The Policy Journey Continues: Academic Accommodation for Students Experiencing Disabilities (& an Update

on Developing BFERS)

Session ID# 413

Room 200C2

#cacuss14 @cacusstweets

B O N N I EL

P A TNKE

P A R D O Ph. D.

T M.Ed.

Presenters:

Crossword puzzle using the names Pat Pardo and Bonnie Blankert

February 2014

Accessibility Services “Hell or High Water” Team

Accessibility Staff seated on bench wearing "Hell or High Water" t-shirts.

Learning Outcomes:

During the session, participants will:1. consider potential struggles and successes with

implementing an amended academic accommodation policy.

2. examine the complex issues associated with embedding BFER’s within post secondary curriculum.

3. explore the roles of both faculty and accessibility services during development of BFER’s.

Session Outline:

• Process of amending Policy 0517• Highlights of the amended policy• Update regarding the roll out of BFER’s• Small group discussion of experiences in rolling

out BFER’s• Large group feedback• Invitation to consider a community of learning

Amending/Revising Policy

• Reflecting on your experience, what drives policy change?

Amending Policy 0517 in 2006

Regular Policy Review (from late 1990’s!)• Highlight

Aligned policy with 2004 AHRC Interpretive Bulletin

• Shortcomings recognized at the timeNo “buy in” from Faculty No appropriate appeals process

• Rushed through

Amending/Revising Policy 0517 - 2012

Regular Policy Review and driven by:• Need to develop effective appeals

processes/structures and authority• Lack of institutional readiness to consider

different levels of accommodation• Partnership with Diversity and Human Rights • Opportunity for overt expression of UD and

Social Construction theory

Companions on the Policy Revision Journey

• Sponsored by VP SACL and Provost & VP Academic• Members:

– Diversity and Human Rights Advisor– Manager Accessibility Services – Dean’s Council Representative– One Chair– Faculty Member appointed by MRFA– Student Executive samru– One student registered with Accessibility Services– One Access Advisor

Highlights of Our Longer-Than-Expected Journey

• Student survey and testimonials– MRU student – impact of negative experience– U of C student – experience and research– Impact these had on Committee Faculty

members• Faculty Survey – 245 respondents• U of M’s “Cooper Report” – faculty champion• New life for the Universal Accessibility Policy

Policy Review Major Recommendations/Outcomes:

• Authority framework – type and level• Timely and consistent appeal process• Accessibility Advisory Committees for each

Faculty/School• Self Advocacy process support for some students• Improve awareness and knowledge • Need for faculty to determine bona fide

educational requirements

How MRU Defines BFER

• Bona fide educational requirements (BFER) are those requirements that are a reasonable and justifiable component of a program that may limit entry to, or completion of, a program or course.

Pat’s Path on the BFER Journey: Where We Are Now

The invitation to develop a proposal.

Opportunity to Connect with Other Stakeholders

• Associate VP Enrolment Management• Academic Development Centre• Director of Career Services

Small Group Discussion (25 Minutes): Please make a record of your conversation.

1. What are your experiences regarding development of BFER’s? (challenges, obstacles, successes, best practices)

2. Has the BFER conversation hindered or enhanced your relationship with faculty?

3. What do you think the role of the Accessibility department should be when considering the development of BFER’s

Large Group Debrief

• Sharing small group conversations

• Next steps?

• Student Mental Health at MRU – Report and Recommendations – President’s Task Force

– http://www.mtroyal.ca/AboutMountRoyal/PresidentsTaskForceonStudentMentalHealth/ReportRecommendations/index.htm

• MRU Universal Access Policy 1702-2 • MRU Academic Accommodation for Students Exp

eriencing Disability Policy 0517– https://notesweb.mtroyal.ca/President/MRCPolic.nsf

• U of Manitoba Cooper Commission Report – http://umanitoba.ca/student/saa/accessibility/cooper-commission-report.html

Resources

Questions/Feedback? Contact Information

• Dr. Patricia Pardo, Managerppardo@mtroyal.ca 403-440-7177

• Bonnie Blankert, Access Advisorbblankert@mtroyal.ca 403-440-5959

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In lieu of presenter gifts, CACUSS has made a donation to Brunswick Street Mission

Thank You<Session ID# 413>

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