Topic Progress:

How does it feel to be a student with a disability in your institution?

We can never know exactly how it feels to walk in another person’s shoes, but we can develop empathy for the challenges faced by students with disabilities. Research studies have shown that the way that instructors interact with students and their attitude towards students with diverse needs, has more impact than any other accommodation or support (Orr, 2009).

Instructors play a major role just by being approachable, keeping an open dialogue and creating a safe and respectful environment.

Video: What I wish my instructor had known

In this video, students reflect on their experiences in post-secondary education and talk about the things they wish their instructor knew.

What I Wish They Knew from Selkirk College on Vimeo.

As you watch the video, think about the following questions:

  • Why didn’t this student speak up and tell their instructor about their challenges?
  • What could the instructor have done differently to improve communication with this student?

What does an inclusive campus look like?

There is no easy answer to this question. Just as each campus is unique, so is every student. Institutions will always be evolving and trying new methods as they try to improve their practice. However, there are several key characteristics that help a campus to be as inclusive as possible for students with different learning needs.

Click on the accordions below to expand and learn more.

A safe, respectful environment where diverse students feel welcome.

An environment where students feel comfortable being themselves and where they feel that their instructors and college staff are there to help them learn. This can be achieved through open lines of communication between staff and students, both in person and online. Staff hold high expectations for all students, including students with disabilities, and work together to meet the diverse needs of students.

Academic accommodations and supports that help to level the playing field for students with disabilities.

Instructors and the Disability Services work together to provide accommodations based on the documented needs of students. These accommodations do not change any of the essential requirements of the program, but do remove barriers to learning.

Creating inclusive learning environments and campus communities.

The campus environment and the courses offered are designed from the outset to be accessible to as many people as possible. The physical space is accessible to people in wheelchairs and with visual impairments. Courses offer flexibility and choice, so that all students can learn and demonstrate their knowledge in different ways. Online learning environments are accessible to students who use assistive technology or are hard of hearing or deaf.

Staff and students use a team-based approach with ongoing communication and collaboration.

Students feel confident discussing their learning needs as soon as they enter the program, rather than waiting until they are already having difficulties. Disability Services staff and Instructors work together to make sure that accommodations do not interfere with the essential learning outcomes of the course. Instructors are encouraged to seek support from Disability Service at any time for help with assistive technology or concerns about students with disabilities in their classes.

Video: An example of a college working to be more inclusive

The college in this video is working to make sure that its online content is accessible to all students. As you watch, think about:

  • What barriers exist for students with disabilities accessing online environments?
  • What is PCC doing to remove these barriers?
Online InstructionsFacilitator Notes

Ask yourself – What is your college doing to help create an inclusive campus?

Some factors you might consider:

  • Physical environment and accessibility
  • Accessibility of online content
  • Assistive technology
  • Individual accommodations
  • Universal Design for Learning
  • Respect and empathy for diverse learners

Group Discussion Question:

What is your college doing to help create an inclusive campus?

Some factors to consider include:

  • Physical environment and accessibility
  • Accessibility of online content
  • Assistive technology
  • Individual accommodations
  • Universal Design for Learning
  • Respect and empathy for diverse learners

As a facilitator, you may wish to share your institutions strategic plans, resources and/or tools around supporting students with disabilities at this point of the course.