Who do I talk to at college or university about my disability and my needs?


Every publicly funded college or university in Ontario has an office for students with disabilities, or a disability services office. It's your responsibility to contact staff at the office, identify yourself as a student with a disability and work with staff to determine the type of accommodation you need.

What can disability services office staff do?

  • Arrange educational accommodations
  • Teach you how to use assistive devices and technology, if you require them
  • Help you develop a learning strategy and plan
  • Help you register for classes
  • Connect you with other valuable resources on campus, such as writing workshops, tutoring services or local support organizations
  • Help you access non-educational supports (such as attendant care)
  • Make your transition to college or university smoother by introducing you to the school and the office for students with disabilities at a summer orientation
  • Tell you about the accessibility of labs and classroom

Learn more about the types of supports that might be available to you.

How do I set up educational accommodations?

You must provide documentation regarding your disability. Check with staff at the disability services office to find out what type of documentation you should provide.

Some of the documents you may be asked for include:

  • Medical documentation from a physician confirming your disability
  • An audiology report from a qualified practitioner
  • A psychological assessment from a qualified practitioner diagnosing a learning disability
  • Medical documentation from a qualified practitioner diagnosing a mental health illness or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

If you have them, it may be helpful to include other documents such as:

  • Individual Education Plan (IEP)
  • Transition Plans
  • Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) forms
  • These may help you access temporary supports while you compile the required documentation.

If you do not have the required documentation, or it is out of date, speak with staff at the office for students with disabilities. They can guide you through the process of getting these documents.

Who do I contact if I want to be an apprentice?

If you are completing your in-class training at a location other than a public college, contact your in-class training provider to discuss your accommodation needs. Learn more about training as an apprentice.

What if I want to go to a private career college?

Contact Student Services at the institution you plan to attend.


See the list below for links to resource centres for Students With Disabilities at Ontario publicly-assisted universities and colleges.

Universities

Colleges