Webinar Wednesday Recap: Accessible Education Services 

Last week, we hosted a Webinar Wednesday session all about Accessible Education Services (AES) at Fleming College. If you couldn’t join us live, don’t worry. Below are some of the key highlights from the session, along with the full recording to watch whenever it’s convenient for you. 

During the webinar, prospective students connected with Amie Kroes, Director of Health Promotion, Counselling and Accessible Education Services, to learn how Fleming supports students in creating equitable and accessible learning environments. 

The session explored who can access AES, how to register, documentation requirements, examples of academic accommodations, funding options, and additional services available to support students throughout their time at Fleming. 

What is Accessible Education Services (AES)?  

Accessible Education Services works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to help create equitable and accessible learning environments at Fleming College. 

AES advisors and accommodation specialists meet individually with students to understand their disability or human rights-related needs and develop a plan to help remove barriers to accessing their education. 

Accommodations aren’t about giving students an advantage. They’re about creating equitable access so students can participate fully in their education while continuing to meet the learning outcomes and essential requirements of their program. 

AES services are free, confidential, and voluntary. 

Three Key Takeaways 

1. Support is Individualized to You

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to academic accommodations. 

Students may connect with AES for a variety of reasons, including a diagnosed disability, a previous Individual Education Plan (IEP), a temporary condition such as a concussion, or needs related to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code. 

Even students with the same diagnosis may experience very different barriers. That’s why AES looks at each student’s individual needs, experiences, functional limitations, and program requirements when determining appropriate accommodations. 

Examples of accommodations discussed during the webinar included: 

• Extra time for tests or in-class activities 

• Quiet spaces for testing 

• Due date extensions 

• Disability-related absences 

• Advanced copies of notes 

• Recording classes 

• Access to a computer or assistive technology 

• Alternative textbook formats 

• Ergonomic setups 

• Reduced course loads 

• ASL interpretation 

• Scribes or dictation software 

Accommodations do not change learning outcomes, lower academic standards, guarantee success, or remove essential program requirements. Instead, they are designed to remove barriers and provide equitable access. 

2. You Can Reach Out Even If You Don’t Have Documentation Yet

If you think you may benefit from Accessible Education Services, you don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. 

Students can begin by completing the AES intake form available on Fleming’s website. After the form is received, students are connected with an AES advisor or accommodation specialist to discuss their needs, previous experiences, documentation, and potential accommodations. 

Documentation helps the AES team understand a student’s functional limitations and determine appropriate accommodations. Students do not necessarily have to disclose their specific diagnosis, but documentation must support the need for accommodation. 

Documentation may include a psychoeducational or neuropsychological assessment, an OSAP Disability Verification Form, a psychological or psychiatric report, a doctor’s note, or documentation from another appropriate medical practitioner. 

An IEP on its own is not considered disability documentation and does not automatically transfer from high school to college. However, students are still encouraged to share their IEP because it can help AES understand accommodations that have worked for them in the past. 

Don’t have your documentation anymore? Reach out anyway. AES can help students understand their options for obtaining appropriate documentation and may be able to establish interim accommodations while that process is underway. 

3. Reach Out Early to Explore Accommodations and Funding 

One of the biggest messages from the webinar was simple: reach out early. 

Some assessments, including psychoeducational assessments, can have a significant cost. Depending on a student’s circumstances, funding may be available to help cover assessments, assistive technology, and other disability-related educational supports. 

Domestic students may have access to funding through programs such as the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities and the Bursary for Students with Disabilities. Eligibility requirements apply, including OSAP-related requirements for some funding. 

International students may have access to coverage for assessments through their health insurance plan, with International Student Services available to provide more information. 

Because some funding must be applied for and used within specific timelines, connecting with AES early in the semester can make the process much easier. 

As Amie emphasized during the webinar, don’t wait until you’re already struggling. The AES team is there to help students understand their options and access available supports. 

Check Out The Full Webinar:

Have Questions or Want to Learn More?

If you’re wondering whether Accessible Education Services might be right for you, you’re encouraged to reach out, even if you’re not sure whether you qualify for support. 

The AES team can talk through your situation, help you understand documentation requirements, discuss potential accommodations, and connect you with other Fleming services when appropriate. 

For more information, visit the Accessible Education Services section of Fleming’s website or contact Counselling and Accessible Education Services at caes@flemingcollege.ca. 

Be sure to explore upcoming Webinar Wednesday sessions for more opportunities to learn about studying and accessing student supports at Fleming College.  

Can’t Make it to a Live Webinar Event?

No problem! We’ll save video recordings on Fleming’s official YouTube channel. And don’t worry, Program Coordinators are always available to answer your questions!    

For more information about Webinar Wednesdays, please contact Student Recruitment.