Accommodation during an assessment as a candidate
The CRA is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace for employees. This includes providing accommodation that will allow candidates with limitations to fully demonstrate their abilities during an assessment.
Determine if you need accommodation for an assessment
The CRA continually works toward identifying, preventing, reducing, and removing barriers from the assessment options used to assess candidates in a staffing process.
Select the CRA’s list of assessment options to find out more about each option and if it meets your needs, based on your limitations. When you are invited to participate in an assessment, your letter will tell you which assessment options will be used.
You can also request accommodation for any reason related to one of the prohibited grounds for discrimination stated in the Canadian Human Rights Act. To make a request, send an email to the contact for the staffing process listed in the notice of job opportunity.
Recognize if you have limitations
Limitations are restrictions that hinder your ability to carry out tasks or activities, and may include:
Sensory limitations
Sensory limitations are restrictions related to seeing or hearing.
Examples:
- blindness
- partially sighted
- deafness
- hard of hearing
Speech limitations
Speech limitations are restrictions related to voice, the ability to make sounds, or difficulty conveying words and being understood.
Examples:
- an unusual tone of voice
- a distortion of sound
- unusual rhythm or repetition of sounds
Physical limitations
Physical limitations are restrictions related to mobility, flexibility, dexterity, coordination, chronic illness, or pain.
These include difficulties, such as:
- moving from one place to another, or up and down stairs
- maintaining body positions
- using hands or arms to grasp or use objects
Cognitive limitations
Cognitive limitations are restrictions related to learning, memory, perception, or understanding.
Examples:
- difficulty applying knowledge or using judgment when making decisions
- inability to maintain attention or focus on multiple tasks
- reduced ability to remember or recall
Mental health limitations
Mental health limitations are restrictions related to an emotional, psychological, or mental health condition.
Examples:
- excessive anxiety
- mood disorders
- trauma-related conditions
- psychotic conditions
- addictions and substance abuse
Temporary limitations
Temporary limitations are restrictions that are non-permanent in nature.
Examples:
- injuries
- recuperations from surgery
- specific requirements due to pregnancy or childbirth
Familiarize yourself with the types of assessment accommodation available
An assessment accommodation is a change made to the procedure, process, format, or content of a candidate’s assessment. The CRA may provide the following types of accommodation:
Modifications in the assessment environment
This includes all changes made to the location or physical surroundings where an assessment is completed.
Examples:
- an individual test session
- a quieter room
- increased or decreased lighting
- a wheelchair accessible location
Modifications to the assessment format
This includes all changes made to the way questions and instructions are provided to candidates.
Examples:
- larger font
- a computer-based assessment
- a live reader (someone who reads the questions aloud to the candidate)
Modifications to the response format
This includes all changes made to the way in which a candidate responds to any assessment questions.
Examples:
- speech-to-text software
- an electronic answer sheet
- a scribe (someone who writes down the candidate’s answers)
Modifications in scheduling
This includes changes made to the time the assessment takes place or the time allowed to complete the assessment.
Examples:
- extra time to complete the assessment
- opportunities for breaks during the assessment
- an assessment can be scheduled at a specific time of day
Find out more about assessment accommodation
The CRA supports the principles of assessment accommodation by:
Ensuring you are treated in an inclusive and respectful way
It is your responsibility to tell us that you need accommodation.The CRA offers a non-judgmental environment in which to request assessment accommodation. You will be treated fairly and given an equal opportunity to fully demonstrate your qualifications.
Considering your needs, on a case-by-case basis
Your limitations and the assessment requirements can change over time. If you need accommodation, you must submit the form used to request accommodation:
- each time you are asked to participate in an assessment
- for each assessment option that is used
Protecting your personal information
All requests for accommodation are protected under the Access to Information and Privacy Act. The information you provide is confidential and it will only be used to prepare your accommodation letter. Personal information cannot be disclosed without your consent.
Working with you to minimize delays
Assessment accommodation letters are generally completed within 10 business days. Your collaboration is needed to prevent delays.
Delays may occur if we need more information or there is a high volume of requests.
Request assessment accommodation
Step 1 - Tell us that you need accommodation
Complete the request for accommodation form as soon as possible by selecting the link provided in the letter you received inviting you to participate in the assessment.
You should not participate in any assessment until you have received and signed the letter recommending the accommodation measures to be used during your assessment.
Step 2 - Provide us with more information if needed
An assessment accommodation advisor may contact you if they need more information to make the best recommendation for you.
Documentation from a medical doctor or another qualified professional may be required to help the assessment accommodation advisor fully understand your limitations. Costs to obtain this documentation will be paid by the CRA.
To prevent delays, it is your responsibility to obtain and provide this information as quickly as possible.
Step 3 - Signing your assessment accommodation letter
An assessment accommodation letter will be sent to you by the resourcing advisor.
- After reviewing your letter, you may sign it, return it by email to the resourcing advisor
- If you need to discuss the recommended accommodation measures before you sign, contact the assessment accommodation advisor
If you have questions related to the steps needed to request assessment accommodation, send an email to the contact for the staffing process listed in the notice of job opportunity.
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