This page is meant to provide faculty resources supporting students with disabilities. This includes information on accommodations, frequently asked questions, and how to improve accessibility within course material. Accessible Learning Services Staff are also available to meet to answer questions directly or otherwise discuss ways to improve how we work together to support students.
Acadia University is dedicated to improving access to campus life for all students with disabilities. While we attempt to ensure that all courses are accessible, we recognize that there are barriers that need to be addressed on an individual basis. Students who require accommodations to complete coursework or otherwise fully participate in class should contact Accessible Learning Services directly as soon as possible.
Please visit Accessible Learning Services website or email them at disability.access@acadiau.ca for more information.
Each professor will receive a list of the students enrolled in one or more of their classes who are registered with our services as well as their individual accommodations. We do our best to ensure the list is complete and sent at the beginning of each term, however you may receive additional notifications as the term progresses. This is due to the fact that a student’s accommodations may be updated due to a change in their documentation and are also able to register with us at any time.
As part of their accommodations some students may be writing tests, exams, or other assessments, in an alternative location. Depending upon the nature of the exam and the student’s accommodation, this may be in group or individual setting. All efforts are made to ensure academic integrity and tests are proctored appropriately. Typically, the alternative spaces we use are in Rhodes Hall however during busy times rooms elsewhere on campus may be used.
Accommodations are protected under human rights legislation and as such Acadia University is legally required to provide these supports. Should you have any questions regarding a student’s accommodations please contact Accessible Learning directly.
The registration process begins by setting up an appointment via disability.access@acadiau.ca and can be completed at any point in the semester/year of study. All accommodations are set based on the assessed needs in their documentation.
While some accommodations may be more common than others each student will have their accommodations set individually. Examples of previous accommodations include: a Note taker, recorded lectures, additional time on assessments (x1.5 or x2), reader and/or scribe during tests, completing assessments in an alternative space, access to lecture notes before or after lectures. While these are more common, these examples do not capture the full breadth of different accommodations that you may see.
A student may receive accommodations on a temporary basis due to a medical reason with an anticipated recovery (surgery, concussion, broken bone, etc). A student may also be given temporary accommodations until we are able to receive up to date documentation that supports permanent accommodations. Permanent accommodations are set once we have documentation from a Medical Professional outlining the accommodations needed to best support the student.
Academic performance should always be address confidentially. If you believe a student may benefit from our services, please let them know privately through email or in a meeting. Should they be ineligible for accommodations we may be able to provide academic supports or referrals.
Academic performance should always be address confidentially. If you believe a student may benefit from our services, please let them know privately through email or in a meeting. Should they be ineligible for accommodations we may be able to provide academic supports or referrals.
Making Your Website Accessible (acadiau.ca)
These tips from the Acadia HUB article can be applied when creating your ACORN page.
Guideline on Accommodating Students with Disabilities in Post-Secondary Institutions
A helpful resource developed by the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.
Supporting Students with Disabilities | Introduction (unb.ca)
Additional insight into supporting students with disabilities.
Creating a Culture of Accessibility in the Sciences
This book provides research based evidence and advice on integrating students with disabilities into the STEM fields.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is considered a gold standard for curriculum development. The focus on developing content that is accessible for all is a great way to ensure you don’t need to adapt your course design at a later date.
UDL At A Glance - YouTube
Check out this short video on UDL for ways to make assessments within your class more accessible.
Making Science Labs Accessible to Students with Disabilities
An article on applying universal design to a science lab setting.
disability.access@acadiau.ca
Tel: 902.585.1291, 902.585.1605, 902.585.1823
Fax: 902.585.1093
Mail: Accessible Learning Services, Box 189
21 University Ave
Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6
Rhodes Hall, Rooms 111 — 115
Summer Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm