Academic Services, Policies for Students With Disabilities, Equipment and Adaptive Technology, continued:

Services and Loans for Apprentices with Disabilities Technology Purchases:

• 2 Webcams (QuickCam Ultra Vision) for instructor/tutor use with high resolutions.
• 10 Toshiba Sat Pro a300 laptops and cases for loans to apprentices.
• 10 Clearchat headsets.
• 10 Logitech Quick Cam Chat WebCams for Wired RED for distance tutoring.
• 4 video splitters.
• 1 Waacom 6x11 Pen Tablet.
• Textbooks and reference materials.

Over the past year a number of initiatives were undertaken or expanded to improve accessibility.

Human Services and Disability Services collaborated to develop and implement a field placement accommodation process for students with disabilities whose academic programs require successful field placements to graduate. The field placement accommodation process was successfully piloted with a small number of students with disabilities in the Developmental Services Worker and Child and Youth Worker programs. Students, faculty and community field supervisors have provided positive feedback. A survey is being developed for user feedback from recent participants. After that this process may be expanded to work placements for students in other programs.

The planned implementation of the online registration system for academic tests and exams was delayed as the system required testing at another post-secondary institution before customizing the process for Fanshawe College. Completion is expected by October 2009. The online booking system will more efficiently book test accommodations, decrease stigma related to student requests for accommodation, improve the security of test materials, and allow for the improved scheduling of testing spaces.

The College has developed, promoted and implemented a variety of successful 'Transition to College' events for students with disabilities. These events build strong, collaborative relationships with area school boards and community agencies, promote effective transition to college, and are well rated by participants.

• 'Discovery Days' offers two one-day events to explore Fanshawe College for grade 11 students and resource teachers.
• 'Foot in the Door' assists incoming students with disabilities with adaptive technology and learning strategies to support their student success.
• 'Stepping into Your Future' sessions assist senior secondary students with disabilities and their resource teachers at an expanding number of area high schools with information on post secondary opportunities and services available at Fanshawe College.

• Communication to apprentices prior to the start of classes.
• Offer Orientation to College Services sessions.
• Develop initiatives aimed at meeting identified apprentice needs including:.
  • Consultations with faculty and program coordinators to identify the areas of academic difficulty for apprentices and problem solve possible solutions.
  • Other testing accommodations.
  • Provide Education Aides and other service providers familiar with the trades.
  • Provide technology equipment purchased and loaned to apprentices and pre apprentices for the duration of their study periods.
• Establish Learning Teams - A pilot project was commenced in the winter terms of 2009 in the Motive Power area.

Promotional print materials were created to increase student awareness of Disability Services, adaptive technology resources, apprenticeship support services, and services for injured WSIB students. Posters were also created to support successful transition of secondary students with disabilities.

In the fall of 2008, a new Service Facilitator for Students with Disabilities position was established to assist students with accommodations. This new position has provided more timely and coordinated services to our students.

Fanshawe College has developed and implemented an audit of the services provided by contracted ASL interpreters. A very experienced ASL interpreter is contracted to audit and review the work of our interpreters, video-taping some sessions and providing both the College and the interpreter with valuable feedback. This process has been welcomed by our ASL interpreters and helps to ensure that our deaf students are receiving accurate interpretation services.

Students with disabilities can now self-identity using an online intake process. This service is promoted with postcards linking students to www.fanshawec.ca/earlyid. New students participate in a group orientation session to introduce them to the wide range of services available. This process has streamlined the intake experience for the student.

In August 2009 the College hosted an expanded two-day transitions workshop for incoming WSIB sponsored clients. Topics included transition to college, learning styles, self-awareness, college resources, practical tips for success, 'Fanshawe Online', adaptive technology, study skills and featured a panel of WSIB students.

To date, Fanshawe College has created 34 instructional videos as a universal instructional design tool to support the academic success of apprentices in the Motive Power, Truck and Coach Apprenticeship Program. Each video features narration and an up-close visual. These videos are accessed by our apprentices through "You Tube" at http://www.youtube.com/user/clloyd234. To date, these videos have been viewed 186,793 times. One video alone has been viewed 44,503 times! Apprentices have been able to view each video multiple times for study purposes, and their feedback has been very positive.

Fanshawe College is now halfway through a three-year federally funded research project launched in February 2008 in collaboration with Bow Valley College and the Canadian Virtual College Consortium. Fanshawe's role is to explore and examine the benefits of adaptive technology in apprenticeship settings and distance education. The project is on track with established goals and activities. In August, Fanshawe's primary researcher met with project partners in Ottawa to present our findings to date. This exciting project is helping us to develop and implement leading edge ways to support the success of apprentices and distance learners.

To obtain a copy of the Accessibility Plan in CD format, please email accessibility@fanshawec.ca or contact Counselling and Student Life at (519) 452-4282.