They are responsible for arranging the support services you need. If you have any accessibility challenges in your courses or with services provided,  communicate with the AS department to discuss possible solutions. It’s crucial to inform them of any problems or changes in your schedule, as they won’t know otherwise.

• Explore all options that will work best for your various classes: (don’t be afraid to test out new options).

  • Sign language interpreting.
  • Typewell transcribing.
  • CART transcribing services.
  • Note-taking.
  • Captioning of course materials and videos.
  • Assistive technology (ask about purchase or loan options).
  • Exam accommodations, such as extended time.
  • Financial aid assistance, if needed.

Building a support network of friends, family, and classmates is critical to your success and personal well-being.

• Join ACE-BC’s student mentorship program
• Engage with other Deaf, hard of hearing, and Deafblind students, either locally or online. Share your remote learning successes and challenges with those who have similar communication needs. Ask the AS center to connect you with another student from your institution. Online message boards, Facebook groups, or YouTube channels can also be valuable resources. Check out potential groups promoted on NEADS.
• Be proactive in connecting with classmates to discuss course content or study together.
• The CHHA Peer Support Program may be useful for hard of hearing students, while Deaf students can connect with Deaf Youth Canada or their Facebook page.

• Set up a defined learning space, ideally a quiet room with proper lighting and minimal distractions.
• Ensure your internet connection is strong; hardwired connections are best. Plan for what to do if you lose connection and discuss this plan with your instructors.
• Download and test all necessary software and applications for your classes in advance. Familiarize yourself with your online learning platform.
• Test your assistive listening devices to ensure they connect effectively to your devices.
• Keep your devices charged by plugging them in each night.
• Utilize individual office hours with instructors for one-on-one time to ask questions or address concerns. Book in advance to ensure accessibility services are available.
• For Deaf students with low vision, consider using a web camera with zoom capabilities for better visibility of interpreters.
• Be aware that some platforms may cause the interpreter to disappear if screen sharing is used. This is especially important for users of JAWS and similar tools.
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• Practice self-advocacy: inform your instructor that your service provider will need access to the online learning platform. The AS department can assist with this.
• Ask your instructor about their plan for uploading content and if media materials are captioned. Early access to materials will help you and your service provider.
• Review online tutorials to understand how to access tools used in your courses. For example, Zoom’s general information tutorial can be a good resource.
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• Schedule a meeting with your instructor and service provider (interpreter or transcriber) before the course begins and periodically during the semester.
• Introduce yourself and explain your communication accessibility needs. Keep your instructor, AS office and interpreter or transcribers informed of what is working and what needs improvement.
• Advocate for your needs and ensure all media is accessible. Confirm that course materials are in accessible formats and that videos are properly captioned.
• Educate others about your communication needs, encouraging proper lighting, slower and louder speech, and the use of video for better speech reading.
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• Keep important documents like audiograms, reports, IEPs, loan application printouts, and correspondence organized and accessible.
• Use a calendar to plan coursework, especially if your study schedule is flexible.
• Establish a daily, weekly, and monthly routine to stay on track with deadlines.
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Create a routine that supports your well-being, including time for self-care and staying active. Register for ACE’s free online course, TIPS, for more information about managing your well-being and learning in Module 8.

• Ensure you have communication with your accessibility advisor and service providers.
• Adjust email notification settings on your LMS to manage the frequency of emails.
• Learn how to access your school email and consider forwarding it to your personal email.
• Set Specific Times for Checking Email: Limit how often you check your email, such as once in the morning and once in the evening. This helps you focus on other tasks without constant interruptions.
• Prioritize Emails: Quickly scan your inbox for urgent or important emails, and address those first. You can mark less urgent emails to read later.
• Use the Two-Minute Rule: If an email can be handled in two minutes or less, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and falling behind.
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Remember that you’re not alone and can be successful! Use challenges as learning opportunities and work with Accessibility Services to find new ways to make your learning experience better.

• Ask about the learning management system (LMS) being used and inform the instructor that your service providers will need access.
• Find out if the class is asynchronous or synchronous, as this will impact your accommodation requests.
• Ensure that all media, especially videos, are captioned and accessible.
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• Share your experiences, including what accommodations work best and any back-up plans needed in case of technology failures or other unexpected challenges.
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