Getting to know the Faculty’s new on-location Accessibility Advisor
In October 2022, the Faculty announced that we would be joined by an on-location Accessibility Advisor, Sara Gold. Given the extent of student concerns and advocacy around accommodations in recent years, the Disabled Law Students’ Association wanted to ask Gold some questions to clarify her role.
Alisha Krishna (AK): Tell me about yourself! What kind of work did you do before coming to our Faculty as the on-location advisor? What are you most excited about in your new position?
Sara Gold (SG): I am really excited to step into the role of on-location Accessibility Advisor at the Faculty of Law. I look forward to supporting the bright and capable students in the JD and graduate programs. Previously, I worked as an American Sign Language English Interpreter specializing in post-secondary environments. For over 20 years, I was embedded in many graduate and professional programs where I gained considerable first-hand experience collaborating to remove barriers.
I believe strongly that educational programs can maintain their requirements and high standards while they facilitate the participation of students who have disabilities and/or ongoing health or mental health challenges. The University’s commitments to accessibility and equity are foundational to my work. By removing obstacles, students not only gain from what the University has to offer, but also, enrich their fields and communities with their unique perspectives. Fundamentally, I believe we all benefit when we create inclusive spaces.
AK: How was the position of on-location advisor at the Faculty of Law created?
SG: There are currently about two dozen Accessibility Advisors employed by Accessibility Services at the St. George campus. Traditionally, advisors were based in our central office, where they each worked across various programs. Starting in 2018, Accessibility Services received funding to expand the office and add 10 new advisors assigned to work within specific faculties. I have been warmly welcomed at the Faculty of Law. Most students here will be assigned to me, while some will work with advisors from the central office.
The on-location model of service allows us to become well-informed about the essential requirements of programs so that we can put in place accommodations that are appropriate to the individual and uphold the integrity of the program. On-location advisors also continue to work very closely with our Accessibility Services colleagues and consultants to ensure a consistent approach across the institution.
AK: How would you describe your personal approach towards accessibility in education? How might that translate to reducing barriers, specifically in the Faculty of Law?
SG: My personal approach to accessibility in education begins with the presumption that the students I am serving are highly capable and that they are the experts on their lived experiences. When students reach out to inquire if accommodations might be appropriate for them, I want them to feel welcomed and respected as we explore options.
There are some widespread misconceptions that can create barriers. First, many do not realize that disability is broadly defined, and so accommodations may be available for students who face a range of conditions that impact functioning, such as chronic migraines, depression, eating disorders, or addiction. Second, some believe that they must sacrifice privacy to get accommodations. Accessibility Services treats health information confidentially. We do not connect directly with your professors, past or future employers, or family members. Further, there is no indication on a student’s transcript that they were registered with Accessibility Services.
AK: If you could change one thing about the accommodations system, what would it be?
SG: I would want to clarify the purpose of accommodations. Accommodations give students who face disability-related barriers the opportunity to achieve their potential by aiming to level the playing field. They do not give students an advantage. While accommodations may alter the means or process by which students demonstrate competency or change timelines, they do not alter key learning outcomes, academic standards, or essential skills.
AK: What is the nature of your relationship to the Faculty’s current accommodations system? How does your role fit in?
SG: Accessibility Advisors are employed by Accessibility Services to advocate for the academic accommodations process and to support the University in meeting its obligations. Like other on-location Accessibility Advisors, I collaborate with the faculty within which I work so that accommodations are feasible and appropriate in this context.
At the Faculty of Law, the JD Accommodations and Considerations Committee supports the implementation of accommodations for students. They bring their expertise to the process to ensure that accommodations uphold academic integrity, meet program core competencies, and work within the Faculty’s policies and procedures.
AK: Will you also have a role in facilitating accommodations in externships or during formal recruitment and job application processes?
SG: So far, my priority has been on accommodations that give students a more equitable opportunity to participate in their courses. That said, I also support students with accommodations in for-credit experiential learning situations. Accessibility Services has an experiential learning advisor who can be brought in to contribute to these discussions.
AK: Are there any particular initiatives or strategies you’re hoping to implement?
SG: Accessibility Services is part of the broader community of support available to students at the Faculty of Law and so it is important for me to build relationships within Student Services. When individuals with disability-related challenges are under pressure or experiencing isolation, for example, it is important that they feel able to reach out to someone to explore solutions. From my first day here, it has been clear that the Faculty of Law community shares this commitment.
AK: The Faculty has Dean’s committees that help shape policy. A few of these committees, such as the Mental Health Committee and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, often intersect with issues of accommodations. Will you participate in any of those going forward?
SG: Accessibility Services participates in the ongoing work that the University is engaged in regarding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. The committees you mentioned are vital in bringing about growth and change. Our office has several equity initiatives, and we welcome opportunities to engage with partners around these goals within the Faculty and across the University.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Editor’s Note: Requested follow-up answers will be updated at ultravires.ca.
Alisha Krishna (3L) is a Steering Committee member of the Disabled Law Students’ Association
