Mental Health Advocacy and Accessibility

Brandy Usick and Carolyn Christie Student Advocacy and Accessibility

Student Support

Student Advocacy and Accessibility Team

Student Accessibility Services

The University of Manitoba has designated Student Accessibility Services (“SAS”) to facilitate the implementation of accommodations for students with documented disabilities

Student Accessibility Services: 2013-2014 Statistics

Steps in Provision of Services• Student registers with SAS• Student provides documentation

– assessment from a ‘registered health professional’– may include recommendations re accommodations

• Partnership student/faculty/SAS • Accessibility Advisors

– create individualized accommodation plan based on documentation, expertise on‘best practices’ and standard accommodations, and

– uphold academic standards (e.g. essential skills and technical abilities, bona fide academic requirements)

Mental Health AccommodationsMay include:• Extra time for completing tests, exams and

assignments including oral exams (e.g. thesis defense)

• Academic materials in advance, and/or in alternative formats

• Assistive technology• Experiential learning

(practicum/clinical/field) accommodations and support

Advocacy for Students• Education

– as part of service/support encounter– outreach and awareness

• Assistance with special requests– authorized withdrawals, leaves of

absence, etc.• Complaint resolution

– resolve at lowest level

The Cooper Commission Recommendations

• Education on responsibilities and procedures• Revised policy and procedures

– Including formal appeal procedure• Specialized decision making body

– Accommodation Teams

• Handbook• Annual report to Senate• Better documenting academic standards

– Bona fide academic requirements– Essential skills and technical abilities

Resources

Questions?

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presentation

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