CPLED strives to ensure its programs are accessible and barrier-free to all students, but we know that some students may experience barriers to full participation in our programs. Students who experience barriers because of a characteristic protected under applicable Human Rights legislation are entitled to accommodation.
The purpose of accommodation is to preserve fairness for all students. The granting of an accommodation is done on an individual student basis and is dependent on the ability to maintain the integrity, security, and standards of CPLED’s programs.
CPLED will work with students to facilitate accommodation that most effectively reduces or eliminates established barriers. The accommodation process is collaborative, and the responsibility to facilitate reasonable accommodation is shared by CPLED and the student.
If a student decides to apply for accommodation in a CPLED program, it is strongly recommended that an Application for Accommodation is submitted as early as possible. The accommodation process takes time, including:
- The time it may take the student to gather the required supporting documentation for the application. For example, this might include scheduling and waiting for appointments to obtain medical documentation or contacting a university for records of prior accommodations.
- The time it will take CPLED to review, approve, and implement the accommodation. For example, following up with the student, making a decision, or considering any technical or logistical adaptations that need to be made to facilitate a student’s participation in the program.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete and submit an application to CPLED. Grounds for accommodation must be clearly established and supported through the application process. CPLED may request additional documentation once an application is submitted. Students can expect the time between submitting a completed application to the accommodation being approved and implemented to be at least two weeks. For this reason, CPLED requires completed applications to be submitted at least two weeks before the student expects the accommodation to be implemented unless otherwise specified.
We understand that accommodation needs unrelated to a pre-existing condition or circumstance (for example, a car accident) may arise for students after the accommodation deadline. In these limited circumstances, CPLED will work with the student to develop an accommodation strategy. However, CPLED may not be in a position to implement the student’s requested accommodation on such short notice.
To apply for accommodation, please review the Accommodation Policy and complete and submit an Application for Accommodation.
Accommodation during Capstone Assessments
Accommodation deadlines are different for the Capstone, given the complexity of this high-stakes assessment phase of PREP. Capstone accommodation deadlines can be found on the program schedule page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, CPLED is committed to working collaboratively with students in all our programs to develop suitable accommodation strategies and discuss available options with students. Due to the compressed schedule of Accelerated PREP, requests for extra time may need to be accommodated by transitioning students to the nine-month delivery of PREP.
In developing accommodated schedules, we make every effort to keep students within the schedule for the intake in which they are enrolled. However, particularly if an accommodation includes extra time (for example, time and a half or double time for assignments), a perfect accommodation may involve pushing students’ enrolment beyond their current intake. This could mean completing a phase or phases of the program (including Capstone) with a future intake. Depending on their individual needs, students may wish to consider an alternate accommodated schedule which keeps them in their scheduled intake.
Complete and return the Application for Accommodation available on our policy page, along with any supporting documentation. Please note that there are separate forms for PREP and LRW students.
Students who identify a need for accommodation during the registration process are still required to submit a completed Application for Accommodation.
The Accommodation Policy is available on our policy page.
Supporting documentation is important to help CPLED staff understand the type of accommodations which will enable a student’s full participation in their program. When reviewing and requesting what to provide with their application, students should provide:
- Information and documentation which supports a current need for accommodation.
- Evidence of any past accommodations which enabled full participation in school or at work.
Students are requested to provide as much information as possible to facilitate an appropriate accommodation. CPLED does not assess medical conditions, so we rely on documentation from other professionals to determine the type of accommodation which will meet students’ needs. This means it is essential to have the professional completing the medical portion of the application review the form carefully and include as much detail as possible regarding the accommodation needed.
If a student requests accommodation, CPLED will keep their information strictly confidential. Information will be used and disclosed solely for the purposes of considering or administering the accommodation.
CPLED encourages students to self-identify individual needs, however it is a student’s decision as to whether they will request accommodation.
Students can expect the time between submitting a completed application to the accommodation being approved and implemented to be at least two weeks. For this reason, CPLED requires completed applications to be submitted at least two weeks before the student is expecting the accommodation to be implemented unless otherwise specified.
Accommodation deadlines are different for Capstone, given the complexity of this high-stakes evaluative phase of PREP. Capstone accommodation deadlines can be found on the program schedule page.
Upon receipt, accommodation applications and supporting documentation will be reviewed by CPLED staff. CPLED may request additional information or schedule a meeting with the student if necessary.
Once CPLED has all the information needed to consider an application, a decision will be issued to the student in a timely manner.
Students can contact accommodations@cpled.ca with all accommodation inquiries.
Yes, as long as you are registered for a CPLED program, you can apply for accommodation before your program actually starts.
Accommodation requests are made on human rights-protected grounds, which include more than medical conditions or disabilities. If your grounds for accommodation are not health-related, please follow the same application process but omit the submissions from medical providers.
CPLED does not have an accessibility advisor on staff. This means that we do not provide advice or recommendations to students regarding their accommodation options. CPLED staff can provide options to students for their consideration based on the accommodation request and program schedule.
The accommodation process is intended to be collaborative, with CPLED staff and students working together to develop and implement accommodation strategies. If you feel your current accommodation no longer meets your needs, please contact accommodations@cpled.ca to discuss potential changes.
If your accommodation needs to change while you are undergoing evaluation (for example, during your Capstone), CPLED will work with you to review any necessary adjustments to your accommodation. However, CPLED may not be in a position to implement your requested adjustment on such short notice.
