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  • Campus Disability Services

    Campus Disability Services

    If you’re a student with a disability looking at your post-secondary options, we’ve provided a handy link to the NEADS website where you can access information about campus disability services all across Canada.

    NEADS EdLink is the most comprehensive Canadian directory of college and university disability service providers and links to service centre websites, with listings from coast to coast. Each entry provides current contact information for service providers at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The links to disability centre websites allow access to detailed information on accommodations, physical access, services and supports.

    Access the Campus Disability Services search engine via NEADS on their website.

  • Residence & Campus Accessibility

    RESIDENCE ACCESSIBILITY
    Most residence buildings offer accommodations to students with disabilities or other special needs. During the residence application process, there is often a Special Needs Form that students can complete and submit with their residence application. Residence accommodations may include:

    • Wheelchair accessible room and bathroom
    • Visual fire alarms
    • Carpet-free rooms
    • Extra-long beds

    Universities and colleges will generally do their best to accommodate for the needs of students with disabilities or other special needs. However, it is important to note that residences are high-density living environments, and it can be difficult to accommodate for all special needs, particularly for students with environmental health concerns.

    For specific information about accommodations in residence, students should contact the housing department at their college or university.

    CAMPUS ACCESSIBILITY
    Campus buildings are required to have accessible entrances, washrooms, and parking available. Some campuses may provide detailed information about accessibility online, whereas other schools may not have a map showing all accessible features. For specific information regarding campus accessibility, students should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities.

    TRANSIT
    Many schools provide students with a transit pass through fees included in tuition. Most cities offer accessible buses on their regular routes, or they have options for riders that have other accessibility needs.

  • Transition Programs for Students with Disabilities

    Transition Programs for Students with Disabilities

    One of the best ways students can get a sense of what to expect when beginning a post-secondary program is to talk with people who have first-hand experience in such programs. These people may be instructors or administrators at the college or university you plan to attend, or they could be other students who have already made the transition to postsecondary school.

    Transition programs are available in many parts of the country, and offer students the opportunity to gather information on the post-secondary experience. There are also initiatives that assist in the transition from school to work, providing valuable opportunities in a workplace environment. Most of these programs are led by students, professors and others from colleges and universities, and some even give participants the chance to spend time living in campus dormitories. Transition programs other than the ones listed here may be available. Contact your local postsecondary institutions to ask if they offer such opportunities.

  • Choosing a College or University

    Choosing a College or University

    Deciding between college and university is a tough decision, and it’s important to consider one’s strengths and interests when making the decision. It is also important to keep in mind that there are many colleges with transfer programs in which students move to university from college in second or third year, and similarly some students who begin at university later choose to complete a college program.

    A brief description of what can be expected at college and university is given below.

    COLLEGE
    Colleges tend to be more directly career-oriented than universities. They often offer practical or hands-on training in smaller classes, which can lead to greater student-teacher interaction.

    Colleges offer a range of programs, including apprenticeships, certificate programs, diplomas, and degrees. Programs range from less than one year, up to 3 or 4 years. Some colleges also offer programs in partnership with a university to grant both a degree and a diploma.

    Students who have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent from another province) can apply for college programs. Students who have not completed high school, but are at least 19 years old are also eligible to apply for some college programs. Different programs and schools may have additional requirements, so be sure to check them out before applying.

    UNIVERSITY
    Universities generally offer programs that are more theory-based and academic than colleges. Instruction tends to be lecture based, and many classes are quite large in size, meaning professors may not have the opportunity to get to know students on an individual basis.

    Universities generally offer 3-4 year undergraduate programs (a bachelor’s degree), as well as graduate programs (master’s and doctoral degrees). The 4-year program (sometimes called an honours degree) is usually required to go on to enrol in a graduate program. Some universities offer partnerships with a college to grant a degree and a diploma concurrently.

    To apply to university, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent is required often with a certain number of high school credits in university or academic level courses. Each university has its own admissions policies, so be sure to check them out before applying.

  • Scholarships and Bursaries for Students with Disabilities

    Scholarships and Bursaries for Students with Disabilities

    You’ve got big academic dreams – they’ve got the funds!

    Scholarships are “free money” given to a student for their college education—unlike loans, this money does not have to be paid back. Many private scholarships are available that grant money to students based on their particular strengths, interests, disabilities and other characteristics or qualities. Finding this money can be the hard part, but we’re here to help. The following is a select list of scholarships particularly for students with learning disabilities.

    Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Youth Achievement Award

    A $1,000 award for a student with LD and/or ADHD who has demonstrated initiative, talent, and determination resulting in a notable accomplishment in any field–including art, music, science, math, athletics or community service.

    The Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Award

    Three $6,000 and three $2,000 awards available to high school seniors with LD who demonstrate leadership skills, scholarship and a high level of service to others; must be a member of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D).

    The Hal Hazelett Scholarship

    Two $1,000 scholarships for students with LD, one of which is designated for a student pursuing an education and/or a math degree. One ADD/ADHD scholarship will also be awarded.

    Incight Go Getter Scholarship

    A renewable $750 award available to high school students with physical, learning, cognitive, hearing, or vision disabilities.

    LD Resources Foundation

    Awards of assistive technology tools (ex. Kurzweil products, Dragon Naturally Speaking and MacSpeech Dictate, Franklin Dictionary) are available to college students diagnosed with LD and/or ADHD. Students must be enrolled at a college/university with the intention of pursuing an undergraduate degree.

  • Myths & Facts about Learning Disabilities

    Myths & Facts about Learning Disabilities

    1. Myth: People with LDs cannot learn.
    Fact:

    • People with LDs are smart and can learn.
    • LDs mean learning in different ways.

    2. Myth: People with LDs are just lazy.
    Fact:

    • People with LDs often have to work harder, but the results may not show their efforts.
    • Some people with LDs may become discouraged because they have struggled so hard, and they may appear unmotivated or lazy.

    3. Myth: Accommodations give an unfair advantage.
    Fact:

    • Fair is not always equal.
    • Accommodations allow people with LDs to work to their level of their ability and not their disability.

    4. Myth:All LDs are outgrown by adulthood.
    Fact:

    • LDs tend to be noticed most often in school, but can affect all areas of life.
    • Often by adulthood, people have found ways to use their strengths to compensate for their LDs. Many adults seek work environments that are a good fit.

    5. Myth: LDs are all the same.
    Fact:

    • LDs are complicated and vary from person to person.
    • LDs come in many forms and affect everyone differently.
    • The impact of LDs may change in different settings depending on the demands of the situation.
  • The Top Five Things High School Students With LD Should Do Before Graduation

    The Top Five Things High School Students With LD Should Do Before Graduation

    Are you a soon-to-be high school graduate? If so, congratulations! But if you have a learning disability (LD) or ADHD, there are a few things you need to do before you don your cap and gown. Read on to make sure you’re prepared for success in your post-high school educational journey.

    Learn about the differences between high school and post-secondary services for students with disabilities. (College is a whole new ball game…and you need to know why!)
    You probably already know that post-secondary education (college or a career/technical training program) is going to be very different from high school. But one thing you might not know is that your experience as a student with a disability will change too. Some students (and their parents!) are surprised to learn that there are no IEPs after high school.

    Instead, you’ll need to request help on your own—and some of the services or supports you might have depended on in high school may not be available at college or may be very different. Take time now to learn about the differences you will encounter so you can start strong and ready for success.

    Become an expert on your own LD.
    Do you know your areas of strength and weakness? Could you tell others what areas of learning your disability affects, and explain the impact it has on your performance in school or at work? Have you thought lately about what learning strategies or accommodations work best for you? Now is the time to become an expert on your own learning.

    Once you graduate, getting what you need in school or the workplace is on you: not your parents, special education teachers, or other school staff. The more you know about the way you learn and what supports you might need, the better prepared you will be to self-advocate. Before you leave high school, talk to your parents, teachers, tutors, and guidance counselors to learn more about your LD. (Reputable websites like LD.org can also help you get a grasp on the basics!)

    Gather your files. (Hey, no one said growing up would always be exciting.)
    You’ll need a file with all of the information related to your LD. Your parents may already have a file like this—now, it’s time for you to get involved! Get a big folder or a binder and make sure it contains your:

    • Psychological and educational evaluation records
    • Most recent IEP or 504 plan
    • High school academic records (transcript, standardized test scores including SAT or ACT results)
    • Medical records (if related to your academic progress—for example, if you take medication for ADHD)You’ll need some of these records to obtain accommodations or services in college.

    Also, as you move on from high school, it’s likely that you’ll be working with new professionals (like tutors, doctors, or therapists) who will want to know your LD history. Having all of these documents in one easily accessible place will make this time of transition go more smoothly. If you’re moving away from home for your studies, make sure to bring copies with you.

    You’ll need some of these records to obtain accommodations or services in college. Also, as you move on from high school, it’s likely that you’ll be working with new professionals (like tutors, doctors, or therapists) who will want to know your LD history. Having all of these documents in one easily accessible place will make this time of transition go more smoothly. If you’re moving away from home for your studies, make sure to bring copies with you.

    Get in touch with Disability Services at your college or post-secondary program.
    After high school, you must request any assistance you need for your LD…no one will “find you” and sign you up for services. Colleges and other post-secondary programs have resource centers on-campus for students with disabilities, which may be called “Office of Disability Services,” “Disabled Student Services,” “Special Services,” or another name. If you plan on getting accommodations or services in college, you’ll work with this office to arrange them. Before you arrive on campus, get in touch with the staff at your college’s Disability Services. Find out what specific services are offered. You’ll want to know where to go for help before you need it.

    To qualify for assistance, you’ll need to provide documentation of your disability. Be sure to ask for specifics on what documentation your college or program will require—they will have specific guidelines regarding the type and age of evaluation reports you submit. Work with your parents and high school guidance counselor to make sure your current documentation meets your college’s standards—and if it doesn’t, to obtain any new evaluation you might need.

    Be prepared to self-advocate.
    We can’t say it enough: once you graduate from high school, you take on the responsibility of speaking up and taking actions to get your LD-related needs met. This can sound overwhelming, but the good news is that many high school students already are strong self-advocates! If you’ve been attending your IEP or 504 meetings, talking to your teachers about any accommodations you need, and requesting extra help when you need it, you’re well on the way to developing the kind of self-advocacy skills that will help you in college and beyond.

  • The Right to Post-Secondary Education

    The Right to Post-Secondary Education

    What are my rights to post-secondary education as a person with a disability?

    All educational institutions have a legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodation, up to the point of ‘undue hardship,’ in order to ensure equity for students with disabilities. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the various provincial charters prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, and post-secondary institutions have been mindful of the obligation to create an accessible environment dictated by these charters. Canadian colleges and universities are now beginning to articulate the rights of disabled students as they develop educational equity policy statements. It is recommended that disabled students contact their disability services office for more information: http://www.neads.ca/en/norc/edlink/

    Other organizations that can help clarify the legal aspects of disability accommodations include: ARCH Disability Law Centre, Council of Canadians With Disabilities and Reach Canada. ARCH is “a non-profit community legal clinic which defends and promotes the equality rights of people with disabilities through litigation, law and policy reform, and legal education.” You can contact ARCH at its Toronto office:

    Advocacy Resource Centre for the Handicapped (ARCH)
    425 Bloor Street East, Suite 110
    Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3R5
    Telephone: (416) 482-8255
    TTY: (416) 482-1254
    E-mail: archlib@lao.on.ca
    Web site: http://www.archdisabilitylaw.ca/

    Reach Canada is “an Ottawa-based voluntary organization that empowers people with disabilities to remove barriers in education, work and the general community.” Contact Reach at:

    Reach
    400 Coventry Road
    Ottawa, Ontario, K1K 2C7
    Telephone: (613) 236-6636
    TTY: (613) 236-9478
    Fax: (613) 236-6605
    Toll-free: (800) 465-8898
    E-mail: reach@reach.ca
    Web site: http://www.reach.ca

  • Campus Disability Services

    Campus Disability Services

    If you’re a student with a disability looking at your post-secondary options, we’ve provided a handy link to the NEADS website where you can access information about campus disability services all across Canada.

    NEADS EdLink is the most comprehensive Canadian directory of college and university disability service providers and links to service centre websites, with listings from coast to coast. Each entry provides current contact information for service providers at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The links to disability centre websites allow access to detailed information on accommodations, physical access, services and supports.

    Access the Campus Disability Services search engine via NEADS on their website.

  • Grants for Students with Disabilities

    Grants for Students with Disabilities

    Am I eligible?
    You are eligible if you:
    – apply and qualify for a Canada Student Loan;
    – are enrolled in a full-time or part-time program (minimum 32 weeks) at a designated post-secondary institution;
    – meet the criteria for students with permanent disabilities; and
    – include one of the following with your loan application as proof of your disability: a medical certificate, a psycho-educational assessment, or documentation proving receipt of federal or provincial disability assistance.

    What’s available?
    $2,000 per academic year (August 1 to July 31).
    This grant is available for each year of post-secondary studies, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. This includes post-secondary studies beyond the undergraduate level. Grant money is issued by your province or territory of permanent residence at the beginning and in the middle of the school year.

    Since grant amounts are fixed, the amount you receive may exceed your assessed need.
    Example: If you qualify for the grant and you have an assessed need of $1,400, you will receive a $2,000 grant. In this case, the grant would cover your assessed need, so you would not need a student loan.

    How do I apply?
    The application process for this grant differs in each jurisdiction. To make sure you meet all the application requirements, contact your province or territory’s student financial assistance office.