1. Purpose & Guiding Principles
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodations are provided up to the point of undue hardship to eliminate barriers and enable equal participation in vocational learning.
- Individualization: Each student’s request is evaluated based on their distinct functional limitations and course requirements.
- Dignity & Respect: Accommodation processes preserve student independence, privacy, and personal dignity.
- Academic Integrity: Accommodations adjust the method of instruction, evaluation, or delivery without lowering essential curriculum standards.
- Confidentiality: Medical records and diagnostic information remain strictly protected within Accessibility Services.
2. Rights and Responsibilities Overview
| Role | Core Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Students | Submit requests early (ideally 3 months prior); provide current professional documentation; participate actively in developing the accommodation plan; communicate updates with instructors. |
| Faculty / Instructors | Implement approved accommodations; maintain strict confidentiality without asking for medical diagnoses; uphold essential academic requirements; consult Accessibility Services for practical delivery. |
| Accessibility Services | Review medical documentation for validity; develop individualized Letters of Accommodation; coordinate assistive tech/quiet rooms; facilitate dispute resolution. |
| Administration | Provide scheduling, equipment, and facility resources to support approved accommodation delivery across classrooms and labs. |
3. Step-by-Step Accommodation Procedure
Students submit the College Accommodation Request Form to Accessibility Services. Students may authorize a support person in writing to assist with communication and submission.
Documentation must be provided by an appropriate Canadian regulated healthcare professional on official letterhead, describing functional limitations and recommended accommodations. Diagnostic details are not shared with instructors.
In exceptional circumstances, interim accommodations may be approved on a time-limited basis while documentation is being obtained or updated.
Accessibility Services meets with the student to create an individualized Accommodation Plan. A formal Letter of Accommodation is issued and shared with instructors on a need-to-know basis.
Accommodations cover tests (extra time, quiet room, assistive software), accessible electronic course materials, and coordination with third-party practicum sites (PSW clinical facilities, daycare placements, tech labs).
4. Dispute Resolution & Non-Retaliation
Students are encouraged to raise concerns early with Accessibility Services for informal resolution. If issues cannot be resolved informally, students may access the College’s Student Complaint Procedure.
Non-Retaliation: The College strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against any student for requesting accommodations or raising accessibility concerns.
5. Statutory References
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and O. Reg. 191/11 (Integrated Accessibility Standards).
- Ontario Human Rights Commission: Guidelines on Accessible Education – Undue Hardship Standard.
- Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19.
- Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 and O. Reg. 415/06 (General).