Accessibility Planning Objectives for September 2009 - August 2010:

To build on our progress over the past year, we have established the following Accessibility Planning Objectives for September 2009 to August 2010. For each of these objectives, a work plan will be developed and progress will be tracked. While these objectives will be our priorities for the next year, other accessibility improvements will be made as issues and opportunities arise.

• Continue to implement facility accessibility improvements based on the College's plan to address the findings of the accessibility audit of facilities conducted in 2003/04. Specific improvements planned are outlined in the Physical Facilities section of this report.
  
  
• Continue to design all new facilities and facility upgrades to the CSA‑B651‑04 accessibility standard and include the principles of universal design wherever possible.
  

• Make further improvements to adaptive equipment and technology based on student feedback and needs.
  
  
• Conduct a survey to obtain user feedback of the field placement accommodation process for students with disabilities in the Developmental Services Worker and Child and Youth Worker programs to consider expansion of this process to other programs.
  
  
• Continue the development and implementation of services and supports for apprentices with disabilities.
  
  
• Pilot the online registration system for academic test and exam accommodations with one academic area this fall and fully implementing the system in 2010.
  
  
• Continue work on the three-year research study launched in February 2008 in collaboration with Bow Valley College and the Canadian Virtual College Consortium. Collaboration. Disability Services will explore and examine the benefits of adaptive technology in apprenticeship settings and distance education.
  
  
• In partnership with Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) launch a new 10-week support group called 'Learn Believe Succeed' designed to serve 15 first-semester Fanshawe students with a learning disability.
  
  
• Continue to develop and implement supports and services for apprentices with disabilities.
  
  

• Conduct a review of the accessibility of the College's new website and implement improvements as required.

• Complete the research study of the benefits of services for Fanshawe students with identified mental health issues in assisting them to attain employment.
  
  
• In compliance with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, establish a policy, implement staff training and develop a customer feedback mechanism.
  

• Implement additional accessibility training and awareness initiatives where required.
  

• Conduct student focus group discussions to provide additional information related to some of the areas of accessibility identified for improvement through the 2009 survey of students with disabilities. Develop improvements in academic and non-academic support services and facilities based on student input through the survey and focus groups.
  
  
• Continue to partner with employers and community organizations on initiatives related to accessibility such as the annual Ability First workshop.

Consultations with Students, Staff and the Community

• Conduct student focus group discussions to provide additional information related to some of the areas of accessibility identified for improvement through the 2009 survey of students with disabilities. Develop improvements in academic and non-academic support services and facilities based on student input through the survey and focus groups.
  
  
• Continue to partner with employers and community organizations on initiatives related to accessibility such as the annual Ability First workshop.

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.