How to register with Student Accessibility Services
Here’s a full overview of the registration process, including what happens before, during and after your intake appointment.
The first thing you need to do to register with Student Accessibility Services is request an intake appointment. This is an appointment where we can get to know you and your specific needs. Then, we can connect you with the right accommodations and services.
Request an appointment through the Student Portal, the central place for accommodation and service requests. Once you get to the Student Portal, select “Request an Intake Appointment” and complete the registration form.
- After you complete the registration form on the Student Portal, we’ll call or email you to schedule your intake appointment within two business days (Monday to Friday).
- Then, we’ll email you to confirm your appointment date and time. We’ll also attach the Assessment of Functional Impairment (AFI), which you need to complete before the appointment.
- To prepare for your appointment, please upload your Assessment of Functional Impairment (AFI) and medical documentation on the Student Portal. You can do this under “Upload Documentation.” Refer to the medical documentation guide to find out which documentation you need. We recommend using the Google Chrome or Firefox browser to upload documentation.
Please fill out your medical documentation in Adobe Acrobat to use the “signing” function. Download the file before filling it out so you can save it. You can contact us if you need help filling out the documentation form.
You’ll meet your program coordinator at your intake appointment. The appointment confirmation email you receive will specify the details of your appointment — whether it’s virtual, in person and so on.
During the appointment, you and the program coordinator will review the accommodation process and complete an assessment to determine the right academic accommodations for you.
- It’s important to be on time for your appointment so that you have enough time to cover your accommodation needs.
- If you can’t attend your appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. Refer to the no-show policy for more information on cancellations.
Now that you’re registered, you can activate your accommodations using the Student Portal. You must activate your accommodations every term.
After you request to activate your accommodations, we’ll receive and review the request. If necessary, we’ll contact you to arrange an appointment to review the request with your SAS program coordinator. Accommodations are automatically sent to the instructors once they’re approved. From there, you’ll work with your instructor to discuss implementing your accommodations.
Learn more about this process on the Accommodation Requests page.
You can book additional appointments with your program coordinator on the Student Portal after you’ve registered with SAS. Program coordinators take an individualized approach to supporting each student’s needs.
Why would I need a follow-up appointment?
- Ask questions about your accommodations.
- Share how the accommodations are working for you.
Refer to the Policies and Procedures page for the no-show policy and more information about appointments and cancellations.
Medical documentation guide
Learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders
- Documentation: Full psycho-educational assessment, memory assessment (if memory aids are required)
- Timeframe: Within the last five years (older documentation considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Source: Psychiatrist, psychologist or psychological associate
More information: Ontario Psychological Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Assessment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Learning Disabilities
Attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorders (ADD/ADHD)
- Documentation: Psycho-educational assessment, medical report (outlining history and areas of weakness, strength), memory assessment (if memory aids are required)
- Timeframe: Within the last five years (older documentation considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Source: Psychiatrist, psychologist or psychological associate, family physician
More information: Ontario Psychological Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Assessment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Learning Disabilities
Mental health disability
- Documentation: Student Accessibility Services form, mental health assessment, doctor’s letter, memory assessment (if memory aids are required)
- Timeframe: Within the last five years (older documentation considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Source: Neurologist, neuropsychologist, family physician, psychiatrist, psychologist
Acquired brain injury (ABI)
- Documentation: Neuropsychological assessment
- Timeframe: Within the last five years (older documentation considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Source: Neurologist, neuropsychologist
Blind or visually impaired
- Documentation: Doctor’s letter, Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) registration number (if legally blind)
- Timeframe: CNIB registration date (if legally blind) or within the last five years (older documentation considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Source: CNIB ophthalmologist (if legally blind), optometrist, family physician
Deaf or hard of hearing
- Documentation: Full audiology report, doctor’s letter
- Timeframe: Within the last five years (older documentation considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Source: Audiologist, family physician
Central auditory processing disorder
- Documentation: Audiology report
- Timeframe: Within the last five years (older documentation considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Source: Audiologist, family physician
Chronic medical condition or physical disability
- Documentation: Student Accessibility Services form, mental health assessment, doctor’s letter
- Timeframe: Within the last five years (older documentation considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Source: Family physician, specialist physician