What the accessibility office does

Most Canadian colleges and universities have an office that arranges academic accommodations. Names differ. Look for accessibility services, disability services or student accessibility centre.

The office works with you. Ask the office what information instructors will see.

Why register

Your high school IEP does not transfer automatically. You must register yourself. Statistics Canada reports extended time for tests and exams was the most-needed course accommodation among students with learning disabilities in 2022.

Step 1: find the office

1. Search your school's name plus "accessibility services".
2. Save the office phone number and email.
3. Note the registration deadline.

• Office name: ________
• Email: ________
• Phone: ________
• Deadline: ________

Step 2: gather documents

Most offices ask for recent proof of your disability. For dyslexia, that is usually a psychoeducational assessment. For example, Carleton University's Paul Menton Centre asks for a psychoeducational assessment report for a learning disability.

• Psychoeducational assessment report
• Most recent IEP (helpful, not always required)
• List of accommodations that worked in high school
• List of assistive technology you use

No assessment yet? Tell the office. Ask about interim supports. Only a licensed professional can diagnose dyslexia, usually a psychologist or psychological associate. Rules differ by province. In Quebec, a speech-language pathologist can also assess it.

Step 3: register and attend intake

1. Complete the online registration form.
2. Upload your documents.
3. Book an intake meeting with an advisor.
4. Bring your list of what has helped you.

Questions to ask at intake:

• Which accommodations am I approved for?
• How do I send my letter to instructors?
• How do I book exams with accommodations?
• What is the exam booking deadline?
• Is there assistive technology training?
• Is there a learning strategist I can meet?

Step 4: send your accommodation letter

Send it at the start of every term. Send it to every instructor. Follow up with a short email or office-hour visit.

Step 5: book exams early

Exam booking deadlines are strict. Put every deadline in your calendar the first week of term.

Step 6: check funding

Ask the office or the financial aid office about these Canada.ca programs:

• Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities. Canada.ca lists $2,800 per year until the end of the 2026 to 2027 school year.
• Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment. Canada.ca lists up to $20,000 per school year for education-related services or equipment.

Staff at a centre for students with disabilities can confirm your need for services or equipment.

If something goes wrong

1. Talk to the instructor first.
2. Contact your accessibility advisor.
3. Ask about the formal appeal process.

Your rights

In Ontario, the Ontario Human Rights Commission's policy on accessible education guides schools and post-secondary institutions on their duty to accommodate. Other provinces have their own human rights laws. General information, not legal advice.