PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Since 1989 Student Services has been working to improve accessibility for students with disabilities. We have attempted to use an integrated developmental model which stresses self-advocacy and independence for students and support from the existing or "mainstream" services of the university. A description of our current system follows:

  • Statement of accessibility in the calendar.

  • Printed recruitment information for students with disabilities.

  • Information on application form regarding contact person for assistance with disability issues.

  • Designation of a formal contact person to coordinate information and support regarding disability issues.

  • Official university policy statement regarding admission and accommodations.

  • Committee of Senate to monitor situation for students with disabilities. Participants include students with disabilities, representatives from faculty, registrar'soffice, dean's office, admissions, facilities management, students' union, student services.

  • Academic counselling available through existing services, with additional support from coordinator and resource educators.

  • Referral services for testing available.

  • Awareness activities for faculty, students, staff.

  • Willingness on part of faculty to make modifications and accommodations varies with the individuals involved.  These may include:
  • The onus is on the student to identify their learning needs, initiate contact with professors, and negotiate appropriate accommodations. The coordinator supports the student in this process.

  • Proctoring services for exams are available through the staff of the Tramble Rooms.

  • Technological aids for accommodations are primarily supplied by the student, usually through the N. S. Department of Education: Employability Assistance for Persons with Disabilities (EAPD) or such special interest groups as the C.N.I.B.

  • Access to Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFBD) and VISUNET is available to our students looking for books on tape/disc/e-text.  Scanning of texts can take place in the Tramble Rooms for those students using the Kurzweil 3000 screen reader program.

  • Note takers are available. Usually they are students volunteers. Note taking paper is available through the counselling centre.

  • Tutorial services are available through Tutoring at X  and community volunteers. Some limited funds are available to assist in the paying of tutors.

  • Counselling services for personal and career issues are available.

  • Peer support group.

  • Discussion of career plans and employment readiness.

  • OUTREACH: Speaker's Bureau: Students with disabilities are available to speak to community groups, as well as groups within the university. Students from X have been excellent advocates for disability issues. Some students have been the key note speakers at education conferences. Others meet individually with younger students and their parents.   Transition Visits: These are for high school students with disabilities who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education. Students from our program act as facilitators who will answer questions that visiting students may have about our program. Visiting students are given the opportunity to sit in on classes they have an interest in taking during the upcoming year.

  • Facilities Management:  Despite continuing efforts to improve accessibility, our setting continues to pose problems for persons with mobility impairments.

  • Financial Assistance:  a) The "Judge T. Donnie Tramble Memorial Fund" has been created by alumni donations to support the Program for Students with Disabilities. Funds are available for such things as proctoring and tutoring services;  b) In 2003, the University agreed to provide core funding for the Program for Students with Disabilities.  Program staff include a Coordinator and two Resource Educators;  c) Students with disabilities at the university often qualify for financial support through EAPD or the Canada Study Grant for Students with Disabilities. They may be supplied with tuition, book allowance, living allowance, transportation allowance, tutorial support, technical aides or attendant care, depending on their eligibility. We have lists of other scholarships available at the financial aid office.

    The following are links to various disability related employment opportunities and scholarships:

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