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The college is expected to be deliberate in considering if an academic task can or cannot be adapted to meet an accommodation.
The term essential requirement has a specific meaning in the field of human rights legislation and jurisprudence and is defined as that which cannot be adapted without compromising the basic objective of the task; it cannot be done in another way without significantly altering what is intrinsic to the task or activity.
- Course instructors and departments are responsible for identifying and evaluating course requirements they consider essential including skills, knowledge, and attitudes.
- Course objectives and learning outcomes should be included in this process.
- Evaluation for a subsequent purpose such as those of a licensing body or for potential workplace requirements should not be considered. The focus must be on meeting the direct requirements of a specific course or college program.
- Consult with the regulator (if there is one affecting curriculum) regarding assumptions about if and to what extent a task can or cannot be adapted.
What is the task requirement?
- How and to what standard and under which conditions is the student required to do the task?
- What is the necessity of doing it that way?
- What evidence is there of the necessity to do it that way?
- Do practitioners in the field do it that way?
- Do other programs also require it be done that way?
- What is the assumption driving the requirement to be demonstrated in that way?
- Could that assumption be outdated or not relevant in this case?
- Be prepared to have a conversation with the regulator if there is one to verify
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