Accommodations for students with disabilities now timelier and more equitable
The updates to TMU’s Policy 159 will address barriers in the learning environment for students with disabilities and improve the student experience.
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)’s (PDF file) Policy 159, which establishes the principles, conditions and expectations surrounding the request for and provision of academic accommodations, has undergone a recent review and update that aims to improve the student experience and clarify accountability for all members of the university community. Approved in June 2022 by TMU Senate, the overall framework and tone now better reflect the university’s values, and demonstrate a stronger commitment to addressing the barriers that students with disabilities may face, including ableism, in the learning environment.
Key changes
In the spirit of acknowledging and celebrating student diversity, Policy 159 now includes broader definitions of key terms (i.e. “ableism,” “academic accommodation,” “accessibility,” “essential academic requirements,” “disability,” “medical documentation,” “non-course degree requirements,” among others) to make them more applicable to relevant law and environment; a new Values and Principles section that embeds TMU’s beliefs directly into the policy; a more comprehensive framework for appeals; an enhanced section for accommodations during dispute resolution process, including the implementation of interim accommodations; and clearer roles and responsibilities for everyone involved in the accommodations process.
Importantly, this updated version of Policy 159 will help TMU continue to evolve how the university thinks about accessibility and accessible learning environments, and takes significant steps towards being able to reduce the need for formal accommodations.
Faculty engagement
As longtime advocates for equitable teaching and student success, faculty members and instructors will also have the opportunity to participate in related training sessions developed by Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) to further explore their accommodation responsibilities as part of AAS’ Shared Responsibility Project.
Training will include a review of the differences between Academic Considerations and Academic Accommodations policies among faculty and instructors, staff and departments across the university, will clarify where to refer a student for appropriate supports, and will explore how to implement academic considerations or academic accommodations in situations that are nuanced.
AAS at TMU
AAS, part of Student Wellbeing at TMU, provides academic accommodation and related support to students with disabilities. This includes students with temporary and/or permanent disabilities, students enrolled in part-time or full-time studies, and students at any level of study, whether certificate, undergraduate or graduate. Currently one in 10 TMU students is registered with AAS, and more than 90 per cent of these students are living with invisible disabilities.
As captured in Policy 159, TMU recognizes the many intersections between the social, physical and virtual environments that may create barriers for students with disabilities, and remains committed to addressing these barriers to enhance an accessible educational environment.
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