What kinds of supports are available to help me at school?

Your identification as a student with an exceptionality in high school will not automatically transfer to college or university. A student with an exceptionality in high school is different from a student with a disability in college or university.

In elementary and secondary school, a committee decides if a student should be placed in a special education program.

In college and university, you must identify yourself as a student with a disability and provide documented proof of your disability (from a certified practitioner) to staff at the disability services office. Check with staff at the disability services office to find out what documentation you need to provide in order to receive educational accommodations and other supports. Documentation of the services you received in high school will not be enough.

In elementary and secondary school, an educational modification means that changes are made to the expectations for a subject or course to correspond to the capabilities of the student. For example, you may be asked to complete work at a different grade level or complete a different amount of work.

Educational modifications are not available in college or university.

Instead, you may receive an educational accommodation. Accommodations are available for students in elementary, secondary and postsecondary education. Accommodations don’t change the level or amount of work you are expected to complete. Instead, they are resources or services to provide you with an equal opportunity to complete the work, should you require them.

Educational accommodations may include: alternate format textbooks and other materials, the use of assistive technology, alternate testing locations or extended time for tests. Accommodations are designed to meet your individual needs.

Generally speaking, if you meet the entry requirements and are accepted into a postsecondary program, you can enrol in the program of your choice.

However, you should look at the graduation requirements for the program you are interested in. Make sure you will be able to complete these requirements. For example, some programs require students to complete an internship, co-op term or practicum placement.

If you feel unsure that you will be able to complete all the program requirements, talk to a counsellor at the disability services office or to a representative from the program. They can help you determine if you can complete the requirements or if you need to consider other program options. 

Postsecondary education is about a lot more than classes and tests! If you’re living on your own, you might need to find accessible housing, attendant care and/or accessible transportation around campus and in town.

For more information, contact staff at the disability services office . They can answer these questions or direct you to the appropriate campus or local resource.