In higher educational institutions (HEI) many programs include a work-integrated-learning component. When accommodations are needed during work-integrated learning (WIL), the lack of accessibility within placement sites can cause students to leave their programs or limit their employment. Providing accommodations for students with disabilities is made even more complicated during WIL because more than one institution is involved in the accommodation process.
In response, our Work Integrated Learning Accommodation and Accessibility (WILAA) Community of Practice (CoP) arose from work being done by ‘AcTinSite’. With a one-year SSHRC Connection Grant WiLAA aims to share knowledge related to the research project. With this funding, we created learning opportunities and ways for people to share their lived experiences. With these ideas in mind, WILAA Community of Practice was developed to create a space where people can learn and support each other while addressing accessibility and accommodations during WIL.
People may want to engage with WILAA to build a supportive network of knowledge to address the complexities of accessibility and accommodations associated with WIL. WILAA will support the creation of such a space through:
- Access to a collaborative learning environment where people share their lived experiences and institutional knowledge related to accessible WIL.
- Access to networking events to help people develop trusting relationships with others working in accessible WIL.
- Access to educational events for members to learn more about providing accessibility or accommodations during WIL.
AcTinSite:
AcTinSite is a 3- year SSHRC funded research project aiming to make the accommodation process easier for students navigating work-integrated-learning (WIL). AcTinSite comprises five partner institutions:
- George Brown College,
- Sunnybrook Health Science Centre,
- The Hospital for Sick Children,
- The University of Toronto, and
- York University.
For more please explore:
WILAA Community of Practice 