Request for Accommodation

If you have a documented disability that requires specific considerations, you can complete a Request for Accommodation with the Disability Service Coordinator. The Request for Accommodation serves to notify the faculty of the changes that are necessary as determined by the Disability Service Coordinator.

The Request for Accommodation is discussed by you with your instructor(s) to arrange implementation. The Disability Service Coordinator is a resource for further information or clarification about the accommodations required.

Disclosure

Disclosure is the act of a person disclosing something personal. You may disclose your disability to the University, the Disability Service Coordinator, and one or more instructors. It is not mandatory that a disability be disclosed and you have the right to disclose as much or as little as you wish. However, if you plan on using some form of accommodation in class or for exams, it is essential the instructor is spoken with regarding the disability.

In most cases it is to your benefit to disclose to your instructor(s) as soon as possible. It is important that you know how to describe your disability to the instructor in a clear and concise manner that will help him/her understand what is necessary in order to mitigate for the specific disability.

Documentation Requirements

If you are seeking accommodation, you’ll need to provide the Disability Service Coordinator with current documentation of your disability from a qualifying professional (e.g. doctor, psychologist). Accommodation provision is based on the documentation and information provided at an initial meeting. All information obtained by the Disability Service Coordinator is treated as confidential. A form can be obtained from the Disability Service Coordinator or at the StudentAid BC website.

Documentation needs to be current to five years and state whether the disability is temporary or permanent. Further, the documentation needs to indicate that academic accommodations are necessary as a result of the disability. If you have a learning disability, you must provide an up-to-date psycho-educational assessment. Information regarding qualifying for accommodation with a learning disability are provided in further detail at the StudentAid BC website.

Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment

If specialized equipment or services are required, contact the Disability Service Coordinator. If the educational barrier caused by a disability cannot be met through existing resources and requires technology or support services, you will be referred to the Assistive Technology - BC, Technology and Services Support Program (TSSP).

Canada Study Grant for Students with a Permanent Disability (CSG-PD)

The Canada Study Grant for Students with a Permanent Disability makes available a grant of up to $8,000 a year to those eligible for offsetting exceptional education-related service and equipment expenses incurred as a result of a disability. More information is available on the StudentAid BC website.

Assistance Program for Students with a Permanent Disability (APSD)

The APSD program provides grants for exceptional education-related services and adaptive equipment. This program is based on financial need and can be accessed if you are not able to apply to the Canada Study Grant. This program involves an Emily Carr internal application. Read more details at the StudentAid BC website.

Eligible Education Related Services under CSG-PD and APSD

  • Alternate formats
  • Attendant care
  • Note taker
  • Reader
  • Sign language interpretation
  • Tutor
  • 75% of the cost of a learning disability assessment

Eligible Education Related Equipment under CSG-PD and APSD

  • Technical aids (e.g. computer, hardware and software)

Information on Canada Study Grant (CSG), Assistive Technology - British Columbia (AT-BC) and Assistance Program for Students with Permanent Disabilities (APSD) can be found on the B.C. government’s StudentAid BC website.