic Standards While Creating Equitable Opportunities:

• Accommodations provide students with an equitable opportunity to meet course requirements.
• An accommodation may not be appropriate if the requirement is determined to be essential and an alternate method of assessment cannot be identified.
• If faculty are concerned that an accommodation listed on the Accommodation Letter may possibly conflict with a course requirement, Accessible Learning Services staff are available to consult with faculty to discuss possible alternatives.

Additional Time For Testing as an Accommodation

• Accommodation Letters commonly include additional time for testing including quizzes, tests and exams.
• For most courses, providing additional time for testing will not compromise essential course requirements.  
• When considering if timed testing is essential, contact Accessible Learning Services if you have any questions.
• Visit the Testing Services website for more information about the process for accommodated testing.