Disabilities & Academic Accommodations

WHAT IS AN ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION?

According to UVic’s Academic Accommodation Policy, an Academic Accommodation is and:

 individualized adaptation or alteration of instructional environments, materials, or methods of assessment to provide a Student with a Disability an alternative means of meeting the Essential Requirements of a course.

For the purpose of:

Mitigating barriers to the Student’s participation in the university’s academic programming but does not modify or lower the academic standards of the university or eliminate academic evaluation.

According to UVic’s Academic Accommodation Policy, a disability is:

a long-term or recurring physical, mental, learning, or sensory impairment that, in interaction with a barrier (whether attitudinal or environmental), hinders the person’s full and effective participation in the university’s academic activities.

Accommodations vary from person to person and can include extended time on exams, alternate location and format for exams, use of adaptive equipment, financial aid programs, etc. The Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) has information about options and how to apply for academic accommodations. Students can also use related services to develop learning strategies, understand procedures, cope with related stress, etc. through UVic Learning Assistance Services.

Setting up an Academic Accommodation

Accommodations vary from person to person and can include extended time on exams, alternate location and format for exams, use of adaptive equipment, financial aid programs, etc. In essence, they can help you find an alternate way to complete your courses.

All Academic Accomodation for Students with a Disability are accessed through the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL). Be proactive and reach out as soon as you know there is a need.

Students can also use related services to develop learning strategies, understand procedures, cope with related stress, etc. through UVic Learning Assistance Services.

Resolving Conflicts

If your Accommodation is not being implemented:

    1. Speak with your CAL advisory as soon as possible. Be specific and ready with the details. They will guide you and, where necessary, will discuss the Accommodation and implementation with the Instructor and/or the Administrative Head.
    2. If there is no resolution, you can ask for a review through the Deputy Provost, who will normally complete a review within 5 business days. More information can be found in the Academic Accommodation Policy

If you disagree with or want to change your Accommodation:

    1. Be proactive and act early. Speak with your CAL advisor. Be specific about what you want to change and why.
    2. If you are still in disagreement, refer to the Academic Accommodation Policy, to see what options are available to you. The first step is often to contact the Director of CAL for a review. If you chose to do so, be specific about your rationale, provide all background information or medical documents, and your preferred outcome. If there is still a disagreement, you can seek the assistance of the Deputy Provost or even the Senate Committee on Appeals.

At any point during a conflict, and especially if you are considering a review, please do not hesitate to contact the Ombudsperson. You could also consider contacting the University of Victoria Student Society’s (UVSS) Society for Students with a Disability (SSD) for support or advocacy.