Accessible Learning at Laurier

At Laurier, we’re dedicated to making sure every student is fully supported. We’re committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment where all students — including students with disbailities — can actively participate, feel empowered and thrive. 

Applying to Laurier

If you believe that your disability and/or accommodations created extenuating circumstances that impacted your academic standing, you may submit a personal statement through the Special Case or Extenuating Circumstances process by the posted deadline. Any details you disclose in this statement will be kept strictly confidential by Recruitment and Admissions.

Accessible Learning

Accessible Learning supports enrolled students with disabilities by facilitating their equitable access to the learning environment at Laurier. We do this by assessing a student’s access needs to create individualized accommodation and support plans.

The term “disability” includes a broad range and degree of conditions, and Accessible Learning supports students who may have permanent, persistent and/or prolonged, temporary or suspected disabilities.

Register with Accessible Learning in Four Easy Steps

1. Register early - we open registration in May for students beginning their studies in the fall.
2. Review our disability documentation requirements.
3. Complete the Accessible Learning Registration Form and upload your disability documentation.
4. Promptly respond to Accessible Learning messages in your MyLaurier email inbox. 

What is an Accommodation?

Academic accommodations are adjustments to academic tasks, activities, or the learning environment to help create equitable access for students with disabilities. Accommodations do not change or lower academic standards. Once accommodated, students with disabilities are expected to meet the same academic requirements as their peers.

What is an Accommodation Plan?

An accommodation plan outlines the specific accommodations and supports that Laurier will provide to ensure a student has equitable access to learning. Each plan is individualized based on each student's needs.

When creating a plan, accomodation consultants consider:

• How the student experiences teir disbility at school and in daily life.
• The student's disability documentation.
• The requirements of their courses and program.

Accommodation plans are living documents. They are reviewed and updated as a student’s needs and academic program change.

What Your Accomodation Plan May Include

Depending on your access needs and supporting documentation, you may include any of the following:

• Extra time or reduced-distraction space for exams.
• Permission to use a computer or assistive technology during exams.
• Course materials in an alternative format, such as accessible digital copies.
• Access to Genio, our online notetaking program.
• Learning strategy supports specifically designed for students with disabilities.

How Accomodations are Determined

Accessible Learning does not approve accommodations based solely on recommendations from a health care provider. Instead, our professional staff work with you to understand your individual access needs and determine what accommodations and supports may help provide you with equitable access to learning at Laurier. This process considers your personal experiences and the medical documentation you provide.