Services for Students with Disabilities

Assistive Technology

The Assistive Technology (AT) specialist is able to introduce you to recommended technology during your AT Assessment or upon referral from the Disability Services Coordinator
Training is provided in the technology you currently own
Will troubleshoot technology operation problems
Software and specialized equipment can be borrowed from the Assistive Technology Learning Lab by completing a Verification of Borrowing Form
Drop-in hours are posted in the Student Support Centre, Room 1621. Alternatively, you can call 403.343.4095 or 403.342.3471

Alternate Format of Printed Material

Includes, but is not limited to, enlarged print, audio CD, Braille, or electronic text.
You must identify the need for alternate format to Disability Services at least four months in advance. Clearly specified timelines are required as a considerable amount of preparation time may be needed.
You must provide proof that you have purchased printed materials (e.g. textbooks) before Disability Services can provide conversion of text to an alternate format.
Audio files and/or online access to certain text can be accessed personally by students through online searches of websites and the RDC library system
See Alternate Format of Printed Materials for addition information

Interpreters or CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) Services

Students who are deaf or hard of hearing may be eligible for this service.
To obtain services of an interpreter, Disability Services must be notified at least four months in advance of the anticipated start date as interpreters are hired on an as-needed basis.
CART services allow a student, through Internet access, to read in realtime captioning what an instructor is saying.

Exam Arrangements

Examples include, but are not limited to, extended time, assistance of a reader/scribe/typist, access to alternate format (e.g. large print, oral exam), use of approved adaptive technology or equipment, and using an alternate room (e.g. Test Centre).
Coordinated through the Disability Services and the Test Centre.
See Letter of Introduction, Exam Arrangements Form, A How-to-Guide for Writing Exams with Accommodations, and Exam Booking Sheet for more information

Notetakers

Involves student volunteers, recruited and coordinated through Disability Services, in providing lecture notes to students with disabilities who have a documented need.
Arrangements should be made with Disability Services once courses have been finalized and instructors have been notified.
Please note notetakers are NOT required to provide you with notes if you are absent from a class. You must make your own arrangements for obtaining notes when you are absent.
Report any class schedule changes to Disability Services

Disability Services Aide

A Disability Services Aide provides support based upon the unique needs of a student.
Support may include, but is not limited to, photocopying, enlarging materials, notetaking, scanning, and scribing.
Lab, Practicum and Field Trip Assistance
Accommodations such as support from a Disability Services Aide or use of adaptive technology can be arranged as required.
A Disability Services Aide's role is to facilitate the technical and physical components of the learning experience.

Content Tutoring

Arranged through Disability Services, this service involves a tutor assisting a student in understanding and reviewing concepts learned in class and in developing study skills.
Students are expected to attend, to be on time, and to be prepared for scheduled tutoring sessions, with specific goals and concerns ready. If unable to attend, students should call the tutor directly or the Counselling, Career & Learning Centre office to cancel.
See Content Tutoring Agreement for additional information.

Learning Strategies

Learning strategies services are for students who require disability-specific learning skills instruction. Strategies appropriate to a student’s strengths, goals, and unique learning needs are identified to facilitate his/her academic success.
Individual and small-group strategy sessions with a Learning Strategist are arranged on an ongoing scheduled basis.
See Learning Strategies Agreement

Reduced Course Load

When considering a reduced course load, meet with your Program Chair and an Academic Advisor to discuss viable options for spreading your program over a longer period of study. Long range planning regarding course availability and prerequisites is critical.
Please note some funding providers have time limitations for program completion.

Learning Skills Workshops

Topics include:

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