Academic accommodations are adaptations that allow a student with a disability equal educational opportunity. Adaptations can be made to academic policies, procedures, or the learning environment. However, no adaptation can compromise the academic integrity of a course or program. This simply means that each course or program has essential requirements that must be met by all students.
What qualifies as a disability?
Disabilities include such things as:
- physical disabilities
- visual or hearing impairments
- speech impediments
- learning disabilities and ADHD
- mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc.)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- chronic health conditions
- temporary conditions (traumatic brain injury, mono, concussion, broken limb, etc.)
What documentation is needed?
- A student with a medical disability must have a medical verification form completed by a licensed health care practitioner.
- Medical Verification Form (for print)
- Medical Verification Form (digitally fillable)
- A student with a learning disability must submit a psycho-educational assessment by a registered psychologist (completed during high school or within the last five years).*
* If you are a high school student and do not have a current psycho-educational assessment, request that one be completed through your school district. If that is not an option, you may be eligible to have the cost of the assessment reimbursed through the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities (more information below).
What kinds of accommodations are offered?
Typical accommodations can include
- Use of a personal computer for note taking
- Use of a personal audio-recording device for lectures
- Possible extensions for assignments
- Extended time for writing exams
- Quiet space for writing exams
- No more than one final exam per day
- Use of a computer for writing essay exams
- Assistive technology for exams
How do I register for accommodations?
To register for the first time, email, mail, or fax your disability documentation to the Director of Student Success:
Academic Resource Centre Coordinator
510 College Drive
Caronport, SK S0H 0S0
Fax: 306-912-7862 (Attn: Director of Student Success)
Email: arc@briercrest.ca
Complete the online Academic Accommodations Initial Registration form. When you submit the form, click on the link on the confirmation page to book an appointment with the Director of Student Success.
Students must register for accommodations each semester they are enrolled. To register as a continuing student, complete the Academic Accommodations Semester Registration form at the start of each semester.
If you are registering for accommodations for a temporary disability, please complete the Temporary Academic Accommodations form.
How do I request exam space or alternate format textbooks?
If you have exam accommodations, you can request accommodations for your midterm exams by filling out the Exam Accommodation Request form. Please complete the form at least a week before your scheduled exam. Prior to final exams, the Director of Student Success will contact you directly.
If you have accommodations for alternative format textbooks, complete the Alternative Format Textbook Request form. This should be done as soon as you have your book list so the Director of Student Success can help you locate resources.
Are there any financial resources available for students with disabilities?
Great question! There are two grants available to students. The Canada Student Grant for Student with Permanent Disabilities is assessed based on financial need. Qualifying students can receive up to $4,000 for each year of study. The second grant, the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities offers up to $20,000 per year to qualifying students. This grant provides funding for equipment and/or services according to a student’s specific disability. For more information, check your province’s student aid website or email Kathy Brandt (kbrandt@briercrest.ca) or Nathaniel Tooke (ntooke@briercrest.ca).
Do you have any recommendations for assistive technology?
First and foremost, make sure you have a good, working laptop. There are many free assistive technology options, but most will require that your laptop is functioning. If you do need a new laptop or other assistive technology, funding is available through the Services and Equipment Grant (see above).
Some of the tools that students have found most helpful are:
- Read & Write
- Natural Reader
- Microsoft OneNote (available to all Briercrest students)
- Glean
- C-Pen
- Kindle app
The Assistive Technology Guide has more detailed information on a wide range of assistive technology options.
