Accessibility

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) recognizes that there may be some increased costs associated with managing a disability in post-secondary school for those who have a financial need. There are two funding opportunities available to students with documented disabilities who are also eligible for OSAP.

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Student needs will vary depending on their disability related functional limitations and their program of study. Students must register with Accessibility Services (AS) and meet with an AS counsellor who is responsible for making recommendations for disability related services and equipment that will be required for the student to participate in post-secondary education.  Some examples of items that may be funded via the Bursary include: computers, adaptive technology, specialized equipment, and external services.

Both the Grant and BSWD require that the student indicate they have a permanent disability on the OSAP form and submit documentation of a disability to Accessibility Services.

Please contact Accessibility Services or the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions.

Students registered with Accessibility Services can use the computer lab located in F2003 or one of two accessible rooms located in the Library Learning Commons (all at the London Campus). Click here to register.

Our Adaptive Technologists are available for tutorials on how to use the software and hardware. Please contact us at 519-452-4282 or accessibility@fanshawec.ca to learn more.

The Test Centre provides a distraction-reduced environment that allow you to complete your tests outside of the classroom while accommodating your disability-related evaluation needs. This includes access to adaptive technology, extra time and quiet spaces. Learn more at fanshawec.ca/testcentre or email testcentre@fanshawec.ca for help.​​​​​​

As a direct provider of post-secondary educational programs and services, Fanshawe College has the legal responsibility under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to accommodate persons with disabilities.

Policy A101 was updated in 2015 to reflect guidelines on accessibility in education published by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and is based on these guiding principles:
 

• The College will focus on the removal of barriers to education and services for qualified applicants and students with disabilities by designing facilities, systems, services and curricula in such a way that accessibility is enhanced and the need for individual accommodation is minimized. Examples include automatic door openers, the opportunity for part-time registration, clear and high-contrast signage, providing course notes online, use of plain language in department forms.
   
• Individualized assessment of accommodation options will be explored with respect to any remaining disability-related needs, to the point of undue hardship.
  
  Staff in Accessibility Services meet with students who identify a disability and request assistance. Accommodation needs are communicated to College staff as required. Undue hardship relates to cost, availability of outside sources of funding, and health and safety requirements.
   
• Accommodation will be provided in such a way that integration and full participation of persons with disabilities is encouraged.
  
  Students with disabilities take part in courses with classmates, acquire the same knowledge and skills, but may require individualized approaches to learn and demonstrate knowledge.
   
• The needs of the applicant or student will be accommodated in a manner that respects his/her dignity.
  
  Students with disabilities are treated with respect, are not centred out unnecessarily or subjected to standards or expectations beyond that required of other students.
   
• Willingness to explore solutions is key to treating applicants and students with respect and dignity.
  
  Unique solutions are best determined through a collaborative approach, with a focus on maintaining academic standards while considering flexible approaches. Students with disabilities should be expected to meet essential learning outcomes, but the methods of achieving those outcomes may vary.
• As each person has unique needs, accommodation options are explored in an individualized manner.
  
  It is not helpful to apply blanket approaches to accommodation, where all students with a certain type of disability are assigned the same solution; at the same time some accommodations, such as extended time to complete evaluations, can be an appropriate strategy to meet the needs of many different students.
   
• The accommodation process is a shared responsibility among the person with a disability and College staff including professors, Accessibility Services staff, and administrators.
  
  Policy A101 describes the responsibilities of the student or applicant, the College and the Accessibility Services personnel.
   
• Once accommodation is provided, students are expected to meet the published learning outcomes and essential requirements of their academic programs.
  
  Having been accommodated to the point of undue hardship, it is possible that a student with a disability would not be able to meet essential requirements of a course or program because of the nature of the disability. Alternatives are then explored. Where unresolved disputes occur regarding whether a student may be accommodated, College Policy provides for a structured hearing through a Committee of Review (College policy A128: Student Appeals).

The details of Policy A101 on the Accommodation of Applicants and Students With Disabilities should be reviewed when dealing with individual cases. The full text of policy A101 is available on the College website. 

Through an annual Accessibility Plan, Fanshawe College makes available to the public a formal report describing how any barriers to accessible education are being identified and addressed.

* Download the Acrobat PDF reader free from Adobe.

We are Here for You! For academic support, first year assistance and all available student services, visit fanshawec.ca/hereforyou.

We provide materials in alternate formats (electronic, audio, Braille or large print versions of materials) for students that cannot read standard print or electronic equipment. Click here to fill out the online Alternate Format Request Form. Log in using your Fanshawe username and password.

• Alternate format materials are available for any books/textbooks required in your course and the Course Information Sheets.
• Submit your request early, even before you start! It can take two to four weeks to receive a textbook in alternate format.
• Please note that proof of purchase of the hard copy book (e.g. a copy of the sales receipt) is required.  Receipts can be uploaded with your request or dropped off in Room F2010 (London Campus).