Several Ontario MPPs and MPs were copied on recent correspondence from a group identifying itself as Concerned Members of the London Deaf Community. The correspondence outlines a number of concerns about the accommodation provided to Deaf students at Fanshawe College. Fanshawe College takes pride in its commitment to serving the individual needs of every student who attends here. Nowhere is this effort more evident than in the areas of accessibility/accommodation. We believe our Accessibility Counsellors meet and exceed professional credentials and ethical standards required in providing services to students and that is demonstrated by our history of success in supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. We are reaching out to each of our current students to ensure that their individual accommodation needs continue to be met. We also want to ensure that each student has full knowledge of accommodation policies and processes available to them should they wish to address any specific concerns. This will include information on how to access our complaints procedures, as well as how to access support through our Ombuds Office and our Fanshawe Student Union. We have indicated to our current students that due to privacy laws, it would not be appropriate for the College to discuss specific individual situations in a group setting, however we have offered to meet one on one with each of our current students to better understand their concerns. We are also working to set up a meeting in the coming weeks with the group of individuals who were listed on the letter. We take our students concerns very seriously. We meet regularly with students who are Deaf and will continue to do so, reinforcing the strong relationship that contributes to an overall positive student experience here at the College. Please find below some questions and answers on our accessibility services at Fanshawe. Yours truly,
Cathie Auger
Vice President, Student Services
Fanshawe College
Questions and Answers
How many students are served by Fanshawes Counselling and Accessibility Services? Each year at Fanshawe, we work with more than 4,800 students for counselling and accessibility related needs. Fanshawe currently supports over 2,000 students who have specifically identified themselves as having a disability including 76 students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The Ministry Interpreter Fund supports 1 service for each student who has identified as Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This past year the Interpreter Fund was accessed for 24 students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing for either interpreter or professional note taking services. How many interpreters does Fanshawe employ? This year we have contracted with 15 interpreters. Fanshawe requires all interpreters to be graduates of a recognized Interpreter Training program. We strongly encourage our interpreters to be members of AVLIC (Association for Visual Language Interpreters of Canada). Interpreters are all independent contractors who are booked on an hourly basis. OIS (Ontario Interpreter Services) designation, availability, experience, student preference, skill level, and areas of subject expertise are all factors considered when contracting with interpreters. What accommodations are given to deaf or hard of hearing students? Accommodations vary and are based on the unique situation of each student but may include the provision of sign-language interpreters, language clarification, subject specific tutors, peer or professional note-takers, captioned media, FM systems, and various exam accommodations which may include extended time, and private locations. Are interpreters assigned for the entire academic term? Yes, interpreters are assigned based on mandatory class schedules. They are also often booked to provide service for individual appointments in the College such as meetings with an advisor or staff member, an appointment with an on-campus service (e.g: Financial Aid), or for a class-related small group project meeting. Advance notice is required to arrange for any service. Requests arising from last minute schedule changes or impromptu meetings may at times present logistical challenges