Creating a university experience for all

For Anita Kwan, everyone deserves an accessible educational experience. 

An alumnus of SFU’s psychology program, Kwan has worked in multiple roles removing barriers to learning, from financial aid to accessibility. In 2013, she began working at SFU’s Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) as a Disability Service Officer before transitioning into her current role as a Disability Access Advisor.

As an advisor, Kwan works one-on-one with students to understand their needs and explore possible accommodations.

"My first point of contact is usually at an intake where I meet with students to get to know them and understand the impact of their disability,” says Kwan. “Whether that's in class, during exams, while they're studying, or attendance and participation–all aspects of coursework. Then we look at accommodations that might be able to address or mitigate some of that impact for them and put that into place as an accommodation plan.”

Kwan also works with faculty and instructors to answer questions and address concerns around putting accommodations into practice. Kwan likes to reassure faculty that this does not mean changing the academic requirements or designing new modules. 

Per SFU policy, an accommodation enables the student to show their knowledge and skill without diluting curriculum or credentials. 

“We're looking at ways that allow the student to demonstrate their knowledge in the same manner as their classmates–that might mean more time for them to do the same test, or use of an assistive device, but not a different test altogether.”

Kwan’s passion for advocacy regarding accessibility and inclusion was enhanced as her daughter, now nine, progressed through elementary school. “As a mom to a child with severe learning disabilities, I can relate to how challenging it can be to navigate systems that don't account for the diverse learning needs of students,” says Kwan. “I have first-hand experience with how frustrating and exhausting it can be to have to constantly advocate for support for a student to have fair access to their education.”

“What motivates my work is helping students navigate that journey and ensuring that they have an accessible educational experience.”

Kwan says she often meets students in their last year or last term of studies, who express that they wish they had come to CAL sooner. Some don’t realize their disability qualifies under CAL, or they think they don’t have the required documentation for their disability.

 “We have an open door and all students are welcome to participate in an information session,” says Kwan. In this information session, advisors can help students understand what may be possible in terms of accommodations, and if applicable, guide them through the process of getting documentation and registering with CAL.

"I’m always happy to meet–whether that's disability-related or general questions about sources of support,” says Kwan. “I encourage university members to reach out, learn more about what it is that we do and how we may be able to support you.”

Find out more about how to contact the Centre for Accessible Learning here.