Doula Training Canada Inc.
Academic Accommodation Policy and Procedure
Doula Training Canada Inc. (DTC) is committed to creating a learning environment rooted in mutual respect, dignity and equity. We recognize that every person has the right to be free from discrimination and that accommodations may be necessary to ensure that individual students receive equitable treatment as guided by the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Disabled students are a diverse group, and experience disability and barriers to accessing many different ways. Disabilities take many different forms and may be invisible and/or episodic.. Regardless of the type of disability that a student has, they are entitled to reasonable accommodation.
Scope:
This policy applies to all people enrolled in Doula Training Canada programs.
Definitions:
Accommodation refers to the services, adaptations,and/or strategies that provide all students with an equitable opportunity to meet the essential requirements of their course or program, with no alteration in standards or learning outcomes. Accommodations do not alter what is being taught per se but may change how a student learns and demonstrates their knowledge of the content.
Academic accommodations are individually determined and may include teaching and learning accommodations (e.g note taking), assessment and evaluation accommodations (e.g. more time to write exams), environmental accommodations (strategic seating), and auxiliary services and supports (e.g. alternate format text).
When determining and implementing appropriate accommodations, we consider the essential requirements of the course or program. Essential requirements are defined as:
- The knowledge and skills that must be acquired or demonstrated in order for a student to successfully meet the learning objectives.
- Something that must be demonstrated in a particular way or via a particular method or equipment, with no alternatives.
Undue hardship refers to the extent to which an employer, facility and/or service provider must attempt to accommodate the needs of an employee, job applicant and/or service recipient who has demonstrated that accommodation is required on grounds protected in the Code.
The three factors under the Code that can be considered in determining undue hardship are:
- cost of the accommodation, i.e., whether or not the cost threatens the viability of DTC
- outside sources of funding, if any, i.e., whether DTC can access special funding, such as grants to alleviate some of the direct costs of the accommodation;
- health and safety requirements, if any.
Policy Statements
- DTC will provide accommodation to students, to the point of undue hardship, and commits itself to an accommodation process that respects the principles of dignity and privacy, inclusion, and individualization.
- DTC will not deny an accommodation request on the basis that a student may not be successful in the program or find work in related employment.
- DTC will not implement accommodations that would fundamentally alter course or program requirements or exempt a student from the requirement to demonstrate competency in the subject matter. Once an accommodation is provided, students are expected to meet the essential requirements of their course and/or program.
- DTC will use a partnership approach to the accommodation process whereby the responsibilities are shared between the student/applicant requiring accommodation and the Education Coordinator.
Procedure
- The student shall identify their disability by completing the Academic Accommodation form or contacting the Education Coordinator Sondra@doulatraining.ca . Within 2 weeks of registration of their program.
- After the completion of the form the student will have the option to meet with the Education Coordinator to review and assess the necessary information and documentation of the disability within 10 business days. If the student chooses to opt out of the meeting the student may be contacted by the Education Coordinator if any clarification is needed. The student may also request a meeting with the Education Coordinator at any time.
- Together, the student and the Education Coordinator shall identify and discuss appropriate academic accommodations, and then create an individualized plan.
