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Accessible Learning supports students with disabilities by identifying barriers and creating individualized academic accomodations that facilitate equitable access while maintaining academic integrity.
Register Early
Register before classes begin!
Early registration—ideally in the summer—gives us time to arrange accommodations before the term begins.
Accommodation Process
Accessible Learning follows a collaborative, individualized process to determine academic accommodations:
- Review the student’s disability documentation.
- Discuss with the student how their disability affects learning.
- Identify academic access barriers.
- Create an individualized accommodation plan.
Please note:
- Laurier determines appropriate accommodations; we are not required to approve accommodations listed on an IEP or a psycho-educational assessment.
- Accommodations provide access—they do not guarantee academic success.
- All accommodations balance access with academic integrity.
- We update accommodation plans as needs change.
Cost and Funding
There is no cost for registration or academic accommodations.
If funded by Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), students may qualify for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) to help cover disability-related education expenses.
Transition Tips for Families
Families and supporters often play a key role as students transition to university. While support remains important, this transition also involves students developing greater independence and self-advocacy.
Student information at Laurier is protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
- Accessible Learning cannot share information about a student with parents or others including their registration status, disability information, and accommodation plans.
- We cannot take direction from parents or supporters about a students's access needs or accommodation planning.
- Families and supporters should speak directly with their students about their involvement with Accessible Learning.
Visit our Statement of Confidentiality and Communication Protocol for Parents & Supporters for more information.
Families or supporters sometimes contact Accessible Learning with concerns about a student's well-being or academic progress. While we cannot discuss student information:
- We notify the student that their family has been in touch.
- We may encourage the student to connect with Accessible Learning, meet with their accommodation consultant, or access additional campus supports like the Dean of Students or Student Wellness.
- Accessible Learning maintains confidentiality unless there is a risk of harm to the student or others, a broader safety concern, or reporting is legally required.
Support is most effective when it fosters independence and self-advocacy, including:
- Asking questions that show interest while respecting autonomy.
- Coaching skills such as self-advocacy, organization, and problem-solving.
- Showing compassion during challenges and setbacks.
- Being flexible when plans change (e.g., reduced course load or program changes).
- Encouraging reflection to help students identify solutions and resources.
Transitions from "doing for" to "supporting" is an important part of student success.
Do
- Encourage regular email checking and professional communication.
- Become familiar with campus resources.
- Support students in booking and attending their own appointments.
- Help students prepare questions before meetings.
- Offer quiet support if invited to attend an appointment.
Don't
- Check or repsond to emails on the student's behalf.
- Choose courses, programs, or course loads for the student.
- Contact Accessible Learning or make appointments for the student.
- Advocate for the student rather than supporting them to advocate for themselves.
- Submit a registration form for the student.
Additional Resources
- How to Register with Academic Learning
- Transition Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities (transitionresourceguide.ca)
- Required Documentation for Registration
- GOAL: A Golden Hawk's Orientation to Accessible Learning
- Financial Aid through the Accessible Learning
- FIPPA (Privacy and Confidentiality) for Parents
- Accessible Learning: Privacy, Confidentiality & Parents
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