This Tuesday, December 3rd, is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This is a great occasion to remind ourselves that access to education is a fundamental right for all, regardless of their circumstances. While it may seem obvious to some, for others there’s still work to be done!
What does the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms say?
- Article 1 of the Charter invokes “personal security, inviolability and freedom”, while Article 4 asserts the right to dignity. You have the right to feel respected, and to live and study in safe environments.
- Article 10 aims for equality for all, without distinction. It implies a right to academic, professional and social accessibility. Article 16 protects you against discrimination in employment and training. You have the right to access education, jobs and social opportunities without being discriminated against.
- Article 15 protects you against discrimination in accessing transportation and public spaces. Article 44 targets the right to information. You have the right to access information and public spaces.
Access to education for all: a right, without exceptions
Every post-secondary institution must have the necessary infrastructure to allow students with disabilities to thrive in their educational pursuits. This includes accessible buildings, trained staff and accommodation.
The centers for support and services aim to foster an inclusive learning environment, by offering reasonable accommodation. And all this, with respect for equality, without discrimination or privilege.
What is reasonable accommodation?
According to the CDPDJ, “Reasonable accommodation is a means used to put an end to any situation of discrimination based on disability, religion, age or any other ground prohibited by the Charter. Accommodating a person may involve adapting a practice, or a general operating rule or granting an exemption to a person in facing discrimination.”
There are differents types of accommodation. Here is the list offered by the Gouvernement du Québec, which shows examples of reasonable accomodation that can be offered by academic institutions:
Tutoring; Extra time for examinations ; Use of a computer and adapted software ; Access to adapted or quiet rooms during exams ; Modified schedule ; Note-taking services ; Physical guidance and help with handling objects ; Production of educational materials in Braille or alternative formats ; Interpretation into sign language or subtitling ; Loan of specialized equipment or use of adapted technologies.
What if I need something that isn’t on the list? Am I being unreasonable?
- No! Of course, having specific needs is not unreasonable. If you aren’t sure that you’re able to access a specific type of accommodation, the best thing to do is ask. You can reach out to the center for support and services at your school. They will be able to tell you which accommodation is already offered, and whether it’s possible to set up other accommodation, depending on the resources available.
Equity and inclusion require ongoing collective work
Everyday we must take a step forward taking us closer to the respect of the rights of all individuals, including students with disabilities – and you have a say in this! Nobody knows your situation better than you do.
At AQEIPS, we support you in the promotion and defense of your rights, so that you can fully thrive in your academic life, without compromising on equity and inclusion. We are there to help and listen to students with disabilities (SWD) by talking with the centers for services and head offices in academic institutions, by writing letters showing our support, and by organizing one-on-one meetings with our members.
There is also a variety of resources out there to help defend your rights, both in school and in your everyday life:
We would like to take a moment to appreciate the students, teachers, staff, activists and government agencies that are slowly paving the way for equitable postsecondary education and equal rights for all.
It is a work of collective labour that we must continue adding to each day, and we are proud to be a part of it!
Sources :
c-12 – Charter of human rights and freedoms
Getting started at college for students with disabilities | Gouvernement du Québec
Reasonable accommodation | CDPDJ
Did you know? : Projet pilote de recherche sur l’opinion publique sur l’accessibilité réalisé par le gouvernement du Canada en 2019
Disability Inclusion and Accessibility infographic – 2021 – Canada.ca
Quiz solution:
Answer B. Reasonable accommodation means changing a rule or a practice to avoid discrimination.