Academic Accommodation Support
Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility are essential components of a modern postsecondary institution. TMU is influenced by the diversity of ideas and experiences that members of our community bring, and finding solutions to remove barriers is a key university priority. Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) provides resources, education, training, and direct services such as academic accommodation plans in order that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to access and participate in higher education.
4,750+
students are supported by AAS (11% of the TMU student population)
Making academic accommodations a shared responsibility
In 2023, Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) pinpointed a common critical issue across disability service offices (DSOs): The lack of formalized, proactive outreach from the DSO to faculty regarding disability services within postsecondary institutions.
To address this gap in communication, the AAS team implemented initiatives to enhance faculty engagement, training and support regarding accommodations and perspectives of disability at TMU. In August 2023, AAS launched the Policy 159 Training modules to educate instructors on academic accommodations, and support them in understanding how to dismantle barriers to best support students with disabilities.
90+% of students registered with AAS are living with invisible disabilities
225 instructors have completed the Policy 159 training
95% would recommend the training to a colleague
The training has created a culture shift at TMU – one of empathy, increased awareness and sensitivity, and an appreciation for inclusive design. The training has proven to be successful in helping faculty recognize their shared responsibility to support academic accommodations for students.
"What was a bit humbling was that 3/4 of the negative assumptions on those cards about why students apply for/receive accommodations applied to me. I wondered if I was making an unequal classroom for those who didn't have accommodations. It was a humbling but good moment that challenged my assumptions and changed my mind. Thank you for that."
Engaging with students to improve service delivery
AAS continued to see an upward trend in student registrations, with over 1,000 new registrations in fall 2023 alone – a 42% increase over the past five years. With the growing number of students registering in AAS services, it is important that we listen to and work alongside students to ensure that our service delivery model meets their needs. This year, we launched the first-ever AAS Student Advisory Committee (SAC) – a collaborative initiative between students and staff to provide insight and guidance on AAS programming and services. Over the upcoming year, AAS leadership will work towards implementing recommendations from the SAC.
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The 2023-24 academic year marked a period of growth for AAS, and a strategic shift in our service delivery after launching the Policy 159 Training program. We entered a new era of partnerships with key stakeholders on campus, creating a culture of collaboration with students, faculty and instructors as we all navigate the shared responsibility of accommodations.
I’m proud of the dedication of our team to creating a more equitable and inclusive environment at TMU. Looking ahead to the next year, we will continue to drive innovations, including developing supports for students with mental health and ADHD diagnoses, and conducting a benchmark survey to gather student feedback and identify areas of improvement.
Brian Williams, Acting Director, Academic Accommodation Support