Accessibility

The learning community at Emily Carr thrives when all students are able to do their best. Students with disabilities or learning differences must be considered in the design and delivery of our courses and assignments. To this end, Emily Carr recognizes its ethical and legal duty to accommodate by affirming the rights of students with disabilities to have full, fair and equitable access to all services, programs and facilities.

Accommodations are alterations made to the learning environment to reduce barriers and create equal educational opportunities .

The types of disabling conditions supported by Accessibility Services are ongoing, episodic, apparent or non-evident and include, but are not limited to:

• Physical disabilities (e.g., visual impairment, hearing loss or mobility impairments);
• Mental health disabilities (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders or bipolar disorder);
• Chronic health disabilities (e.g., arthritis, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease or migraines);
• Neurological disabilities (e.g., acquired brain injury, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder or learning disability).

Each student’s accommodations are specific to that individual student’s need and based on documentation of a disability provided from a certified, licensed practitioner. These accommodations are stated on an Accommodation Notice, current to the semester, for the student to submit to their faculty and technicians.

Students who require an accommodation to the learning environment will be given an Accommodation Notice from Accessibility Services. This form outlines the alterations to the learning environment that are required but, in order to protect the student’s privacy, does not identify the student’s medical condition. It does, however, contain other personal and sensitive student information that should not be shared with other students, the public, or anyone outside of a teaching capacity for your course.

If a student wishes to request accommodations, they will email you a copy of their Accommodation Notice to introduce themselves and begin a conversation about the accommodations that will support their learning experience and how these can be realized in the course.

The Accommodation Notice that is sent to the student through TitanFile. Students are asked to cc Accessibility Services on the introductory email to you. This will inform the Accessibility Services team of who they may speak to regarding the student’s specific accommodations should any questions arise. Further communications between yourself and the student do not have to be copied to Accessibility Services.

When presented with an Accommodation Notice, it is important that you have a discussion with the student about how the accommodation will be implemented in the context of your course delivery, expectations, learning outcomes, and evaluation.

Students may have some apprehension or discomfort in talking about their Accommodation Notice with you. Discussions with students about accommodations should be conducted discreetly, according them the same respect as a colleague with a medical condition.

Should I provide accommodation upon request even if a student hasn’t provided an accommodation notice?

You are not expected or obligated to provide accommodation if a student has not provided an Accommodation Notice. In fact, doing so could constitute giving an unfair advantage. Accessibility Services is the only office designated to review documentation of a disability and determine eligibility for academic accommodations. Students have the right to choose not to use accommodations. If a student asks retroactively for an accommodation, you are not under any obligation to comply.

What should I do if I have a student with a disability in jeopardy of not being able to pass the course?

Students with disabilities are not exempt from the University policies and curriculum. It is important use the Support Messaging system to promote their success.

Do I have a right to fail a student with a disability?

Students with disabilities have the same right to fail as anyone else. Their work should be evaluated equivalent to their peers. It is advised that you discuss your observations with this student just as you would with any other student in your course who is experiencing difficulty.

Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns about requested accommodations?

Contact Accessibility Services via email to discuss your concerns. Accessibility Services provides support to instructors as well as students.

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