<University Policies and Regulations

Policy Statement

York University shall make reasonable and appropriate accommodations and adaptations in order to promote the ability of students with disabilities to fulfill the academic requirements of their programs.

The nature and extent of accommodations shall be consistent with and supportive of the integrity of the curriculum and of the academic standards of programs or courses.

Provided that students have given sufficient notice about their accommodation needs, instructors shall take reasonable steps to accommodate these needs in a manner consistent with the guidelines established hereunder.

'Disabilities' shall be defined as those conditions so designated under the Ontario Human Rights Code in force from time to time, and will in any event include physical, medical, learning, and psychiatric disabilities.

Guidelines:

1. Identification of students requiring academic accommodations

1.1 Students with disabilities who require accommodations shall, in a timely manner, provide the relevant medical, psychoeducational or psychiatric documentation to the appropriate York University office for students with disabilities to qualify for accommodations.

1.2 The University's offices for students with disabilities will assist students in the identification of particular aspects of courses that might present barriers to them and will work with them to identify the appropriate accommodations, provide supportive documentation, and assist the students and instructors in providing/obtaining accommodations.

2. Instruction-Related Accommodations

2.1 Types of accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

a. Timely provision of reading lists and other course materials to allow for alternate format transcription;

b. Alternate format transcription;

c. Alternate scheduling for the completion of course, project, thesis work or competency examinations;

d. Extensions to program completion time limits;

e. Use of assistive devices or auxiliary aids in the classroom/laboratory/field (e.g., FM systems worn by course instructors; computerized notetakers in the classroom);

f. Use of oral and visual language interpreters and/or notetakers in the classroom;

g. Permission for audio recording of lectures;

h. Permission for video-taping of lectures;

i. Special seating, wheelchair accessible tables;

j. Adjustments to lighting.

3. Accommodation in Examinations and Evaluations

3.1 Test/exam accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

a. alternate scheduling of examinations and essays;

b. alternate forms of assessment;

c. extended time to complete tests/examinations;

d. use of special equipment (computer, assistive technology, etc.);

e. use of special facilities (alternate test/exam room and proctor) and/or examinations in alternate formats (e.g. audio tape, Braille, etc.).

3.2 Whenever possible, the usual procedures for writing tests and examinations shall be followed.

4. Accommodations Agreements

4.1 Students and instructors shall wherever possible agree to the appropriate accommodations.

4.2 In cases where the instructor and the student cannot agree about the provision of accommodations, the instructor shall discuss the recommended accommodations with an advisor from the office for persons with disabilities. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the Chair of the Department and/or Associate Dean or Dean of the Faculty shall be consulted.

4.3 In cases where the disagreement remains unresolved, a mediative process will be implemented by the Dean of the student's Faculty.