Currently, there are no AODA education standards. However, two AODA standards development committees have drafted recommendations of guidelines that AODA education standards should include. One committee has recommended guidelines for the kindergarten to grade twelve (K-12) education system. In contrast, the other committee has recommended guidelines for the university and college education system. In this article, we outline the Postsecondary Committee’s recommendations for accessibility review of college and university financial policies.
The committee’s mandate from the Ontario government requires recommendations focused on publicly-funded colleges and universities. However, students and educators with disabilities also face barriers in other education settings, including:
- Privately-funded colleges and universities
- Transitional job training programs
Therefore, all these settings should comply with the forthcoming postsecondary education standards.
Accessibility Review of College and University Financial policies
The Committee recommends that the government should review existing financial policies and practices, in consultation with:
- Financial aid administrators
- Students with disabilities
- Accessibility services staff
This review should identify and prevent any differentials that disadvantage students with disabilities. For example, delays in disability-related government funding could result in late payment fees for students. Instead, colleges and universities should create a process to permit later payment of tuition fees for students waiting for this funding.
Similarly, students may need to defer exams for disability-related reasons, such as hospital stays. However, these students should not need to pay administrative fees for this exam deferral. Likewise, students may require increased space in residence or other housing allotments, such as:
- A single room, instead of a double room
- Space for an attendant
Colleges and universities should waive any fees for housing upgrades, if students need these upgrades for accessibility reasons. Comparably, students may need to use accessible parking spaces in premium locations, such as underground or near buildings. Colleges and universities should waive any fee increases for these premium locations when students need them.
Review of Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) Time Limits
Likewise, the government should conduct a detailed review of ten (10) year funding time limits required by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), in consultation with:
- The Canada Student Loans Program
- Students with disabilities
Some of these students may attend college or university for longer than ten (10) years, because they:
- Take fewer courses per year, resulting in more years of school
- Acquire advanced degrees
- Return to postsecondary education due to:
- Changes in their disabilities or the workplace
- Challenges in securing employment after graduation
Review of the Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
In addition, the government should review and update Assistive Devices Program (ADP) funding allowances, to take into account:
- Inflation
- Changing technologies
- Added costs, such as:
- Administrative fees
- Service charges
- Increased need for assistive devices as a result of COVID-19
Policy Impact and Posting
Colleges, universities, the government, and other stakeholders should measure how these policy improvements impact student retention, and the quality of student experience.
Moreover, financial aid policies for schools, faculties, and departments should clearly outline eligibility requirements for students with disabilities. Furthermore, all information about a school’s financial aid should be available for all students to read. Colleges and universities should post this information in:
- Prominent locations
- Plain language
- Accessible formats
Similarly, new and improved financial aid policies should appear in accessible formats, including plain language. They should also avoid intersectional discrimination. These policies should be posted on college and university websites, as well as provincial financial aid websites.
Financial Aid Resource
Finally, the government should create a resource informing students and financial aid administrators about all programs for financial aid and other disability-related funding, such as:
- OSAP
- ADP
This resource should outline eligibility guidelines for each program, as well as important deadlines and restrictions. A notification system should help students and administrators keep track of programs and timelines relevant to them.
The AODA Postsecondary Education Standards Development Committee recommends review of financial policies. Learn more now.