Documentation Requirements
Accessibility Services provides supports and services to students with disabilities.
To determine eligibility for services, and to understand disability-related needs, we require students to register with the office by submitting medical documentation outlining one's limitations and its impact on their academics. All documentation is based on the medical evaluation of an attending health care professional who is qualified to diagnose the condition. In compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Commission Policy (Section 8.7), accommodation requests should include the following medical information:
- That the person has a disability (diagnosis is not required for accommodations unless the student has consented).
- The functional limitations or needs associated with the disability.
- Whether the student can perform the essential requirements of the course, program, institution with or without accommodations(s).
- The type of accommodation(s) that may be needed to allow the student to fulfill the essential requirements of the course, program, institution.
Below are three different forms that should be filled out and delivered to the Accessibility Specialist, according to need. The Permanent Disability Form is to be filled out by students seeking assistance for permanent disabilities. The Temporary Disability Form should be filled by students seeking assistance for a period of time, as established by the anticipated duration of the disability. Finally, the Residence Accommodation Form is for students who seek to apply for on-campus residence accommodations.
Students with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Students accessing Accessibility Services with these diagnoses are required to submit a psycho-educational or neuro-psychological assessment conducted by a Registered Clinical or School Psychologist or Psychological Associate, Neuropsychologist, Physician with training in assessing these conditions. The following criteria must be met:
- The assessment is conducted at age 18yrs or older, or within the past three-five years.
- The report indicates the student's academic limitations with data from standardized instruments and explicitly constitutes it to a Learning Disability, ADHD or ASD.
- Accommodations are recommended and supported by the assessment data.
Assessment reports can be sent to Accessibility Services via fax, email, mail or dropped off in person.
Students with dual-diagnosis and/or co-occurring disorders must submit documentation that states the limitations of all conditions so appropriate accommodations can be provided.
Students Waiting to Be Assessed
Students who are working with a health care professional to receive a formal diagnosis may qualify for interim accommodations while in the process to be assessed. Students who fit this criterion are advised to contact Accessibility Services as early as possible. All accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis so it is important that students contact us early.
Registration
Students must first register with Accessibility Services before accessing any of the available services. This key requirement ensures that students get the necessary support based on their documented needs.
Below are the easy steps to register with us:
Step 1. Contact Accessibility Services
Student Accessibility Services works directly with all students to determine eligibility for services. To access the appropriate services, students must first self-identify and contact the Accessibility Specialist.
Initial contact can be made at any point. Students are advised to contact Accessibility Services as early as possible or before the semester begins. This will ensure appropriate services are in place before the student begins any classes. Please note: a disability diagnosis is not required to contact Accessibility Services. Students are advised to get in touch even if they suspect a disability could be impacting their academic functioning.
Step 2: Obtain Documentation
Students are required to provide appropriate documentation outlining the impact of one's disability on their functioning to access any supports or services. This information is often provided by a healthcare professional trained and practicing in the medical area. Please refer to the documentation requirement guidelines.
Step 3: Submit Documentation
All forms and reports can be dropped off in person, faxed or emailed to the Accessibility Office (accessibilityservice [at] tyndale [dot] ca) either by the student or the healthcare professional. We require minimum two business days to review all documentation before meeting with students.
Step 4: Book and Attend Your Accommodation Review Meeting
Intake Meeting
Upon submitting documentation, students can book an appointment within two business days with the Accessibility Specialist. At this time, student's documentation and needs will be discussed, and an accommodation plan will be established to provide them supports and services that will give them equal access to their post-secondary education.
Intake Meeting Expectaction
This is often the first time the student has the opportunity to learn and discuss how their disability might impact them academically. Key areas addressed during this meeting include:
- Student's disability and its academic impact.
- Confidentiality and consent.
- Tyndale standards and procedures.
- Individualized accommodation plan.
- Applicability for other services.
- Government funding eligibility.
- Assistive technology.
- Learning strategies.
- Ongoing support.
Step 5: Activate Accommodations
After the intake appointment, students are registered with the Accessibility Office - provided appropriate documentation has been submitted. At this point, an accommodation plan would have been created and students must activate their plan by signing it. The Accessibility Office will send the plan electronically to student's professors and other staff members upon receiving student's consent. Once the plan is sent, it is active and students can utilize their approved accommodations.
Step 6: Review Accommodations (Optional)
Once a plan is created for students with permanent disabilities, the approved accommodations are considered permanent. However, it is recommended from time to time that students work with their Accessibility Specialist to review and update their plans. As students develop their learning skills and the demands of courses evolve, it is likely that accommodations will have to be adapted. Students are recommended to meet with the Accessibility Specialist before each semester begins to review any modifications to their plan.