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Student Accessibility Services

Welcome to student accessibility services (SAS). we are Here to Help!

Accessibility Services helps students who experience disabilities with full and equitable participation in academic life. We strive towards creating a barrier-free environment where all students can achieve their potential.

One of the core activities of SAS is to help students with academic accommodations in order to remove structural barriers when a disability is affecting the student's functioning. The accommodations that are required vary from person to person and situation to situation. We, therefore, work closely with students and instructors to collaboratively determine what is needed.

If you are a New Student to SAS, please follow the step by step guides below to register:

Complete the New Student Intake Form (NSIF) after accepting your offer of admissions. This form provides us with relevant information about your disability and disability needs.

Due: June 16, 2023

   OR

  • Current Psycho-educational Assessment (for Learning Disabilities and ADHD)

Visit the SAS website to learn more about what documentation you need to provide.

Please note: you may need to update your existing documentation. Contact the SAS office for more information.

Due: June 16, 2023

Start Accessible (virtual)

  • Learn about SAS and campus services and programs
  • Attend online workshops introducing you to SAS
  • Receive a scheduled SAS advisor appointment

Note: only students who have submitted an intake form will be contact at their U of G email for more information

Due: late August/early September

  • Meet with your SAS Advisor to discuss individual accommodations and supports
  • Set up classroom and exam accommodations, as appropriate
  • Review courses and disability related supports

Note: Students who have completed Steps 1-3 will receive an appointment time from SAS.

Due: Ongoing fall semester

SAS Frequently Asked Questions

A current psychoeducational assessment is needed for Learning Disabilities and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

The Functional Assessment Form can only be used for the following:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Injuries, Concussions, and Illnesses
  • Mental Health Disabilities
  • Mobility, Dexterity, and Perceptual Disabilities

At this time, the best method of communication to get in touch with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is by email. SAS can be reached at rcsas@uoguelph.ca

We recommend reaching out to SAS before June 16, 2023, to ensure all documentation is complete and accommodations are in place before the semester begins. However, you can reach out to SAS at any time. Please note: your accommodations may be delayed if you reach out after June 16, 2023.

We review documentation of the functional limitations each student experiences and tailor the accommodations to the individual's needs. This means two people with the same diagnosis might have different accommodations because of the unique aspects of their circumstances and the courses they are taking. Our mandate is to remove barriers to equitable participation while ensuring students are not given an unfair advantage.

In some cases, the essential requirements of a course or program are not reasonable for a student with a particular disability, in which case we will work collaboratively with you and the academic department to come up with appropriate alternative options.

If you have a psycho-educational assessment for a Learning Disability (LD) and/or ADHD, it is in your best interest to have it updated well before you come to campus. It has been our experience that students who arrive with a current assessment get the semester off to a much stronger start, make a smoother transition, and have the best chance of a successful university experience.

Note that a current assessment is one that was completed at age 18 or older, or within the last 3 years and using adult normed tests.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept an IEP as documentation of a disability.  There are many differences in the approaches to teaching and learning at the high school level as compared to university.  The standards we are required to observe necessitate a psycho-educational assessment for Learning Disabilities and ADHD in order to put into place the appropriate accommodations for each student.

Visit the SAS page on this site.

This online program begins in the summer before you begin your fall semester. START Accessible gives you a chance to get settled into campus before the hustle and bustle of Orientation Week. SAS staff will welcome you to campus, introduce you to academic life, begin the process of setting up accommodations, and show you how to access resources that will help you achieve success in your first year.