Students with Disabilities Struggle as Ontario College Strike Continues

College students with special learning needs are voicing serious concerns as a strike by educational support staff in Ontario disrupts their semester. On September 11, 2023, approximately 10,000 support staff across Ontario’s publicly funded colleges walked off the job following failed negotiations regarding wages, job security, and benefits. Among those striking are staff dedicated to accessibility services, leaving students with disabilities to navigate their education with reduced support.

Students rely heavily on accessibility staff to provide necessary learning accommodations. These professionals assist those with physical or mental disabilities, learning disabilities, and other challenges in achieving academic success. They facilitate communication between students and instructors, ensuring that each student’s specific needs are met.

Bianca Salvo, a student in the Early Childhood Studies program at the University of Guelph-Humber, shared her fears about the impact of the strike on her education. “Without that support that I need, I’m afraid that I’ll fail, and I’m scared that will lead to me dropping out,” she told CP24. Salvo, who has cerebral palsy and a learning disability, typically receives various accommodations, including seating arrangements, access to recording devices, and tutoring services.

Having transferred to Guelph-Humber for her third year, Salvo is finding the transition particularly challenging due to the absence of accessibility advisors. “I’m more anxious with the strike because the accessibility advisors are not there, so I can’t speak to them at all,” she explained. The shift to online classes has further heightened her stress, as she prefers in-person learning environments. The mismatch between her class schedule and the availability of tutors adds to her difficulties, a situation that accessibility staff would typically help her navigate.

Another Guelph-Humber student, who requested anonymity, echoed Salvo’s sentiments, stating that the strike has taken a toll on her mental health due to a lack of support for her learning accommodations. “I don’t know who to turn to if problems with my accommodations arise,” she said. Salvo expressed frustration with both the university and the union, stating, “I don’t think this school, let alone the union, cares about people with disabilities.”

In response to the ongoing situation, the University of Guelph-Humber assured students that some accessibility staff are still available. The institution emphasized that student success is a priority, stating, “Whether in-person or online, learners—especially those with disabilities—have access to flexible, timely support through their instructors, peer services, and Humber’s Accessible Learning team.” The university also noted that instructors have been advised to accommodate students whose paperwork may not be readily available.

Programs at Risk and Student Support Disrupted

While some students are attempting to secure their accommodations, others have faced complete program shutdowns due to the strike. Erin Reibel shared her daughter Sydney’s experience, a student in the Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario. The CICE program serves students with exceptionalities and significant learning challenges, offering them a pathway to college life.

Reibel described Sydney’s excitement about being one of only 20 students selected for the program. “She was super excited to be starting it, because she wasn’t ready yet to kind of join the regular workforce,” Reibel said. The program allows students to take courses tailored to their learning styles, with dedicated support from learning strategists. Unfortunately, just weeks into the semester, the strike forced the program’s closure, leaving Sydney without structured daily activities.

“This left us in a situation where she had nothing to fill her time during the day,” Reibel explained. The family has struggled to adapt their schedules to fill the gaps created by the strike. “What’s frustrating is that the colleges are kind of saying that everything is running as normal. And it’s not, really that’s not true,” she added. Reibel highlighted that other programs relying on support staff, such as those in massage therapy, have also been significantly affected.

Conestoga College acknowledged the challenges posed by the strike in an email, stating that the CICE program cannot run without specialized staff. “The CICE program relies on the specialized support of Learning Strategists, who are part of the full-time support staff bargaining unit,” the college noted. They emphasized that these staff members are crucial for providing individualized learning support tailored to each student’s needs.

Ongoing Negotiations and Future Support

The College Employer Council, which acts as the bargaining agent for Ontario’s colleges, informed CP24 that each institution is managing the shortage of accessibility staff in its own manner. “Colleges continue to work to support all students during the strike, and each college is approaching the situation as they feel is best for their specific situations,” said spokesperson Bill Steinburg. As of now, no dates have been set for further negotiations or mediation.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing the striking workers, has not commented on the situation. As the strike continues, students like Salvo and Sydney must navigate their education amid uncertainty, raising concerns about their academic futures and well-being.