FSY Accommodations of Persons with Dietary, Disability, Medical, or Other Needs - Canada

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the “Church”) endeavors to ensure that all within its reach feel valued and welcomed. In keeping with this charge, the Church provides accommodations to youth participants in For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conferences, in accordance with provincial human rights legislation, up to the point of undue hardship.

Please read below to better understand the nature of the activities at FSY and how you can contact us to begin corresponding about our review of your request for an accommodation.

Please note that the Church provides many additional opportunities for spiritual growth that may better serve your individual needs in the event an accommodation cannot be made for you to attend FSY. You can learn more about Church youth programming here. The Church also has a disability resources page.

FSY DESCRIPTION

FSY is a five-day For the Strength of Youth conference program for youth turning 14 to 18 in the year they participate, at host university and college campuses, each with its own legal and safety requirements.

Youth generally stay overnight in campus housing with roommates of the same sex, away from parents and local ward and stake leaders. Each session will generally have between 300 and 700 youth participating in a full schedule of gospel-centered activities designed to give youth opportunities to meet new people, develop friendships, and make changes in their lives.

FSY activities include indoor and outdoor presentations, personal study, group activities, outdoor games, and dancing. At some campuses, the walking distance to and from activity locations is long (potentially up to two miles).

There is approximately one young single adult counselor for every 10 youth. Counselors are trained in FSY program activities and youth protection principles but generally are not otherwise trained or qualified to provide assistance to youth with their medical and personal care needs.

Generally, subject to this accommodation policy, youth participating in FSY are expected to be able to:

  1. Take care of their basic personal needs.
  2. Hold and administer prescription medication independently.
  3. Follow basic instructions.
  4. Act respectfully toward others.
  5. Independently reside overnight with youth of the same sex.
  6. Navigate campus when not under direct supervision.
  7. Follow the FSY principles and standards of conduct.
  8. Otherwise safely participate in FSY activities.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions regarding accommodations, please contact FSYAccommodations@ChurchofJesusChrist.org. If you wish to speak to someone to help explain how to request an accommodation, please call 1-888-898-8144 ext. 2 (Canada). This line is available Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. MT.

If you are providing information to assist with your request for an accommodation, please contact us at the above email as soon as possible and at least 30 days before your FSY session. Your email must include:

  • your name;
  • the specific session you plan to attend;
  • a description of the accommodation sought; and
  • the name, phone number, and email address of your bishop.

We ask that you:

  • give us plenty of time to communicate with you and consider your request; and
  • provide sufficient details so we can understand the nature of the accommodation requested.

You can help significantly by giving us plenty of time to communicate and consider your request (preferably as soon as possible and with at least 30 days' notice, as explained above). Failure to notify us may result in FSY staff being unable to review a request in time to plan and arrange for an accommodation.

Please contact FSYAccommodations@ChurchofJesusChrist.org with questions or accommodation requests.