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Accommodation

In accordance with the Human Rights Code, a student with a documented disability may be entitled to reasonable accommodation upon request.Picture of Josh, VIU student

An assessment, conducted by a certified expert in the specific field, will determine what accommodation is required.

What is it?

An Academic Accommodation academic accommodation is an arrangement that is put in place to support a student with a disability. Accommodation is provided to "level the playing field" for the student. Accommodation is available because a disability may put a student at a disadvantage compared to other students who don't have a disability.

Accommodation doesn't mean you are being given a special break or an unfair advantage over other students. You will be expected to achieve the same learning outcomes and standards as everyone else. How well you do in school is still up to you. The accommodation just makes sure you have the chance to demonstrate your real ability. Remember that receiving accommodation for your disability is your right. You don't need to feel bad about asking for an accommodation. You're not asking for a favour- you're just asking for the same chance to learn as everyone else.

Academic accommodation is based on your specific disability.
Consider how your disability affects your learning ...

  • What are your strengths?
  • What have you done well in the past?
  • What things do you struggle with in school?
  • What struggles are related to your illness or the medication you take?
  • Are there any other barriers to your education?
  • What strategies do you think would help?

Reasonable Accommodation May Include

  • Campus orientation to services.
  • Assistance with financial aid planning
  • Assistance with advanced registration
  • Assistance with obtaining Interpreter services
  • Exam accommodation, including extended time and possibly alternate format exams
  • Help obtaining assistive technology
  • Arranging for note takers, readers, tutors and study partners
  • Arranging alternate format for text books and course materials
  • Assistance with study skills
  • Personal accommodation may include time to stretch or move around, distraction-free room to write exams, fragrance-free study spaces, special access seating and extended times for courses.

Learning Disability Accommodation May Include

  • Extended Time for exams
  • Note Taker
  • Taped lectures
  • Spell checker
  • Distraction-Free Rooms for exams
  • Reader/Scribe
  • Use of computer with spellcheck
  • Alternate exam format
  • Extended time for course and program completion
  • Adaptive technology

How do I get accommodation?

  • Plan before school starts
  • Connect with the Disability Services Office several weeks before you start your classes
  • Call Reception at 250-740-6446 to book an appointment
  • Bring your current documentation (not older than 5 years)
  • The Disability Services Office will work with you to determine if you are qualified for accommodation and identify the type of accommodation that will help support you in your studies.
  • Accommodation is based on documented need. You will only be eligible for accommodation that addresses the challenges caused by your disability.

Arranging accommodation usually takes some time. The idea is to have accommodation in place ahead of time if, and when you need it.

Think of Accommodation as Insurance.

Who needs to know?

Disability Services

In order to be eligible for academic accommodation, you need to disclose your disability and provide appropriate documentation to Disability Services.

You and the Disability Counsellor will review the documentation together to determine the accommodation based on the disability and the academic requirements.

Once you have met with Disability Services and determined your accommodation needs, a confidential letter of notification will be prepared to inform your instructors of your accommodation. The nature of your disability is not disclosed.

  • This letter is valid for a period of one year from the preparation date.
  • This letter verifies that you are registered with Disability Services and that you are entitled to academic accommodation.
  • The letter outlines your classroom and exam needs.

You need to inform Disability Services each semester if your need for accommodation changes.

Instructors

VIU's instructors are very cooperative and supportive about accommodating a student with a disability.

Your instructors will not receive info about your disability. They simply need to know that you are registered with Disability Services. You do not have to disclose or discuss your disability.

Once the letter is prepared you should:

  • Set up a private office hour meeting with each of your instructors
  • Introduce yourself and review your accommodation letter
  • Discuss your accommodation needs
  • Communicate any difficulties you have with learning
  • Come to an agreement about how accommodation will be provided

The success of your semester will be enhanced if you communicate regularly with your instructors and Disability Services. They are your partners in education.

"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said" ...Peter Drucker

Why Disclose?

You probably learned long ago that telling people that you have a disability can be difficult. Everyone has their own reasons for disclosing or not disclosing. It's a decision you need to give much thought to before entering college or university. The choice is yours.

You may decide to disclose:

  • To educate others and reduce the stigma surrounding your disability
  • To receive academic accommodation
  • To avoid misunderstandings with your instructors or your peers
  • To reduce the risk of discrimination. Policies are in place to prevent anyone discriminating against a student based on their disability
  • To have a plan in place in the event of an emergency

Risks

  • People may not understand the nature of your disability especially if it is invisible.
  • A lack of knowledge about the disability may present negative stereotypes.
  • They may confuse your disability with a lack of academic ability.

Making the Decision

You need to determine your own comfort level and trust your instincts.

You may choose to disclose to one or more of your instructors, but not to other students. Others tell their trusted friends. Some choose not to disclose to anyone.

If you want accommodation, you will need to disclose to the Disability Services Office.

When to Disclose

BEFORE the school year begins, 6-8 weeks ahead will ensure appropriate accommodation, acquisition of technology and time to learn software supports.

If you want your instructors to know about your disability, then disclose in your meeting when discussing your accommodation letter.

Remember short notification may mean delayed service...plan ahead!

Disclosing Tips

TAKE THE FIRST STEP... If you take the initiative, people are there to help you.

What to say if your instructor asks you about your diagnosis...

"Disability Services has all my documentation. I'd rather not talk about the details of my illness, but my disability means that I have trouble with ( name the academic activity). The accommodation that would help me is (name the accommodation). Can we talk about how to put these in place?"

What to say to your instructor about your disability...

" My disability affects my ability to (name the academic activity). If I was able to (name the accommodation) I think I would be able to complete the course requirements for this course"