Student Accessibility Services (SAS) helps students who experience disabilities with full and equitable participation in academic life. We strive toward creating a barrier-free environment where all students can achieve their potential. We are here to help!
One of the core activities of SAS is to help students with academic accommodations in order to remove structural barriers when a disability is affecting functioning. The accommodations that are required vary from person to person and situation to situation. We work closely with students and instructors to collaboratively determine what is needed. Here’s more information on the accommodations you can request to support your academic success.
Not all of the students who use our services are comfortable with the term "disability" as it is sometimes seen as focused on personal limitations. We share this concern and prefer to focus on the strengths and abilities of our students.
The term "disability" is used specifically to identify protection against discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code, and with regards to the funding that makes our programs and services possible. As per University of Guelph policy, students must have a disability in order to register with Student Accessibility Services. Examples may include:
- Learning Disabilities
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (“ADHD”)
- Hearing and/or vision impairments
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Chronic medical conditions
- Dexterity or mobility impairments
- Acquired brain injuries
- Psychological/emotional disabilities
Note that common ailments such as the flu or a cold are not considered disabilities. Similarly, family responsibilities, religious observances, or other obligations do not fall within this category. If you are experiencing an interruption to your academics as a result of these kinds of experiences, you are encouraged to speak with your instructors and/or the program counsellor.
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Intake
- Complete the New Student Intake Form (NSIF) after accepting your offer of admissions. This form provides us with relevant information about your disability and disability needs.
- Due: June 16, 2023
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Submit Documentation
- Functional Assessment OR Current Psycho-educational Assessment (for Learning Disabilities and ADHD)
- Visit the SAS website to learn more about what documentation you need to provide
- Please note: you may need to update your existing documentation. Contact the SAS office for more information.
- Due: June 16, 2023
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Participate in a Virtual Orientation Workshop
- Learn about SAS and campus services and programs
- Attend online workshops introducing you to SAS
- Receive a scheduled SAS advisor appointment
- Note: only students who have submitted an intake form will be contact at their U of G email for more information
- Due: late August/early September
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Meet with your SAS Advisor
- Meet with your SAS advisor to discuss individual accommodations and supports
- Set up classroom and exam accommodations, as appropriate
- Review courses and disability related supports
- Note: Students who have completed Steps 1-3 will receive an appointment time from SAS
- Due: Ongoing
Each semester, the courses you take may have unique requirements and expectations that affect the types of accommodations you require. There may also be changes in your health that result in the need to update the supports we provide. For these reasons, your registration status with SAS must be updated every semester that you enroll in courses.
- Meet with your SAS Advisor to discuss individual accommodations and supports
- Set up classroom and exam accommodations, as appropriate
- Review courses and disability related supports
Our Test Centre provides a distraction and barrier free space to registered SAS students who are in need of testing accommodations. If you have test accommodations approved for the current semester, and you want to apply them to an in-person quiz, test or exam, you must book with the Test Centre. Learn more about the Test Centre and book here.
Contact Ridgetown Campus SAS
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
Amy Wszol, SAS Advisor
rcsas@uoguelph.ca
519-674-1500 Ext 63206
Pestell Student Service Building, Room 129, Ridgetown Campus