Academic Accommodations

Students with disabilities are often faced with challenges and barriers in school. All students are expected to demonstrate the essential skills and abilities required in their program; however, students with disabilities may require accommodations to fully participate in their classes and demonstrate their learned knowledge and skills. Each student's background and the disability will be considered carefully when determining appropriate accommodations. It is important that the accommodation meet the student's particular needs without compromising the integrity of the course/program objectives, policy guidelines and professional ethics.

Students requesting accommodations must have appropriate documentation from a specialist in the area of the disability stating the specific academic accommodation required. This documentation must clearly indicate a direct link between the disability and the requested academic accommodation.

The course material, the particular disability, and the specific documentation are looked at to determine what types of accommodations would be appropriate and effective for each student. Students will need to apply for accommodations each semester because there needs to be a clear link between the accommodation and the functional limitations or barriers the student will be experiencing in the classroom in a particular subject. For example, taking courses in English or Social studies may not impact a student with a math disability, or a student with a physical disability could have more challenges in a lab situation than in a classroom environment.

Determining appropriate academic accommodations is a shared responsibility between the student and the College. The agreed upon accommodations are documented in an Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP) to inform instructors about the recommended accommodations. Academic accommodations may include:

• Reduced or modified course load
• Extended time for exams/assignments
• Quiet (distraction-reduced) environment for exams
• Use of computer with specific software
• Education support such as: ASL (American Sign Language) Interpreters, Academic Aides, Scribes, Tutors or Academic Strategists
• Alternate format for learning materials such as: Braille, large print, or audio books
• Assistive Technology

Bow Valley College has a policy related to academic accommodations - "Academic Accommodations and Supports for Students with Disabilities". This policy has more information about the student's and college's responsibilities related to the provision of Academic Accommodations.