Options for students with disabilities

Parents and students are always concerned about the choices they make to further their educations. In the case of students with learning disabilities, or any disability for that matter, students and parents not only have to learn about academic requirements and admission standards, but also the options that are available to accommodate them in the postsecondary sector.

Too often, I hear that students did not know they could get accommodations or assistance for their disabilities. The purpose of this article is to help parents and students understand what is needed to begin the transition to postsecondary education.

Ontario’s public community colleges and universities have developed specialized services for students with disabilities. Though the process to access services may differ from institution to institution, the overall purpose of these offices is to provide fair and equitable accommodations for students with disabilities. Last year, for example, 13,773 students with disabilities attended colleges in Ontario. This represents almost 10 per cent of the total college student attendance.

There is, however, some very important information parents and students should know before deciding on an academic program at a specific institution. This article will not only help in deciding on the specific college or university, but also will make it easier for students to know what to expect when they arrive on campus.

Types of disabilities
Under Ontario Human Rights legislation, postsecondary education institutions must accommodate all students with disabilities provided that they have met the prerequisites for their chosen academic program. Currently, we accommodate students with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health or emotional disorders and temporary medical conditions.

Identification
To access services at the postsecondary level, students must self-identify to the various offices on campus for students with disabilities.  Students should contact the offices as soon as possible after an admission offer is made so the appropriate transition programming and accommodations can be prepared for the start of the academic year.

Students with complex disabilities should visit the campus before an offer is made to assist staff in making appropriate accommodations and orientation opportunities.

Documentation
Students must provide documentation of their disabilities to access services for

accommodations at the postsecondary level. Documentation can vary with the type of disability; however, some common documentation includes:
Psycho-educational assessments: Prepared by a registered psychologist or psychological associate. This assessment outlines the type of learning disability and suggested accommodation for the student.
Medical documentation: Prepared by a doctor or licensed medical practioner. Outlines the diagnosis and recommended accommodations and/or limitations. 
Secondary school Individual Education Plan: Prepared every year and outlines accommodations/modifications the student received during secondary school.

Accommodations 
The type of accommodations can vary from institution to institution and are only given in consultation with the individual students. It is highly recommended that your teen consult with the office at his or her chosen school about the services and accommodations provided. Some common accommodations include:
Extended test times or alternative testing locations;
Note-taking assistance;
Tutoring and mentoring programs;
Access to adaptive technology;
Reduced program loads;
Digital or taped texts; 
Access to specialized counseling and support services.

Enhanced services
In recent years, additional funding has been made available at postsecondary institutions for students with specific learning disabilities.  This includes assistance from qualified learning strategists and assistive technologists who will further assist students through the design and implementation of effective strategies.

To qualify for this service, students must have a documented learning disability (with a recent psycho-educational assessment from a registered psychologist). If a recent assessment is not available, there may be limited funding available to complete a new assessment. For more information on the enhanced services available, please contact the institution for more information.

Financial assistance
Students are not required to pay for most services, but there may be some additional costs. The Bursary for Students With Disabilities (BSWD) is available to defray the cost of attending a postsecondary institution. To access this bursary, students must apply for and be eligible to receive funding from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). This bursary may be able to pay for such items as assistive devices, psycho-education assessments, outside private tutoring and transportation costs.

There are additional funds available through private sources and bursaries. To access those, students should contact the financial aid office and/or the disability services office of the college or university they plan to attend.

Tips and suggestions
We encourage all students to ask questions and clarify problems. The old adage “if you don’t ask, you won’t receive” certainly proves true. There are a myriad of options available. All you have to do is inquire, and things can happen!

Keep your accommodations current. If there are changes to your teen’s disability or you have a concern about an accommodation, visit the office for students with disabilities and let them know. We may be able to help or explain things to you. The bottom line is to communicate and keep everyone informed!

Teens should practice explaining their disability. It is up to the students if they want to disclose their disabilities. If they choose to disclose, they should have practiced explaining it in a way that helps teachers and tutors understand. If your teen is unsure how to do this, consult with the disability services office for suggestions.

Whatever your family’s choice in postsecondary education, it is important to know that there is assistance available and options for students with disabilities. All qualified students should have the opportunity to be successful in their academic programs. The right mix of current information and consultation can make this success a reality.    

Joe Henry is a services advisor for disability services at the Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

SOURCES AND RESOURCES
College Committee on Disability Issues:
www.loyalistc.on.ca/services/ccdi/

Inter-University Disability Issues Association: http://venus.uwindsor.ca/edc/idia/index.html

Special needs offices at Ontario universities:

www.osca.ca/spneeds-u.htm

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities:
www.edu.gov.on.ca

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