
Projects
Working Towards a Coordinated National Approach To Services, Accommodations And Policies For Post-Secondary Students With Disabilities
Student Open-Ended Responses
All open-ended comments and responses to survey questions were fully transcribed, with
minimal changes made to preserve or clarify the sense of a comment. Where a word or phrase
could not be made out, bracketed ellipsis points - [...I - have been added.
To protect the anonymity of respondents, we have attempted to change any references within
a comment that might identify its source. Where, for example, the name of an institution, a
building, a centre, or a city were included, we have attempted to replace these with another
bracketed, non-specific reference - e.g. [the city].
To provide some context for understanding comments, the type of institution (e.g. college,
university, Cegep) represented and the province or region are provided. In addition, student
responses include the types of disabilities identified by the student.
Depending on your disability, are the= any
aids or services which you would use but
do not have access to? If yes, what are
they?
- Monitoring "coaching" program to help
keep on track. Study skills workshops
individualized to students with ADDLD.
As I was diagnosed in university, I didn't
get the typical services students may get in
elementary/high school, i.e. help with study
skills. Learning Disability; University, QC
- Conference room chairs very
uncomfortable; desks also required in
some. Cannot access all elevators with key
assigned for elevator use. Not enough
parking spaces to accommodate special
needs users. Mobility impaired (lower back
injury); College, ON
- I wish there was a quiet dimly lit area,
just for people like me, to use to help
reduce the severity of a migraine or control
a migraine. Medical disability (Migraines);
College, ON
If yes, why do you not have access to
these aids or services?
- For the number of disabled students
attending [The University], there is not
enough adaptive technology provided or
combinations of that equipment (e.g. closed
circuit television and computers with voice
synthesizers or large print programs).
Blind/Visually impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Our university has some excellent
services for students with disabilities (e.g.
computer lab, laptops to borrow, note
takers, etc.) but very poor other student
services such as help with study skills
(even for students without disabilities who
might find them helpful). We do have
workshops for multiple choice exams, etc.
but nothing very extensive. Having
attended 2 other schools prior to this
[University], I have used the study skills
counsellors' services there and have found
them to be more accessible to students
(and they have more resources devoted to
helping students, i.e. more staff). Learning
Disability; University, QC
- Just found out by chance I was eligible
for books on tape. Didn't know service was
available. Wish I had found out sooner.
Mobility impaired, Learning Disability;
College, BC
- I was informed at [The University] that
there was no funding for scribing and that
my documentation was not specific enough
about this service, even though I had
documentation to show that I needed this
service for high school provincial exams
and that this was a service I received at
[another College]. Learning Disability;
College, BC
- Again present key cannot operate all
keyed elevator entrances. Poor parking
habits and restricted parking spaces for
handicapped do not allow enough room for
all. Some rooms do have special chairs but
often when they are requested, request is
ignored or cannot be fulfilled. Mobility
impaired (lower back injury); College, ON
Did you choose this school on the basis of
[masons other than those specified]?
- I am a visiting student from [another
University]. I was having difficulties
relating to my disability which were
affecting me academically. I have only
been definitively diagnosed since being in
British Columbia. I came here (before
knowing with certainty what my disability
was) to try to find my
niche/happiness/achievement capabilities,
as my experience at [another University]
was not gratifying for me. I chose [this
University], after coming here on summer
holiday in 1996. Learning Disability;
University, BC
Do you require modified building features
or special transportation services to attend
school [other than those specified]?
- Automated doors (better access); Wide
hallways -- narrow hallways cause others
to jar me and this is very bad for my spine.
Mental health, Medical disability; College, ON
- In my program (BSc OT) we must
complete practicums (i.e. fieldwork); These
locations must be accessible. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
Do you need any assistive aids or services
or special equipment to pursue your studies [other than those specified] ?
- I currently use some home support and
I need an exercise rehab trainer and
counsellor, really, to keep up sufficient
stamina and concentration to succeed with
university work in the face of my chronic
illness. Medical Disability; University, BC
- [The College] did not have any of the
adaptive aids I needed and my success was
due in large part to the fine support staff
there. Blind/Visually impaired; College, MB
- Not a full-time student because of eye
strain. Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
Is there an office on your campus that
coordinates services for students with
disabilities?... How have you accessed
these selvices?
- I went to disability services before I
was accepted. I called the school and met
with the teachers. I decided if I liked their
services before I decided to go to the
school or not. Learning Disability; College, ON
Are you required to pay for any of the
services for students with disabilities that
you access on your campus? If yes, please
describe:
- If I apply through Disability Services
for funding, then I am required to apply for
grants and bursaries that are taxable
income. Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- Pay for tutor. Learning Disability; University, QC
- Elevator key. Mobility impaired; Cegep, QC
- Note taking paper, Note taker, Tutor.
Mobility impaired, Blind/Visually
impaired, Medical Disability; College, ON
- Our DSS office now requires students
with disabilities to pay for final
examinations. I believe the money goes
toward paying invigilators, and apparently,
the student is reimbursed by the Quebec
government via the Allowance For Special
Needs, but the fact is that we are now
charged for taking exams. BlindVisually
impaired; University, QC
- Transcription to large print 7
centslpage. Blindvisually impaired; University, AB
- Pay for large print and tapes, covered
under VRDP in Alberta. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, AB
- Research assistance very expensive.
Mobility impaired; University, BC
How did you become awm of the services
offered to students with disabilities at your
educational institution [other than ways
specified]?
- A person from Services for Students
with Disabilities came to one of my classes
to recruit note takers for another student
and I got the address. Medical Disability; University, AB
- It was difficult finding the right person
to talk to with my disability, which was
identified back in grade one, i.e.
communication difficulties and not being
able to get things down on paper. So it
took time and perseverance to finally get
the right person. Learning Disability;
College, ON
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: MAIN
STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING - Comments:
- Les ascenseurs ne vont pas jusqu'au
dernier etage. Deficience motrice;
University, QC
- [The University's] Unicentre holds
main library, main eating facilities, main
student services, bookstore. Elevators so
small they hold only one wheelchair and
one other person. Mobility impaired,
Medical Disability; University, ON
- There doesn't seem to be a lot of
disabled students at [The University],
therefore the campus does not seem well
equipped for these students. Blindhisually
impaired; University, A tlantzc Canada
The automatic doors in the buildings
often do not work during the hours I am
there. Are they turned offl Mobility
impaired; College, MB
- The university is not barrier-free
design; in fact, it is an accessibility
nightmare. Example, engineering building
and science complex and professors'
offices. Mobility impaired; University, MB
- Les boutons de l'ascenseur ne sont pas
accessible, trop haut. Deficience motrice;
Cegep, QC
- [Elevators] should have flashing light
for the deaf. Deqf/Hard of hearing;
College, ON
- Student services are spread out over 2
campuses. While most are accessible, some
are not unless I ask someone from
Disabled Students Office to help me, e.g.
use of typewriter: up a flight of stairs, no
wheelchair access. Mobility impaired;
University, QC
- L'accessibilite est adequate mais
SEULEMENT a la bibliotheque et non
dans cet edifice. Cicite/Deficience visuelle;
University, QC
- l'entree avant il y a une place
ouverte pour livrer la marchandise
(camion) une seule bande jaune indique
qu"Il y a un trou de 3 pied, c'est tres
dangereux. Cicite/Deficience visuelle;
Cegep, QC
- Avoir besoin des ATS publique.
SurdittYPersonne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- For the most part services such as
elevators equipped with floor bells and
braille print, special services for students
with disabilities, accessible washrooms,
etc. actually exist but are very poor except
Library]. The university is very
inconsistent. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- For physically disabled, excellent. For
visually impaired, needs improvement.
Mobility impaired, Blind/Visually
impaired, Medical Disability; College, ON
- Special services [for students with
disabilities] from depts other than Special
Services (e.g. Admissions and Awards) is
not even available. Medical Disability; University, ON
- Outdoor lighting definitely needs to be
brighter in certain areas of campus.
BlindVisually impaired, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- I believe that a student with physical
difficulties could not survive on the
campus at [The University]. It is not
accessible. Learning Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Our Student Service Centre and
Financial Aid offices are located in the
Library Building, which also contains: one
of two university libraries, our downtown
campus book store, and ten or so floors of
classrooms, (mainly for Graduate courses),
many faculty and department offices, and
other university services. Our university
doesn't have a separate building dedicated
to student services, and in fact, some
specialized student services, such as the
Peer Helpers, and Health Services, among
many others, are located in other buildings
and annexes located within walking
distance from the two main downtown
university buildings (the level of
accessibility of these other buildings range
from good, where the offices are located in
major office buildings, to poor, where the
offices are located in converted houses
with stairs only access). Moreover, some
services, including the Office For Students
With Disabilities, International Student
Services, and others, are located in the
main campus building across from the
Library Building. Finally, we do have
another campus,which has little to no
student services which means that students
with disabilities who have classes strictly
at that campus, must come downtown to
gain access. Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- Older building. Mobility impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- [The University] is definitely not an
institution that even tries to accommodate
students with physical disabilities. It's
horrible. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Considering [The University] is a small
university, it does an excellent job of
making accessibility as good as it can be.
Mobility Impaired; University, ON
- Wheelchair ramps in some buildings
are too small for powered chairs.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Most heavy crash doors are propped
open to facilitate easy passage. Mobility
impaired, DeaJ/Hard of hearing,
Blind/Visually impaired, Speech impaired; University, ON
- Les porte d'entree: ouvre seulement un
ciite, donc ce n'est pas correct pour
handicape physique, car cela a un difficulte
d'entrer. SurditeYPersonne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Quelques toilettes ne sont pas adapte
adequatement. Deficience m otrice; Cegep, QC
- Coloured strips don't stay on stairs
very long. Blind/Visually impaired; University, NB
- Due to the age of many of the
buildings, adaptations and safety features
are poor, if available at all in many areas.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- The elevator is always breaking down
and they change the key system every year,
so it's hard to get a key for the next year
because the place is down stairs. Mobility impaired; College, ON
- Overall rating is 6 out of 10 because
automatic doors don't work all the time.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- I believe all the existing buildings
were built before society decided to take
care of people with disabilities.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- Indoor lighting is horrible in hallways.
Very dark. De@/Hard of hearing,
Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- The campus has no real need for an
elevator system. [Note: Recreation centre
has an elevator.] Mobility impaired; College, AB
- [The Campus]: Very poor access; high
risk safety, especially at night. Medical
Disability; College, BC
- There needs to be a lift in one of the
accessible washrooms for students who
need it. Mobility impaired; University, AB
- If students with disabilities have a
disabled sign that they paid for, the parking
should be free.You should not pay
twice.Walkways not shovelled in winter;
makes it very dangerous. Other; University, BC
- Have found continued difficulty with
stairway access, in all areas of school.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, AB
- These areas are improving rapidly after
successful lobbying resulting in a five year
strategy with funds. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- Elevators always full and used by nondisabled
during class changes. Mobility
impaired; University, AB
- I believe this building was designed
with people with disabilities in mind. [The
Centre for SWD] is located here. Other-
Loss of fine motor control; University, BC
- The braille in elevators I have not
always noticed, and floor bells are not
always accurate. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- [The University] is on a hill and you
have to plan class location. There are
ramps but by the time you use them all
you end up walking miles. Mobility
impaired, Learning Disability; College, BC
- [The College] is only one building.
There is only one ramp and that is in the
parking lot to the basement entrance. [The
College] elevators: students refuse to grant
wheelchair bound students right of way to
elevators. Ergo, wheelchair bound people
are always late for their classes.
Blind/Visually impaired, Dyslexia; College, AB
- Parking changes with need each
semester. Ramps: Large gaps in cement;
bumpy ride. Doors: very heavy to open,
slow to close. No hygiene products
available in handicap washrooms. Aisles:
not enough room to enter instructor's
office. Mobility impaired, Learning
Disability; College, BC
- In the main washrooms the stalls are
okay but with a wheelchair cannot get to
the sink to wash hands. The elevator and
getting from one building to another is
very difficult. Mobility impaired; College, AB
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY : MAIN
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - Comments:
- I have some breathing problems; What
I don't like is that ... the elevator in one
section only goes to the second floor. I
have to get off, walk a great distance to
access the main elevator to continue to the
third floor. Medical disability (Migraines); College, ON
- Part-time student so seldom use
administration building. Problem with
focusing, therefore, elevator numbers, etc.
hard to determine. Bright lighting rather
than their size is more important to me.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, ON
- Need large print numbers on all class
room doors. Blind/Visually Impaired;
University, ON
- The main administration building is
very old and the only elevator is accessible
to staff. You must get someone to bring
you upstairs. The elevator is in a tiny
(ancient) shaft. The building is scheduled
for renovation. I'm looking into whether
this covers a new elevator. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- Avoir besoin des ATS publique.
Surdite/Personne m alentendante; Cegep, QC
- The School of Graduate Studies and
the Undergrad Admissions building are
inaccessible (e.g. stairs). Special Services
will make arrangements to have a "runner"
or I make arrangements by phone. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- Physical accessibility is not a problem
for me personally, but I can see where
there are potential problems. Frankly the
state of the buildings at [The University] is
bad even for those of us without physical
disabilities. Learning Disability, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- On all buildings ramps and automatic
doors tend to be at the back of the building
and are either hard to find or get to.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- The main registration office is
completely inaccessible to any person in a
wheelchair unless assisted up an extremely
steep ramp from behind, or being given the
key to a low level lift by a security guard.
The lift is ALWAYS off and no person in
a wheelchair (unless they are extremely
low level paraplegic) could negotiate the
ramp. I've never seen anyone able to do it.
Power chairs even have trouble because of
its steepness and narrowness. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- School has no walkways; elevator bells
not loud enough; Administration office is
being remodelled and moved to first floor.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- This building is only accessible
through the staircases, no other access.
Counters are almost 56 inches high; lines
are always long; no place to sit. It is
simply horrible. Medical Disability;
University, ON
- Admissions and registration are done
by phone and mail. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- Registrar's offices (which include
Financial services) at [the University] is an
extremely inaccessible building. Mobility
Impaired; University, ON
- At [The University] all of our
buildings are connected. Parking access in
almost all areas. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- Parking always taken by cars without
proper ID; Only two accessible washrooms
that everyone (ie. able-bodied students)
uses. Mobility impaired, Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Should have more and better parking
spaces for handicapped parking. Mobility
impaired, Medical Disability; College,
Atlmtic Canada
- Again, the Administration Building on
our campus is dated and lacks adaptive
technology. There is however an annex of
recent construction which does have
accessibility features such as two elevators
with braille and floor bells, wing door
handles and accessible washrooms.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, Atlmtic Canada
- No ramp on main door. Stairs outside
have no marks; dangerous for visually
impaired students. Registrar's office not too
accessible with wheelchairs. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Quand je demande une information, il
arrive que je ne comprends pas (ou n'ait
pas entendu!) Le premier coup donc je fais
repeter la personne. Des fois, elle s'enerve
ou est b2te et moi $a me met soit en colere
ou ma1 a l'aise ... Surdite/Personne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Lobbylwaiting areas have no chairs (to
rest). Mobility impaired; University, QC
- Il y a des grosses ameliorations a faire
pour que ce cegep soit accessible a toutes
personnes handicapees. Le stationnement
est identifie mais toujours utilis6 par
d'autre personnes que les handicapes.
Beficience motrice, Deficience de la
parole; Cegep, QC
- There are a number of older buildings
at [The University]. 65-70% of the
buildings on campus are either converted
homes or buildings built during the 1960s.
Mobility impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- We are dealing with an old building
that doesn't seem to have been upgraded
much in the last few years. Blind/visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- This is a small campus but I have
noticed that the administration goes out of
its way to accommodate students with
disabilities even though it is so small.
Other-Neurological; College, BC
- [The College] expanded and built an
addition called Student Service Building. I
found the doors hard to open so I just used
the automatic door openers. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; College, BC
- The outside lighting can be frightening
as it tends to get very dark. The automatic
doors often do not open. They are quite
heavy for someone as small as I am to
push open. Other-Post Brain Injury; University, BC
- There needs to be a full size elevator
not a small one so this area can be
accessible. Mobility impaired; University, AB
- This building needs an accessible
elevator added and is likewise part of the
Access Audit and have many problems
addressed. Question is when. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- Student services and main
administration are in the same new
building now. The new building is full of
plastic and glue fumes - which are
uncomfortable and even too much for those
of us with chemical sensitivities. I hope it
degasses soon. Medical Disability, Other;
University, BC
- If you want to go from the third floor
of the Admin Building to the third floor of
105 building you have take the elevator
down to the main floor, go across 106
building and go outside to building 105
and go up to the third floor. Or you have
to use the elevator in building 106 to the
second floor, go across a walkway to
building 105 and then take the 105 elevator
to the third floor. Mobility impaired; College, AB
- There should be lights close to the
stairs outside. Other; University, BC
- Need more outdoor lighting. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- It's an old building; the stairs outside
are small and I don't think that there are
coloured strips. The doors are narrow but
there is an automatic door. Blind/Visually
Impaired; Universzv, AB
- Must move furniture to get into
financial services office. Mobility impaired,
Learning Disability; College, BC
- No lower counters for service. Area
congested at times, difficult manoeuvring.
Mobility impaired; University, AB
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: MAIN
LIBRARY BUILDING - Comments:
- Libraries have modified photocopiers
for disabled students. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- Library book stacks are horrible.
Makes browsing impossible if in a
wheelchair. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- There are two main library buildings.
One is more modem (adapted) than the
other. In both cases, library aisles are
narrow, hardly wheelchair accessible.
There are often stools and other obstacles
blocking the path. Mobility impaired;
University, QC
- The downtown library (the one for
which I scaled) is part of a larger building
that contains other facilities. Within the
library itself, is the Media Centre, there is
a limited amount of equipment, including
an out-of-date scanner for the Blind, and a
computer I believe, both of which, the staff
is unaware of how to use. In terms of
specialized services, if you are registered
with the Disabled Student Services, you
can renew books by phone, however
anyone can now do that, along with a host
of other library related activities via the
Internet connection to the library's
computer system. None of the CD-ROMs
or other computer equipment, available to
other library users, are accessible to
persons with disabilities. In fact, the main
online catalogue terminals are on high
counters, higher than many in wheelchairs
could reach with ease. Finally, it should be
noted that [The University] has two
libraries, the main downtown library, and
the [second] library, which has the bulk of
the collection of books that those taking
classes at the campus would need access
to. This building has some major access
problems. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, QC
- [The library] is excellent and is the
exception to the general rule here in terms
of physical accessibility. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- The outside lighting surrounding all
buildings is horrible. The Municipal Affairs
Commission is working on increased
lighting. Haven't seen any yet. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- In general, handicapped parking is not
enforced. Mobility impaired; University, MB
- The Access Centre only recently was
able to get us adapted services in the
library. This has only been in place for
about two years. Learning Disability,
Medical Disability; University, ON
- Main entrance ramp is very steep and
the tunnel way door is buzzer activated by
the librarians. It's very heavy, making it
almost useless for those in wheelchairs
unless you are strong in the upper body.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Limited access to research materials;
no special supports in place except adapted
computer for accessing library database
and scanner. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Computers for CD ROM and
Catalogue aren't in large print.
BlindWisually impaired; Univemity, ON
- Workstations -- Computer with scanner
and voice. No wordprocessor and no
computer with Internet access for research
which has adaptations. BlindWisually
impaired; College, ON
- People must get special key to get to
4th and 5th floors. Mental Health
Disability, University, ON
- Ascenseurs fonctionnent a c1e; tres
difficile d'utilisation et trop etroits - allees
entre les rangees de livres sont trop
etroites. Deficience motrice; University, QC
- Elevators not in all areas. The ramp is
at backhide of building and is winding and
also steep. Basically, it is difficult to use.
Automatic doors usually open one at a
time (so you can get stuck between doors).
Medical Disability; University, ON
- [The Library] is relatively new and is
in many ways technologically advanced for
non-disabled students. But for disabled
students, there is only one CCTV, one
computer with voice and large print, and
one text-reader, all located in one overused,
over-crowded room. The only saving
grace is the staff who are willing to do
what they can to help. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- The Accessibility Centre is excellent,
as is the staff. Medical Disability;
University, ON
- There is a special door that
wheelchairs use to go into the library. You
have to ring a bell to get someone to open
it. A lot of times they make a big deal
about it, so I rarely go into the library.
Mobility Impairment, Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Stationnement eloigne. Deficience
motrice; Cegep, QC
- There is no elevator to reach the main
entrance, from the communicating level
(basement common with university centre),
to enter the library. You must climb stairs
or exit the building and go around the
block to take one of the ramps. Other;
University, ON
- Very helpful staff makes life easier at
the library. Blindhisually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Doors are always open. Parking space
has to be bought and the library is far.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- The elevator is hidden. Blind/visually
impaired; University, NB
?A There is very dim outside lighting all
over the campus, especially near and on
the way to the parking lots. Multiple
disabilities; University, BC
- There is no library. At [the school] one
has to leave the building, cross over to the
[...I Centre and then continue on to the
Public Library. Blind/Visually impaired,
Dyslexia; College, AB
- Long ramps up then down not covered.
Automatic doors not working most of the
time; plus second set of doors with rail
gate right behind it - hard to manage both.
No accessible washroom. Not enough room
between aisles especially if another student
or step stool is in aisle. Shelves too high or
low for easy access. Adapted stations all at
the back of the library away from
everything. Mobility impaired, Learning
Disability; College, BC
- [The Campus]: Parking and access to
building very poor. Campus on steep
hillside. Major mobility challenge. Medical
Disability; College, BC
- Some libraries have tiny elevators.
Outdated and hard to manoeuvre with
scooter. Mobility impaired; University, AB
- They are currently building a new
elevator because I have had a lot of
problems with the stair lift. Mobility
impaired; College, AB
- A building far too small for number of
students at [The University]; only token
accessible workstations. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- Library is not accessible. I usually
access through the Internet. Resources are
sent to me through the mail/courier.
Mobility impaired; College, AB
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: MAIN FOOD SERVICES BUILDING - Comments:
- Small print on menu board.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, ON
- [The Centre] has recently been
renovated and, aside from being crowded,
it's a nice place to eat. Blind/visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- One of the older buildings on campus.
[The Centre] was not built with disabilities
in mind, and while it was renovated in
recent years, only so much could be done
and there is a great deal more upgrading
required. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Accessible washrooms if you can find
them. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Parking is not allowed near any of the
buildings in the core of campus. It is a
traffic-free campus. Decff/Hard of hearing,
Learning Disability, A cquired Brain Injuiy;
University, ON
- Food services is a big room on our
campus. Elevators and washrooms, though
they are not right there, are nearby. The
lack of elevators and washrooms does not
compromise accessibility. Mobility
impaired; University, MB
- Couloirs tres large mais pas des
signaux dans les ascenseurs.
Ckciti/Deficience visuelle; University, QC
- Areas are not very roomy and it would
be difficult to move a wheelchair around in
there in the lineups. BlindVisually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Not easily accessible by the blind; very
confusing place to the sighted, let alone the
blind. BlindVisually impaired; University, ON
- Three different main food services on
the first floor plus a bar. One has to get
around to get to them. Easily accessible.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Excellent elevator. Voice indicates the
floor and services on that floor. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- No parking area for this building.
BlindIVisually impaired; University, NB
- The elevator is always breaking down.
It is a freight elevator and is unsafe.
Mobility impaired; University, BC
- If the service staff know you then you
can get assistance, otherwise food and
condiments inaccessible. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- Tables are available and marked for
wheelchair use; nice, big, round tables.
Mobility impaired, Learning Disability;
College, BC
- Highly congested area. Difficulty
manoeuvring wth scooter among other
students. Mobility impaired; University, AB
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: BOOK STORE - Comments:
- Difficult to access interior with
wheelchair (too congested). Signage not
good -- too small to look for books for
your courses. Blindvisually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- There are no elevators in the
bookstore. All of the buildings are, in my
opinion, poorly lit on the outside.
Blind/visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- L'espace est tres restreint dans la
librairie, ce qui me pose des difficultes a
circuler dans les allees de la librairie.
Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- The bookstore on campus is a part of
the library and is located in the basement.
It shares many of the same problems as the
library. BlindVisually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Manque d'espace flagrant. Ddficience
motrice; University, QC
- Part of main campus building; Not
very accessible - narrow entry. No
accommodation during peak times: we had
to stand in line like everyone else. Special
Needs was willing to have someone help
us but not really practical. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- Only accessible by elevator from
bottom or top floor (i.e. elevator that
brings in books). Multiple disabilities;
University, ON
- The staff is wonderful. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Washrooms in the University Centre
are labelled for disabled but doors too
heavy for easy wheelchair access. Other-
Hem iplegic; University, ON
- Stationnement mal durant I'hiver.
Deficience m otrice; University, QC
- Automatic door works one way only.
Why? Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Bookstore could use someone to assist
visually impaired students. Blind/Visudly
impaired; University, ON
- Difficulty manoeuvring around aisles.
Too compacted with trinkets and stuff.
Mobility impaired; University, AB
- Building very poorly planned. Our
society had little input. If we had been
consulted first, would have saved money
and not had to redo things. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- The excellent bookstore has just been
renovated and is well ramped. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- The bookstore is not accessible for
students in wheelchairs. Multiple
disabilities; University, BC
- Aisles too narrow. Must enter when
no-one else is in store. Service is great -
present a list of books to pick up next day
Could have a day especially for chairs
because rows are narrow, plus incoming
supplies (boxes) are all over. Mobility
impaired, Learning Disability; College, BC
- There are signs indicating that
handicapped students may cut in at the
front of the line. However, the one time I
did use this service, the cashier called out
to me as I approached the counter, loudly
pointing towards the lineup and indicating
that I was making a mistake. (I am not
visibly disabled.) I hauled out my disability
decal and showed it to her but was very
conscious of everyone staring at me and
watching the outcome. Medical Disability;
University, BC
- You have to watch your footing in this
area especially in the evening. Mobility
impaired, Learning Disability; College, BC
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: SPECIAL EQUIPMENT - Comments:
- I don't know if they have these things
but would use them if I could find them.
Multiple disabilities; University, ON
- I have not been informed whether we
have these things, or whether they would
be any use to me. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- If they have any of the above special
equipment, it is not public knowledge.
Medical Disability; University, ON
- CCTVs are old and have poor quality
resolution. I don't think there are any
talking calculators. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, ON
- There should be government assistance
to provide students with disabilities with a
variety of equipment suited to their needs.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, NB
- Phonic ears are not provided by the
university directly; students bring their
own. Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- There was definitely not enough
special equipment for students with visual
disabilities, i.e. CCTV equipment, large
monitors, special lighting, assorted
magnifiers, work areas. BlindVisually
impaired; College, MB
- The only equipment is what a student
with a disability has for himherself.
BlindVisually impaired, Other-Diabetes;
College, Atlantic Canada
- I have heard about the software, e.g.
voice command. It sounds like it is helpful
to people with little or no use of their arms
or hands and also for people who are blind.
I have a program similar to this one,
though not as effective, that does help.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- Have one TTY, but many hearing
students use the only pay phone near it
because they don't read the signs.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; College, ON
- One TTY in Disability Services Office
which closes at 4:30 pm and isn't open
weekends. Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- Pour ce qui est du scanner, le co6t est
eleve. Aussi, j'ai mon propre fauteuil
roulant. Dbficience motrice; Universite, QC
- Items marked are available in Services
for Students with Disabilities Office. What
is available is excellent. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Specialized software [for students with
learning disabilities] was unknown until
today. School does not help those with
learning disabilities as it does those with
physical disabilities (e.g. dyslexia vs.
deafness). Learning Disability; College, ON
- I do not believe that the university
provides any such services outside the
Centre for Special Services, which can
obtain such for students using provincial
grants. Other-Hem iplegic; University, ON
a Available only at the Access Centre.
Their services are excellent. Learning
Disability, Medical Disability; University, ON
- Scanner works only with straight type
with no breaks or pictures; Only one 4
track tape recorder for all of the students.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- We need specialized software for
students with learning disabilities. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- I wish they had software available for
LD students which could help enhance
their basic skills, like writing, or improve
reading skills and speed. I'm thinking in
particular of dyslexic students. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- J'aimerais avoir acces a une piece avec
un telephone car il m'est impossible de
prendre des rendez-vous de l'ecole car il y
a trop de bruit ambiant ... Surdith'Personne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Our university is seriously lacking the
adaptive technology which is needed. For
most of the above mentioned there is only
one of each (on the largest campus east of
Montreal and the only university in the
province). Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantzc Canada
- Tres mal insonorise et ventilation tres
inadequate.. . Cecite/Deficience visuelle;
University, QC
- Personally, I try to remain as
independent as possible and I don't deal
with [The Centre] very much.
Blind/visually impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Has not been upgraded and is much
too slow to be useful in a crunch.
Blind/Visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- None of the equipment is loaned to
students unless a minimum of two courses
is taken and SET-BC has accepted
student's application. Multiple disabilities;
College, BC
- No one tells you what's available, so if
you don't know what to ask for, you don't
get it. Learning Disability; College, AB
- This [specialized software for students
with learning disabilities] would be a great
help. Learning Disability; College, AB
- [The Library] provides services for
visually impaired students, as well as for
those students registered with the Disability
Resources Centre. This library has many
computers and services for the visually
impaired; and this is where I study. There
are 4-track machines, private booths and
rooms and a common area for meetings,
eating and reading. The services
(photocopying, computer access, etc.) are
phenomenal and the staff works hard to
provide services and help to the library's
visitors. The only drawback, however, is
that the library is not open long enough
during the week and on weekends due to
insufficient funding. Learning Disability,
Medical Disability; University, BC
- Tape recorder bought by Ministry did
not work well enough. Had to buy a high
quality one. Learning Disability; College, BC
- Even the people who work for the
school do not know what they are able to
do for you. Learning Disability; University, BC
- I have been loaned equipment, tutor,
all the help I need. Learning Disability,
Medical Disability; College, BC
- I would like some more technical aids
but do not know what would be most
helpful, or what is available, or indeed
what exists that could help me. Nor do I
have confidence that I know how best to
present my request -- to who, under which
program. Medical Disability; University, BC
- The equipment available is wonderful.
The Services for Students with Disabilities
here on campus, along with students,
helped raise funds to buy motorized
scooters for students to use. Learning
Disability; University, AB
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: ADAPTIVE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT - Comments:
- J'ai un tres bon equipement chez moi
[Internet access]. Deficience m otn'ce;
Universite, QC
- Again I have not been informed as to
what these are or whether they would be of
any use to me. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- I do not use any of these services at all
except Internet access which I rate as
excellent. Blind/Visually impaired,
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, ON
- I believe, if some of these features
were available, I would do a lot better.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, ON
- Adaptive technology is sure needed for
the school as well as trained persons to
teach and train students. Blind/Visually
impaired, Other-Diabetes; College, Atlantic Canada
- The voice reco nition system is about to be updated and t ey have made a point
of obtaining student input. Medical, Other-
Pervasive Developmental Disorder;
University, ON
- For the entire campus, there are only
two places where adaptive computer
equipment is available: the Adaptive
Technology Centre in [The Library]
(described above) and [The Centre]. [The
Centre] has one braille printer, two
computers with voice synthesizers and a
couple of desks. This room is usually used
for exams, although it is noisy, distracting
and uncomfortable.. . Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Staff too few for the number of
students. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, QC
- We are striving to have our adaptive
equipment in with all the other computers
Not separated from the rest of the college.
Mobility impaired; College, ON
- Centre needs more funding and more
attention to changes in technology should
be given. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Any equipment that is provided at our
university is either out-dated and/or under
used. The fact that the computer
technology is available to students in the
Disabled Student Services office, with no
technology support person, and only during
office hours makes it difficult to use. The
[other campus] has no specialized
technology at all, and the downtown library
has the scanner which is out-dated. There
is no Windows or Internet access that has
been made accessible to visually impaired
students. There is no training.
BlindVisually impaired; University, QC
- People with disabilities need to learn
to use the technology. There should be a
class set up which we could get a credit
for, e.g. have it count for an English class.
Doesn't help us if we don't know how to
use it. Learning Disability; College, ON
- Everything is all in one room for all
students with disabilities with just two
chairs. Blind/Visually impaired; University, ON
- There is a special room in the library
services area designated for disabled
students, which is locked before and after
admin staff arrive and leave (before 9 am
and after 4 pm). The technology in it is ten
years behind. The computer is a 386
running Wordperfect 3.1. And the other
software didn't work when I tried it. Only
one computer. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- School will not pay for classes to teach
students that need these services how to
use them. Learning Disability; College, ON
- The university does not have large
print software on computers (e.g.
Zoomtexte). BlindVisually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- We need voice recognition, loaner
laptops, screen reading software to
complete some courses in culinary
management. Learning Disability; College, ON
- Regarding any special audio-visual
equipment -- three adaptive technologies
labs which provide service for about 150
students, with 10 computers in one lab.
Just passed motion for mandatory new fee
to increase equipment because it is old,
out-of-date and we need more
computers/software. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- None of the computers with voice
synths have Internet access. Laptops are
old, large, and don't run Windows or have
batteries. Very few computers have screen
reading software, and none in public labs.
Screen enlarging software only on DOS
machines in Centre for Students with
Disabilities. Blind/Visually impaired;
College, ON
- Have to wait for Internet computer use.
For computers in general it is good.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- There was one special needs computer.
Mobility impaired; Univerity, ON
- Any equipment is available on
demand. Learning Disability; College, ON
- I get Internet access from many of the
computer labs. The lab, first floor library,
has excellent computers - big letters. I have
a hard time reading the screens in other
labs. Learning Disability; University, ON
- There are many things that I do not
know about that would have been useful to
me and other people with disabilities.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, Atlantic Canada
- I use my own computer at home and
the regular keyboards at the terminals in
school. I know [the University] is looking
into the possibility of purchasing laptops
for loan and they do have a separate
adaptive technology resource centre,
although I can't comment on its usefulness.
Mobility impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- The Computer Centre in general is
great: it has lots of computers. Since I have
ADD, to work I like it really quiet in order
to concentrate well. Some other students
need to use speech synthesisers or voice
recognition software which is noisy and
distracting. I realize that they need to be
accommodated too. Perhaps having noisy
and quiet hours would help, or alternate
"talking" and "quiet" rooms. Learning
Disability; University, QC
- I work with a fellow student who is
blind and there doesn't seem to be anything
in braille for him. There is very little
supplied for him. Learning Disability; College, AB
- Last three years have seen a great deal
of money in this area, i.e. Office for
Students with Disability Resource Centre.
Mobility impaired; University, BC
- The computer technologists want
nothing to do with me or my computer
difficulties. Multiple disabilities; College, BC
- Have purchased my own equipment,
but loaner laptop and adaptive technology
training provided by college. Very helpful
in accommodating my needs.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, AB
- [The Library] is well equipped with all
kinds of assistive aids. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- The Disability Resource Centre helped
me to apply to SET-BC in order to borrow
adaptive technology, but then the support
stopped. As far as I know most of their
adaptive equipment and training is for
students with visual and hearing
impairments. But I do not know the extent
to which these services are available.
Other-Loss of fine motor control;
University, BC
- When I tried to get a useable computer
from VocRehab, they lent me a toy that I
could not use. I explained pain and fatigue
and screens that hurt my eyes but the
officer didn't understand. Recently someone
left the computer screen on zoom text and
I got it back to normal just by random
clicking on the icons. I really am angry
about not having instruction material (the
kind a tired-in-pain person can use) for the
programs. Multiple disabilities; University, BC
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: SAFETY,
EMERGENCY FEATURES - Comments:
- Emergency procedures are not
practised although doors are marked with
emergency signs, and emergency routes are
indicated on diagrams on walls. There is an
audio alarm but no visual one.
Blind/Visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- I am not aware of any of these
features. Either they do not exist or are not
well publicized. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- This has never been discussed, nor
have I ever seen any signs informing of
safety plans. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Quand on fait des simulations pour le
feu, je n'entends pas l'alarme et je ne fais
que suivre les autre eleves.
Surdite/Personne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Don't know about these areas, the
procedures or the alarm sounds. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- as a disabled student, have not been
instructed in emergency procedures which
might concern me, i.e. who will help me in
case of fire? Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Il y eut qu'une exercice de feu depuis
les 3 ans que je suis au cegep. S'il y aurait
un feu, je serais reste au 9ieme etage sans
aide. Les escaliers automatiques sont trop
etroite. Multiples; Cegep, QC
- Emergency evacuation procedures are
probably as good as they can be
considering the mobile nature of campus
life. Multiple disabilities; University, ON
- We have good security. Blind/Visually
impaired, Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, ON
- I don't know if there are any
emergency procedures. I'm sure they exist
but am not aware of any in Law School.
We do have procedures in Residence.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Was never explained to me. Mobility
impaired; College, ON
- [The College] is very well organized
and developed in this area. Mobility
impaired, Medical Disability (Spina
Bifida); College, MB
- Have not been told anything about
these features. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, ON
- People in wheelchairs on second and
third floors have to go to an emergency
station if a fire alarm goes off. Everyone
calling in at same time overloads the
system. Other-Agility (RSI); College, ON
- A couple of signs here and there.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Les agents de securite ne sont pas
cooperatifs. Dbficience m otrice; Universite, QC
- This is my second year and I've never
heard of any meetings on Safety and
Emergency features. Blind/visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- I'm unaware of many of the things
listed above. Deaf/Hard of hearing;
University, Atlantic Canada
- [...I I am certain that there are
emergency procedures and policies
regarding everyone on university property,
but I don't know the specifics.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- The campus could improve safety by
installing better lighting for night time.
BlindVisually impaired; University, BC
- Fire wardens in every buildmg but
never know who it is - they don't even
know. No emergency phone on second
floor and no way to alert someone if you
are in the refuge area. Mobility impaired,
Learning Disability; College, BC
- If someone is in a wheelchair and on
the second, third or fourth floor there is no
ramp for them to get down and out of the
building. Other-Back and neck; College, SK
- Students are not taught much about
emergency procedures, but refuge areas are
clearly designated (i.e. visible). Other-Loss
of fine motor control; University, BC
- Brought to Administration's attention
and a process is now being investigated
and updated. Mobility impaired; University, BC
- Some old buildings still do not have
the flashing alarm. But every building
being built or renovated, by law, is
required to install flashing alarms.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, AB
- My special needs coordinator is
fantastic and so is her support staff.
Mobility impaired, Medical Disability,
Other; College, BC
- There should be more security guards
in the unlit areas (parking lots ...) at night
when it gets dark. Other-Post Brain Injury ; University, BC
- I think the refuge areas in the new
building look like concrete traps where a
person might go to die. They look scary.
Medical Disability; University, BC
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILLTY: ACCESS TO LABS - Comments:
- No computer labs have screen
enlargement or screen reading software.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, ON
- Everything I need as a graduate student
is supplied within our work areas and
accessible to myself and my level of
disability. Medical Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Due to space constraints computer lab
wasn't very accessible. I received grant
money so I had a computer and printer at
home. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- No computer labs have any accessible
features. The chairs are all connected to lab
tables, making wheelchair access
impossible, and it goes without saying that
the lab computers have no screen access
for blindhisually impaired. The computer
that is available to students in the Disabled
Student Services office isn't even hooked
up to the university's system so e-mail and
Internet access isn't even an issue.
Blin&Visually impaired; University, QC
- Lack of attention to whether a monitor
is close enough or not, height; things like
that cause strain when using.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Counters everywhere on this campus
are high (except in Special Services,
Microtext, certain stations). Medical
Disability; University, ON
- Computer labs have no ergonomic
features at all! Other-Agility (RSI);
College, ON
- Computer labs in one building, good
access. But science labs on 3rd floor of
another building, not so good.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, ON
- Specially adapted computer work
stations are available in the Special Needs
Resource Centre. Multiple; University, ON
- Number of computers getting
inadequate for student population.
BlindlVisually impaired; University, QC
- Accessible space and technology
should be required for labs, or have one
lab just for people with disabilities.
Blind/Visually impaired, Other-Diabetes;
College, Atlantic Canada
- In open access, only two computers
that a wheelchair can fit under. Mobility
Impairment, Learning Disability; College, ON
- Computer labs are all packed from the
time they open to the time they close. Hard
to print when there are lots of people there
and one or two printers for 20 to 30
computers doesn't work. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- I have specialized technology on loan
from Adult Services Program and use at
home. Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
- The computing services notes are
inadequate, very poorly written and often
out of date. Paid or peer helpers are there
at limited or odd hours. It is no good to
wait a week or three to solve an immediate
problem in the middle of a task. Medical
Disability; University, BC
- Needed to bring in another table that
was lower. Computer labs do not have
enough space on desk or between rows. No
adaptive technology in labs. Mobility
impaired; College, BC
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: ACCESS
TO ON-CAMPUS HOUSING - Comments:
- I live off campus because residence not
equipped to meet my needs. DeajVHard of
hearing; University, Atlantic Canada
- Accessible washrooms and automatic
doors are not available at all housing units.
Medical Disability; University, ON
- Some rooms or houses have stairs
leading to the doorway without a railing or
a ramp. Only one house is, I believe,
wheelchair accessible. Mobility Impaired;
University, ON
- I looked into the possibility of staying
on campus. There is no accessible housing
for wheelchairs, particularly for quads. In
fact, there is only one housing building
that I can get into. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- You couldn't ask for better attendant
services. They are amazing and cooperation
with the Housing Department is awesome.
Mobility Impaired; University, ON
- This is a strong asset to [The College].
Mobility impaired; College, MB
- La porte d'entree de ma residence est
tres lourde, et difficile a ouvrir et la
presence de marches m'empgche de me
rendre dans la salle de loisirs. DEificience
motrice; University, QC
- Pas assez de toilette adaptes.
Ddficience m o trice; Universite, QC
- Variation selon la residences - de bon
a inadequat. - excellent celle pour
hanlcapees. Ddficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- On-campus houses: [The University's]
houses are completely inaccessible
physically. Residences on campus are not
much better. You have to make the room
accessible. They have only one accessible
room in my residence which is used by
someone else. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- I like living in res, but I don't feel
acknowledged or safe. There is no security
around at peak times - when night classes
end. If they were at least on the walking
path within earshot. Other-Post Brain
Injury; University, BC
- The lighting for the women's dorms is
poor. A key is needed to get in. Other-
Neurological; College, BC
- An automatic door opener would really
help as I can't get into my own apartment
without help and cannot leave my
apartment unassisted. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: ADAPTED
ON-CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION -
Comments:
- Je dois utiliser le transport adapte de la
CITE pour aller d'un pavillon a l'autre et
je dois payer chaque fois. J'utilise un
transporteur prive pour aller de ma
residence au cegep car pas de transport
adapte dans ma localite. Deficience
motrice; Cegep, QC
- Le service est excellent mais il serait
important d'indiquer un point de rencontre
sur le campus car tres souvent. Les
chauffeurs ont de la difficulte a me
retrouver sur le campus. Deficience
m otrice; Universite, QC
- We don't have to pay for on-campus
transportation at this time at [The
University]. Offered by Campus
Enforcement and Patrol. [The University]
is currently reinvestigating the current
situation and only time will tell if students
will have to pay for this service in the
future. Mobility impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Only accessible on campus
transportation is to use an accessible taxi
(there's only 5 in [The City]) or book the
Access bus (accessible bus service) two
weeks in advance. This transportation may
be covered by a financial assistance
program, but not always. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- Van driver is burned out and not
always reliable. A part-time driver gave me
a ride [...I and did not secure my
wheelchair in place (with tie-downs)
because he didn't know how. Campus van
service is taken out of service on the last
day of classes (each term). Therefore, van
service is unavailable during exam period.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Not accessible after 4:30 pm. High
demand during the day, for a single
vehicle. Mobility impaired; University, MB
- There is a wheelchair accessible bus
during night classes. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, BC
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY: OTHER - Comments:
- Tape on stairs is not always the proper
colour difference; e.g. yellow on white
under a skylight doesn't work. Dark tape
would work better. Blind/Visually
Impaired; College, ON
- At [The University], a lot depends on
the College (residence) you choose (some
are better suited than others), and where
your courses are located, on campus or
downtown at one of the 2 off-campus
colleges. Learning Disability; University, ON
- The university bldg. poorly designed,
even in the newly constructed areas.
Mobility impaired; University, MB
- Since 1995 accessibility has been
significantly improved. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- My main problem with the campus is
the poor outdoor lighting. There are far too
many black spots on campus.
Blind/visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Certains salles de bain sont dites
"accessible" mais ne le sont pas! Il faut
faire des longs detours pour en trouver.
Aux cafeterias, il faut entrer par la sortie
(caisses). Le nouveau complexe sportive
(hiver 97) n'offre aucun service adapte.
Une chance qu'il y a le Service
d'integration aux Ctudiants handicapes
(SIPH). Mais les locaux sont trop petits. 11s
ne peuvent installer tout leur l'equipement.
Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- A great barrier to physical accessibility
is snow removal on pathways to and from
school. At [The University] they have a
'policy' of removal which doesn't take
effect until 4-5 days after snowfall and by
then snow has melted and created a larger
icy mess. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- There is a hill leading down to the
school entrance from the upper residence
houses that is very steep. Something should
be done immediately to make this area
easier to access for people with disabilities.
Mobility Impaired; University, ON
- Il n'y a que 3 salles de toilette adapte,
donc une qu'il faut faire la demande de la
cle. Ddficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Only one building has stairs with
bright yellow strips on step edges. Very
few of the other buildings have marked
step edges and these are hard to see.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, ON
- Moi, je suis une personne sourdite, J'ai
besoin des interprbtes qui ont des
competences des signes L.S.Q. (gestuels)
pour me comprendre clairement. Et plus, je
communique facilement entre mon
interprete et mon professeur. J'utilise que
les autres prennent des notes pour moi. Le
reste, je suis normale comme les autres
entendants. Surditk/Personne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- [The University's] Alumni House is
currently not accessible to those in
wheelchairs and to those who can't walk up
and down stairs, although they are
investigating putting a ramp into the
building in the Spring of '98. Two-storey
building, no elevator (converted house).
They do have an accessible washroom on
the first floor. Mobility impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- [The University] has many old
buildings. The newer buildings such as the
Main Library are good in terms of
accessibility, but buildings built before
1960 (most buildings on campus) are not
designed with accessibility in mind. There
is usually a way into many buildings with
a wheelchair, but such access can be
frustrating and tiring. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- [The College] has made every possible
item available on demand. The facilities
are excellent and renovations are ongoing.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- There are only six handicapped parking
spaces for both the students and teachers
for the entire Cegep. There is supposed to
be a towing and parking fine policy but it
is rarely carried out. Mobility zmpaired; Cegep, QC
- The new buildings, like the
Professional Faculties building, are being
built with no thought to disabled students.
Many things going into these buildings
make them inaccessible to students with
disabilities. Learning Disability; University, AB
- We have a very difficult campus
location -- the side of a hill. The grade is
very hard to manage but my team does
everything they can think of to
accommodate my needs. Mobility
impaired, Medical Disability, Other; College, BC
- I feel that this college doesn't relate to
the real world. For my learning disability, I
do know there is very limited aid because
of lack of space and services. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Lecture rooms -- The outside seating
should be reserved for students with
disabilities (strictly). Other-Left hemiparesis;
University, BC
- Lots of stairs on[The University]
campus - an aerobic workout some days.
Elevators are few. Routes for wheelchair
users are long and circuitous. Medical
Disability; University, BC
- Pathways are not very accessible in the
winter when there is snow on them.
Mobility impaired; University, AB
- The very nature of our campus, on a
mountain side, makes access problematic.
Possibly management does an adequate job
in this, but in my view, there is much
room for improvement. Mobility impaired;
College, BC
- This survey assumes discrete buildings
for such things as student services,
administration, etc., without accounting for
different campuses, integrated buildings, or
any other physical set-ups for educational
institutions. I had trouble scaling certain
physical features because in the case of
[The University], we have a combination
of buildings serving multiple purposes on
two campuses. Blind/visually impaired;
University, QC
- a I had to write the GMAT. They were
very strict with the logistical issues and
time issues. The MBA program is very
strict with their entrance requirements,
which is understandable. Mobility
impaired; University, MB
- When I began at [The University] in
1992, I did not have much difficulty in
arranging to write my entrance exam with
the use of adaptive technology.
Blind/Visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Getting into my current program was
not a problem. My department (with the
exception of two professors) doesn't know
about my disability. Now I would like to
apply to medical school, so I need to write
the MCAT (which most schools insist on).
The service which administers the MCAT
will allow students extra time to write the
test, etc. with documentation, but then they
flag the scores and let the schools know
that the student's test was written under
special conditions. I feel that this is totally
discriminatory since I don't want to have to
explain to any schools why I need those
accommodations. ADD could be seen as a
weakness. The whole purpose of having
accommodations is to make it a level
playing field. Learning Disability;
University, QC
EDUCATIONAL ACCESSIBILITY:
PREPARATION, REGISTRATION,
ORIENTATION - Comments:
- Assistance offered before I came; once
I came, no help was given. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- I think that students should be
counselled to help relieve anxiety about
whether they can do it or not (or attend a
few classes prior to deciding). I was so
anxious that I purchased a hearing device
worth $100 that I did not actually need
because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to
hear well enough. Medical Disability;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Disability started after I enrolled. As
part-time student, I never received any
orientation of any sort. My fault. I didn't
avail myself of the opportunity during
orientation week. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, ON
- Tours were really long walks. Special
Needs did them off peak times to avoid
crowds. While 7 months pregnant I had to
walk outside in snow with two canes to get
to a class. It took going to the Dean before
the classroom was changed. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- I had a consistently difficult time with
the teachers and staff in having my
accommodations met. I found little or no
support in my efforts to get an education
with any dignity. Accommodation should
not be disallowed at the discretion of
teachers or staff. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- My experience in this area at [The
University] has only been positive.
Mobility impaired; University, Atlantic
Canada
- People with disabilities can't do
anything until OSAP as well as Special
Needs bursary comes in. I couldn't get my
books on tape, a tutor or help until I got
OSAP which unfortunately was October
3 1. "Student Awards" helped when they
could and were great. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Never received any information on any
of these. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- Very helpful, but it was not advertised
well. I telephoned regarding making
alternative arrangements, because it was
not physically possible for me to go
through the regular routine. Medical
Disability, Other-Skeletal injury related
fatigue; University, Atlantic Canada
- C'est le service d'integration qui fait
tout I'ouvrage. Il contacte meme nous
professeurs au debut de chaque session si
l'on veut. Il envoie alors un pamphlet
decrivant les obstacles environnementaux
qu'on pouvait rencontrer en cours de
session (retard re: a cause de transport,
temperature, etc.) Deficience motrice;
University, QC
- Je fais mes inscriptions par Internet.
Surditd/Personne m alen tendan te;
University, QC
- Better orientation in and around any
educational institution to be attended by a
visually impaired student is of paramount
importance. This would reduce
significantly the stress of the unknown
environment. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Registration is done over the phone via
computer for all students alike. There are
no special introductory tours or seminars
geared specifically for students with
disabilities ... When our student group is
stronger, we intend to arrange some sort of
workshop. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- [The Centre] is helpful in these areas.
Blind/visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- I would really appreciate a description
of the work load requirements of courses
to help me decide how many credits I can
handle at one time. Mobility impaired;
College, MB
- [Registration assistance and preregistration
for SWD] Disability Services
wrote to the admissions department in
Social Work and requested this. [TTY
Registration] not available to my
knowledge. Deaf/Hard of hearing;
University, MB
- On relocalise les salles sans avertir les
etudiants. Cecitd/Deficience visuelle;
Universitd, QC
- The university does not seem to have a
lot of experience with people of my level
of injury. Mobility impaired; University, MB
- Relocation on account of disabilities
highly unlikely. Medical Disability;
University, ON
- [Registration assistance] you need to
book an appointment, then it is excellent;
otherwise generally not available. [Study
courses, orientation workshops, tours] are
offered for the general population, but not
offered with any specific disability in
mind. Learning Disability; University, ON
- The Services for Students with
Disabilities will arrange relocation of an
inaccessible class within a day. Learning
Disability; University, AB
- I have only had one instance where an
instructor refused to help when extensions
or adaptations to program were requested.
The special needs team was of great
assistance in mediating this and changing it
for future students with disabilities.
Mobility impaired, Medical Disability,
Other; College, BC
EDUCATIONAL ACCESSIBILITY:
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS, FACILITIES
FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES -
Comments:
- Registration assistance at [The
College] is excellent. Mobility impaired,
Medical Disability; College, AB
- [...]While the set up of equipment is
poor, instructors are usually very helpful.
Blind/Visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- There is nothing in place in terms of
accommodations for any of these services.
I asked for adaptations, and although slow,
I did receive assistance. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- [The University] has just allowed
disabled students to waive the fitness tests
to enter the Physical Education program
within the last year. Mobility impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Le pavillon n'est pas adapte.
Deficience motrice; University, QC
- The gym is too hard for me to get into.
I need security to open a special door each
time. Mobility Impaiment, Learning
Disability; College, ON
- C'est un pavillon "neuf' (1996)
totalement inaccessible! Deficience
motrice; University, QC
- A fitness program was made accessible
to me by the staff person devising a tactile
method of readjusting the equipment to suit
my needs. Blind/visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Accessibility to building is poor, but
will get renovation/improvements.
Blind/visually impaired; University, ON
- Working for two years; progress slow;
funding is blamed. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
EDUCATIONAL ACCESSIBILlTY:
ASSISTANCE WITH LECTURE NOTES,
ASSIGNMENTS, RESEARCH PAPERS -
Comments:
- I'm responsible for finding a volunteer
note taker, copying the notes and returning
them. Photocopy is free. Computer access
varies with staff. There is a lack of
qualified sign interpreters to work at the
university level. Deaf/Hard of hearing;
University, MB
- I wish many of these things were
available to me though I am unaware of
whether they are. Deaf/Hard of hearing;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Nous choisissons nous-m2me nos
personnes ressources. Nous sommes
consideres comme les employeurs. NCR ->
nous devons l'acheter et demander au
Ministere de nous rembourser. Deficience
motrice; University, QC
- Le tout doit etre fait par les centres de
readaptation car les services aux etudiants
"regulier" n'ont pas ce qu'il faut pour
adopter leurs programmes. Deficience
motrice; University, QC
- J'ai mon propre accompagnateur qui
assiste aux cours et prend des notes.
Deficience motrice; University, QC
- Editing help and proof reading are
provided not by the Disabled Student
Services office but by the Learning Centre
professionals. Similarly, the peer tutoring is
handled by a separate Peer Tutor Service.
Blind/visually impaired; University, QC
- Not receiving help because I have a
learning disability and they cater to those
with physical disabilities. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Re: 7 [peer tutoring] I don't believe
that a peer can tutor a person with a
learning disability. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- I didn't need all of these services, but I
know that if I ever had to ask, I would be
served promptly. Learning Disability;
Cegep, QC
- We have to get our own note takers
from the classroom. Blind/visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- These things would be very helpful.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- [The University's] note taking is poorly
administered. There is no available means
to guarantee anonymity. The professors are
useless. Learning Disability; University, ON
- My profs are excellent at providing me
with lecture notes prior to classes. Learning
Disability; University, MB
- I have a laptop that I received with a
bursary in the summer. It is very, very
important in assisting me with my
education. Medical Disability; University, ON
- I had a note taker; paper was provided.
It was not difficult to obtain. Mobility
impaired; University ON
- Note takers would have been helpful
but not covered by Workers Compensation
Board. Mobility impaired; College, SK
- My assistants are independent of the
university -- ie. through insurance. Without
the insurance assistance, going to school
would be impossible. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- Students are pretty much left to fend
for themselves once they get to class.
Mobility impaired; University, MB
- The disabilities service office staff are
friendly and offer good support. Deaf/Hard
of hearing; College, ON
- Some good aspects but very poor study
skills~learning how to learn services. I have
paid for some sessions ($40/hour) on my
own but it really isn't a long-term option
since it's too expensive. Our school has an
excellent peer tutoring referral service
which is great for specific subjects, but
there is no one to help with specific study
strategies for students with LDIADD. (No
professionals on campus.) Learning
Disability; University, QC
- Not enough assistance available and
not made aware of services that might be
needed. Learning Disability; College, ON
- The only thing that the university-run
disability centre does to ease the burden of
obtaining notes is to provide carbon paper
free of charge, and we are constantly
threatened with the adoption of a charge
for this paper. The student has to take the
initiative in finding students and profs
willing to donate their efforts and notes
and in some cases no volunteers come
forward to do so in class. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- The lapto is my own computer; not
provided by the university but by the
province. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Photocopy pass and computer access
help poor students like me who are poor
because we haven't worked for years due
to disability. Mental Health Disability;
University, QC
- Really wish I had electronic note taker.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, ON
- Editing help, proofreading cost money
Medical Disability; University, ON
- Je dois fournir mon propre materiel, et
mes feuilles pour l'impression de mes
travaux quand l'ordinateur de l'ecole
fonctionne. Deficience motrice, Deficience
de la parole; Cegep, QC
- I was given paper and had to find a
classmate to take notes. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Most of these I need but don't know
how to access. Learning Disability;
College, BC
- Assistance information difficult at [one
campus]. Better at [another campus].
Medical Disability; College, BC
- Writing clinic available to everybody.
Mobility impaired, Learning Disability;
College, BC
- I have accessed some assistance
through the Students Helping Students
program. I found there are some difficulties
arising from the way the arrangement is
structured. I'm giving the directions to the
assistant, but they go to the university for
their remuneration. I sometimes wonder
how they total up their hours. And they are
not always responsive to what I've asked
for. After all, I'm not paying them, right?
Medical Disability; University, BC
- [The College] cannot accommodate all
students in need of these services. The help
I receive is excellent, but it takes a while,
usually, to get in. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- The note takerlstudy coach availability
is hit or miss ... The Disabled Students
coordinator said that I should not expect
much when they are only paid $8.00/hour ...
Medical Disability; University, BC
- The [electronic] note taker I was
loaned did not meet my needs. No room in
lecture halls for books, note taker as I must
switch from one to the other when taking
notes. Medical Disability; College, BC
- No special library assistance for
students with disabilities, other than
accessible computers. Medical Disability;
University, BC
- A The other is that some professors also
give copies of their lecture notes and
overheads. Medical Disability; University, BC
EDUCATIONAL ACCESSIBILITY: TEXT-BOOK ACCESS - Comments:
- Ontario, on the whole, has a poor
talking book system. There is an
organization in the U.S. for the fee of $75
that is so much better. It would be
pointless to even attempt to access [The
University's] talking book system. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- I needed books on tape and there was
never a problem getting them. Learning
Disability; Cegep, QC
- The only source for talking books
exists outside the university: i.e. the CNIB
National Library, RFBD. Most of the time
I do without textbooks for they are usually
not available on tape, and I have difficulty
with reading for long periods of time with
a CCTV (of which there is only one on
campus). Blind/visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Closest source is in Brantford.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- There is no book production on
campus. Braille texts are produced in
Quebec City via a specialized program
from the Quebec Government which pays
for the service. Volunteers are available to
put books on tape at the university, but this
resource is scarce and badly coordinated.
Students often receive materials long after
they are needed. There is no dedicated staff
person who oversees textbook access
issues. There is also no agreement with the
book store to borrow books to be put in
alternate formats. Blind/visually impaired;
University, QC
- Talking books are very difficult to
obtain if they need to be transcribed.
Sometimes professors do not know what
the required readings are until the last
minute. As well, the bureaucratic red tape
involved in getting the text to the volunteer
transcribers is formidable. Learning
Disability, Other-Scotopic Sensitivity;
University, ON
- Il serait important d'avoir une aide
pour reperer les textes a la bibliotheque et
aussi une te1evisionneuse.C~cite/Deficience
visuelle; Universite, QC
- There is one CCTV from the stone
age. Very difficult to use. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, MB
- Must go through CNIB or WRMS in
Brantford. Blznd/Visually Impaired;
College, ON
- These would also be helpful. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Have to get books transcribed by
CNIB. Learning Disability; University, ON
Very poor in this area. Blind/Visually
impaired, Other-Diabetes; College, Atlantic
Canada
- There is a room in the library that
contains a CCTV, computer and the
Reading Edge. Blind/visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- The Bookstore staff is willing to help
in any way they can. All you have to do is
ask. Mobility Impainn ent, Learning
Disability; College, ON
- You have to order your books 6
months before the class starts. Most of the
time you don't know what the books are;
therefore, you get your books late and play
catch-up. Some books you can't get on
tape. Learning Disability; University, ON
- I get my text books taped (wasn't sure
what category that is). The service from
the audio library is excellent, though there
is some delay in getting materials.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- I have to say that accessibility to texts
is not good. It is next to impossible for me
to do adequate research at the Library.
They can't put things on disk for me which
I find rather ridiculous in 1998.
Blind/visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- I think you could get some of these
services if you asked through interlibrary
loans. Learning Disability; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Text book access difficult if you can't
afford them. Mental Health Disability;
University, QC
- To get a book on cassette this last time
took over a month. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- Done on an as needed basis through
the Office for Students with Disabilities
and its employees. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- I don't believe they have these because
the blind student I scribe for does not
indicate the use of these. Learning
Disability; College, AB
EDUCATIONAL ACCESSIBILJW:
SUPPORT FOR INSTRUCTORS -
Comments:
- I advocated for these myself but the
Office of Students with Disabilities wrote
me a general letter and had established an
easy way for us to talk with professors.
Mental Health Disability; University, QC
- I did much of this on my own,
knowing that instructors were unaware of
my condition/situation. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; University, Atlantic Canada
- [The Centre] does up a letter with a
copy of a doctor's note and sends it to
student's professor. Blind/visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- I find that I do most of the support for
instructors. We communicate and cooperate
amongst ourselves. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- I am in the habit of dealing directly
with my instructors whenever possible, but
they are officially contacted by Special
Needs Office and informed of available
resources. Multiple; University, ON
- The teachers are very willing to help
as long as you are willing to put forth the
effort to learn. Mobility Impairment,
Learning Disability; College, ON
- The instructors don't seem to really
know what the needs are or how best to
help the student. But for the most part they
are very cooperative and more than willing
to help. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Some instructors have balked at the
idea of extra test time. Mobility impaired
(lower back injuryl; College, ON
- The Abilities Awareness Committee
hopes to help in this area. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- With each new semester, I speak with
the instructors myself and try to give them
a feel for my condition, requirements and
alternatives. The semester becomes a
testing ground for all of us. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- I don't know to what extent instructors
are aware of each individual case. The
notification is done by the student
her/himself, and sometimes it's not obvious
to explain to a teacher. Learning Disability;
Cegep, QC
- I have only had positive experience
with instructors at [The University]. I can't
say enough about how accommodating
most of them have been during my time at
this university. Mobility impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- It appeared as though the support staff
and instructors kept each other informed
regarding individual cases. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, MB
- It depended. While in my program, I
couldn't register as a special needs student
because my marks were too high. This
meant professors weren't notified promptly.
This led to difficulties. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- These are important. Even if these
things are currently available on campus,
they are not enforced. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Letters are sent out to professors, but it
is supposed to only be done if the student
signs a waiver allowing this to happen.
Blind/visually impaired; University, QC
- Notification to instructors; there is
none; very poor. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- In my college/program I have found
that the teachers are not always flexible in
meeting students' special needs. Medical
Disability; College, ON
- On nous suggere d'entrer en contact
nous-m6me avec les professeurs. 11s nous
"oublient" parfois lors de demandes de
documents en format alternatif, et durant
les examens. Cicit/Deficience visuelle;
Universite, QC
- In the technical area, instructors are
people from the field they specialize in and
have no knowledge of appropriate
instruction or organization for lectures, or
appropriate development for people with
learning disabilities. Learning Disability;
College, SK
- Self-representation is the norm.
Medical Disability; University, BC
- I, as a student, had to initiate this
[alternate teaching strategy] with an
instructor. [Representative] from the
Learning Centre approached him with my
problem and delivered different teaching
strategies. Learning Disability; College, AB
- The attitude of individual instructors
varies. I have been at it for six years -
officially disabled for five. I am tired of
explaining. If an instructor seems
unempathetic, I am out of luck or I quit the
course. Instructors who know someone
with my condition seem most
understanding. Medical Disability;
University, BC
- Instructors and Disabled Student
Services have two different goals.
Instructors think they know what is best
for exam accommodations and that I don't
need what I have in place for
examinations. Medical Disability; College, AB
- Some instructors do not want to know
about your disability. They rely on
Disability Services to arrange tests or
exams. Disability Services will send a form
letter if student does not want to approach
an instructor. Mobility impaired, Learning
Disability; College, BC
- I do my own explaining to the
instructor. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability; University, BC
- After three years, a policy is in place
which facilitates the student/instructor
communication. As well an education
process for faculty is ongoing. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- The communication to professors on
my behalf has been quite poor. They've
gotten my name wrong, not made the
precise request needed, not relayed
important points back to me, and generally
created a fair bit of difficulty. Still, it was
helpful in two cases, although full of
inaccuracies. Medical Disability;
University, BC
- Students notify at [the University].
Blind/visually impaired; University, BC
- Though administration and support
services may suggest alternate teaching
strategies, the instructor does not have to
follow them. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability, Other; College, BC
- I had a lot of problems with an
instructor but they did nothing to help me.
Learning Disability; College, AB
EDUCATIONAL ACCESSIBILITY:
STUDENT SERVICES FOR PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES - Comments:
Most of this is done either by external
agencies or by different internal
departments. To my knowledge counselling
and tutoring do not take disability into
account. Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
Counselling services available, but
extremely backlogged, understaffed,
minimum four weeks for appointment.
Once in, the counsellors very helpful.
Medical Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
Personnel tres occupe au bureau
d'accueil de [l'universite]. Il y a tres peu
de personnel disponible pour les cas
individuels. Cecit/Deficience visuelle;
University, QC
There is no "specialized" help for
students with disabilities, which is why I
scaled this question the way I did. Students
with disabilities have the same access to
these services as every other student does.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
Most of this stuff, except for
counselling and assistance with job
placement, is done by outside agencies.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
I have never been informed of any of
these. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability; University, ON
My tutoring was good until the only
learning strategies tutor moved away.
Learning Disability, Other-Scotopic
Sensitivity; University, ON
I was never offered any of these
services. Mobility impaired; University, ON
Don't seem to have vocational
assessment or counselling especially for
students with disabilities. It is available
though. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantaic Canada
Students with learning disabilities
should not have to compete with other
students for peer tutoring services (time
and quantity is scarce). Learning Disability;
College, ON
Disabled students rely on the same
counselling service as everyone else and
the same applies to tutoring. Blind/visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
Orientation et aide au placement au
travail et tutorat seraient des atouts
importants. Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
Job placement strategy for a person
with a disability is very different from
regular students. I think it needs to be
addressed. Blind/Visually impaired; College, MB
I am upset that I cannot get the career
counselling/info I need to help plan for a
particular job in my field of training.
Mobility impaired, Medical Disability
(Spina Bifida); College, MB
It is lonely out there when you have an
invisible disability. Learning Disability;
College, ON
Tutoring on general learning strategies
for students with LD/ADD not available.
Learning Disability; University, QC
I would use all but haven't found any
of these services apart from counselling.
Multiple; University, ON
A proposal to improve this area going
to administration this April. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
Campus is too impersonal.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
Tutor hours are dictated by size of
enrollment. For example, Math and English
tutors are available, but the demand is
more for the math at this time, so English
is not open for long periods of time.
Learning Disability; College, AB
The services available are good. It
would be nice to have more time allotted,
i.e. tutoring hours. Learning Disability;
College, SK
To the best of my knowledge these
services are not available. I could sure use
the counselling and tutoring - if I could
find it. Medical Disability; University, BC
I just completed my last semester at
[the College]. I was there for 6 [semesters].
The last two, only my instructor and LSS
were willing to assist me. I will not return.
Blind/Visually impaired, Dyslexia; College, AB
Helped me lots when nursing
department was pressuring me to take
exams with other students in the class
environment. Medical Disability; College, AB
There are not a lot of tutors for every
course, e.g. French -- very limited aid.
Learning Disability; College, AB
EDUCATIONAL ACCESSIBILITY:
EXAMS, COURSE REQUIREMENTS -
Comments:
- Very poor formula to calculate
extended time at our school. Before I
arrived here, I thought that all students
with ADD could receive at least time and a
half for exams (that's what I'd always read
in books). Here I had to show them I really
needed time and a half. "Standard" ADD
accommodations include stopwatch time,
i.e. interrupted time with permission to
take breaks whenever you want, which is
helpful but alone is not enough since
having your attention wander is not always
a conscious process. Also, taking an
official break in itself disrupts your
concentration. Perhaps having NEADS
suppodprovide "standard" accommodations
guidelines for various disabilities would be
helpful. Learning Disability; University, QC
- Re: No. 4 [private rooms for writing]
and No. 8 [modification of course/program
requirements, very poor. Question the need
for a math credit for a psychology degree.
Blind/visually impaired; University, ON
Services for Disabled Students are very
good for writing exams. Very good
environment. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Exams on same day are moved to two
different days. Stop watch timing lets me
take a break. Mental Health Disability;
University, QC
- On a besoin de plus de temps de
terminer I'examen. Surditi/Personne
malentendante; Cdgep, QC
- Sur demande. Quand j'ai appele ils
ignoraient quoi faire. Deficience motrice;
Universite, QC
- Le temps supplementaire pour
completer mes examens sont une heure
trente de plus pour nos examen d'une
duree de trois hews. Deficience motrice;
Universite, QC
- Oui, si enseignant comprehensif.
Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Had some good experience in this area.
Had very little problems, great service.
Other-Left hemi-paresis; University, BC
- Profs will not give alternatives.
Psychology Department is not adaptable in
this area Mental Health Disability, Other-
Non-declared Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Professors were very accommodating.
Some were unfamiliar with procedure so I
had to explain it to them. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- I needed more time for some of my
exams and a quiet room and I never had
any problems getting it. Extended time is
time and a half. Learning Disability; Cegep, QC
- These are all upon request and vary by
student. Blind/visually impaired; University, NB
- I always had to complete course
requirements. Special Needs set times. I
had no say in how much longer I would be
given. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- There should be modification of
program requirements, particularly
regarding required reading levels and
computer work. Learning Disability; College, ON
- Overall rating is 8 out of 10. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Still very disheartening. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Not given time needed for exams.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- [The Centre for students with learning
disabilities] is fantastic for these services.
Learning Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- When you write an exam or test, the
person supervising the test or exam knows
nothing about your subject so they can't
help you if you get stuck. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- I would use but haven't found these.
(1,3,5,6,8) Multiple; University, ON
- I'm not sure if I can finish my program
by the set deadline. Learning Disability,
Mental Health Disability; College, SK
- I was able to persuade a faculty
benefit from taking biology a third time
just to get the C pre-req needed for human
physiology. He agreed. Learning Disability;
University, MB
- Alternative formats could be used and
modifications of course; I would really like
exam study assistance with a tutor who
knows about learning disabilities; Regular
peer tutors are not always helpful when
you have an LD. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Only one, sometimes two, staff persons
to help all students. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Les cours en general me demandent de
2 a 3 fois plus de temps a preparer ou a
etudier. Ex. 1 heure de cours, 2 travail
normalement -- pour moi, de 4 a 6 heure
de travail surtout a cause de mes mains.
Deficience motrice, Autre-Les mains et les
pieds; University, QC
- The Disabled Student Services office is
small, so during final and midterm exam
periods, students are clustered together in
office space that is usually used by
employees of the office (including the
Director's office). Alternately, classrooms,
and rooms in other locations are used. It is
crowded, and disruptive if there are four or
more students writing in the same area.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- I have privately requested extended
time for papers from each professor as
required. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- Extra time is never a problem.
Blind/visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Prolongation pour examen: + 1/3 du
temps regulier. Politique d'examens
adaptes au SIPH. Il y a des salle
individuelles et supervision. On peut aussi
s'arranger avec les profs pour faire examen
a la maison (regoit par courrier et renvoit
par courrier en m6me temps que les autres,
ou pas faire). Deficience motrice;
Universite, QC
- Most of the above depend on what the
student can find or agree upon with the
instructor. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- J'ai des problemes a avoir une periode
prolongee d'examen malgre que j'ecrit
lentement / handicap moteur. Deficience
motrice; Cegep, QC
- Still resistance in some faculties.
Mobility impaired; University, BC
- The Examination Department at [the
College] is quite excellent. I now can write
exams by computer in my own home and
the supervisor comes here. Mobility
impaired, Medical Disability; College, AB
- Good cooperation and encouragement.
Learning Disability; College, SK
- Exam study assistance would be very
helpful. Medical Disability; University, BC
- I have a private room in the library but
I don't use it much for study. The air in the
building makes people drowsy - this is true
even for non-disabled people. It's a sealed
building. Most people don't like it. Medical
Disability; University, BC
- The Learning Centre is not big enough
to accommodate all students with
problems. Expansion is necessary. Also,
with teachers on a work to rule, more
students require help from this office.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- Program doesn't want to have a nursing
student with a physical condition that
prevents my full participation in clinical
rotations 3 days in a row. Medical
Disability; College, AB
- Art History course does not allow me
to take an exam in a private room or allow
for extra time because the exam includes
slides and can only be done in the
classroom. Multiple; College, AB
- The staff was very accommodating for
me, so I am assuming that they provide
services according to what the client needs.
Other-Neurological; College, BC
- Adaptations, if any, are not suited to
personal needs (e.g. told to write exam on
computer when extra time was what was
requested). Other-Brain injury; College, BC
- I'm having trouble getting the team to
work together, so I can succeed in my
schooling. I'm also having trouble with
getting them to modify the course, so I can
succeed in my English. Learning
Disability; College, BC
ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAMS:
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT, POLICY - Comments:
- Comme etudiant libre, on recherche
plus l'acquisition personnelle de
connaissances que la performance et la
reussite. Cela peut parfois causer des tracas
pour son admissibilite a l'universite car
cela est base sur les notes scolaires.
Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- J'ai assiste a une reunion de 35
personnes donc sourds, aveugles et moi.
Les professeurs se disent non payes pour
donner du temps supplementaires. La
direction se dit ne pas avoir de budget, la
direction technique se dit avoir un plan
quinquennal. Deficzence motrice,
Cecite/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- [The University] has the ability to
provide exceptional service to those
students who struggle with disabilities. But
those committed individuals lack the
budget needed to provide those services.
Learning Disability; University, MB
- There is no policy in the student
handbook governing the rights of students
with disabilities. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, QC
- My program wasn't very
accommodating and there seemed little to
no willingness to make necessary changes.
There were classrooms I couldn't enter
easily and had to sit closest to the door.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- OSAP was run very poorly; not
impressed at all. Student Awards run very
well. OSAP should have the job of doing
gov. Special Needs bursary [...I Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Les enseignants devraient plus
collabores. Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- This institution has no written policy
for the disabled. The student with a
disability is made to feel they should feel
privileged that anything at all is done in a
lecture hall. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, ON
- It is a disgrace that ignorant and
misinformed staff can nullify students'
accommodations, and still be paid for their
disservice to disabled students and the
community at large. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Professors were cooperative when I
presented them with requests for
accommodations for tests. They are easy to
talk with about the problems I have.
Excellent rapport. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Special Services dept. trying to
implement working policy; With "red
tape", the "bureaucrats", it's difficult.
Special Services admin. is excellent.
Medical Disability; University, ON
- The weakness in the support for
disabled students lies not with professors,
but with the administration ...
Blind/Visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Faculty are very willing to help or
adjust situations to individuals' needs as far
as I've seen. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Policy is still not set regarding students
with pervasive developmental disorder
(autism). Hopefully, societal
misconceptions will continue to dissolve
and there will be more of us so that we
will be included as a group on forms like
this. Medical Disability; University, ON
- Some faculty and departments are very
cooperative, but the department that I deal
with has not been as cooperative. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- [The University] is currently in the
process of coming up with an entrenched
policy covering the administrative
commitment when it comes to access and
specific disabilities. Mobility impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Peer note-taker and peer readers and
tutor are not trained to work with those
who have learning disabilities. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- All these areas I am not sure about,
but feel they are very important in the
overall access of students with learning
disabilities. Learning Disability; College, ON
- It has been my experience that faculty
and other staff are more open minded and
flexible than special needs representatives -
- especially when they have the
opportunity to meet and talk to disabled
students and thus establish a rapport.
Multiple; University, ON
- More education and awareness is
needed as the needs of the student are at
times misunderstood. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- There is general policy in place and instaff
training available. Keep in mind that
application and understanding of these
policies are quite another thing. Budget for
services/programs and commitment are by
no means a top priority. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- Professors are very helpful but there
doesn't seem to be much training going on
at the administrative level. Blind/visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Administration does not explain
policies to students (not to me anyway).
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- Money again is the problem. Attitudes
and priorities are another barrier - much
harder to change. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- [One campus] is better than [another
campus]. [This campus] is a bureaucratic
institution that is a major barrier to
students with circumstances that are not
ordinary or mainstream. [The other] is
more accommodating of students needs.
Medical Disability; College, BC
- One of my professors was extremely
helpful, but one was difficult. Completely
unsympathetic (though that's not
imperative) and not helpful re: alternate
exam times, and would not deal with my
assistant instead of me. Medical Disability;
University, BC
- Other than lack of organization, most
people are willing to volunteer some form
of service as it is needed by disabled
students. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Most of the assistance I have had has
been from committed peers willing to
assist me in learning through utilizing my
learning style. Learning Disability;
University, MB
- Manque de sensibilisation au prks des
etudiants. Deficience motnce,
Cecitt/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- Lieux physiques: Boutons d'ascenseurs
trop hauts. Salle de toilette 3 pour 11
etages. Rampe d'acces: pente abrupte, plus
prononce que 1 %. Dtficience motrice,
Cicitt/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- Peer helper program is great. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Could be better. Medical Disability;
University, ON
- Availability depended on subject. I
also suspect this had to do with the small
size of the student body. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- I am a volunteer myself. We find this
very helpful also as a social support
system. Blind/visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Not fully utilized or encouraged.
Mobility impaired; University, BC
- Was promised volunteer services but
didn't get any and then had to find my own
services at the last minute. Mobility
impaired; University, AB
- The study coachlnote takers are paid so
little that it's a semi-volunteer position.
They have to take three courses to qualifl
for the job - so they are overworked and
stressed anyway. It's not a good situation.
Medical Disability; University, BC
- The volunteers have to be the best
around! They are always willing to help no
matter what the situation or problem.
Learning Disability; University, AB
- I am also a volunteer at Services for
Students with Disabilities. We have a high
turnout rate of volunteers. Medical
Disability; University, AB
EXTERNAUCOMMUNITY
ACCESSIBILITY: LIAISON WITH -
Comments:
- Most of my assistance has come
primarily from Student ServicesLIisability
Services at [The University]. I contacted
the Society for Manitobans with
Disabilities and received little help.
Learning Disability; University, MB
- La bureaucratic amene parfois de
petites difficultes de comprehension entre
les ressources. Deficience motnce;
Universite, QC
- Again the services had more to do with
internal matters. It was up to us to get the
services we needed. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- I've had no bad experience there. They
seem to be well informed about who does
what. Blind/Visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- More money is needed. Mobility
Impaired; University, AB
- The financial aid office was not
knowledgeable about how to apply for the
grants available from the provincial and
federal governments for students with
disabilities. Medical Disability; University,
BC
EXTERNAUCOMMUNlTY
ACCESSIBILITY: TRANSPORTATION -
Comments:
- Have public transport stop for disabled
with automatic doors at C Building, but
there are no elevators except in A and D
Buildings. Mobility impaired; Cegep, QC
a There is only one method of transit I
can use (City run for the disabled) and I
hate depending on them. Mobility
Impaiment, Learning Disability; College, ON
- There exists private transit
transportation in [The City]. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- [The City] has a small Access bus
service compared to [other cities].
Therefore, the [The City] service is more
expensive and not as accessible as the
equivalent services in [other cities].
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Very costly. Mental Health, Other-
Non-declared Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Too expensive. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- J'ai fait affaire a une agence de taxi
(transport adapte). L'universite defrait des
codts pour cela. Deficience motrice;
Universite, QC
- Students with physical disabilities pay
a concession fare for BC Transit, i.e. twothirds
of an adult fare. Other-Loss of fine
motor control; University, BC
- It isn't so much the cost. The service is
unreliable, slow and crowded.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
- Unable to get monthly pass for Handi-
Bus service. Mobility impaired; University, AB
- Need fixed income passes for
accessible transit. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- BC Transit is awful for anyone.
Learning Disability; College, BC
- Difficult to connect with both
campuses. Unorganized. No commuter
transportation between campuses. Medical
Disability; College, BC
In general, in terns of campus
accessibility, what do you feel ;ule the three
MOST SUCCESSFUL services, programs,
or featules of your educational facility?
Why do you think so? - Comments:
- All the washrooms are accessible.
Unfortunately the campus is not. Learning
Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- More time for exams because you are
not pressured to finish the exam. You can
relax and do the best you can without
worrying about time. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- The professors here are provided with
individualized notification about what I
require. I find this very valuable. Medical
Disability; University, ON
- Disability Services -- Act as liaison
between students and their respective
faculties. Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- Note takers -- They allow me to pay
attention in class instead of worrying about
writing what the instructor is saying.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Learning Assistance Centre -- People
who try to keep me focused and on track
and find me help when needed. Learning
Disability, Mental Health Disability;
College, SK
- Examinations assistance and note
takers are very easy to get. These services
are provided through [The Centre].
Mobility impaired; University, Atlantic
Canada
- The exam rooms for us are nice and
quiet and available. I always get more than
enough time to write my exams. Mobility
impaired; University, MB
- Instructors in the Special Needs Office
who care. Some instructors are homble.
the instructors in the SNO care and listen
and make suggestions that help you
succeed. Learning Disability; College, ON
- Library Accessibility Centre -- I am
easily overstimulated and having a quiet
environment with equipment (such as voice
recognition) that assists my study is very
important to me. Medical disability;
University, ON
- The voice recognition system -- This
allows me to work without so much
difficulty on papers, notes, etc. Medical,
Other-Pervasive Developmental Disorder;
University, ON
- Counselling -- Someone to talk to who
understands and tries to help me. Learning
Disability, Mental Health Disability;
College, SK
- Extra time to write examshests. I can
write a 2 hour test in 2.5 to 3 hours if I
need it. Learning Disability; College, ON
Extra time for exams -- Able to
concentrate because less people around.
Don't feel rushed. Learning Disability;
College, SK
- Tutoring -- I have been given time
every week to get a tutor. This has helped
a lot. I would not have been able to afford
this on my own. Learning Disability;
College, SK
- [The Centre] provides support and
advocates on my behalf for extra time,
quiet rooms and tutor in statistics. Also
have assessment and counselling services.
Services are being cut. Mental Health
Disability, Other-Non-declared Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Counselling -- Has been very helpful
with any questions I have had. Learning
Disability; College, SK
- Services for Students with Disabilities
because it is there for you whenever you
need it. There is always someone there to
talk to, to help, to consult, to blow off
steam, to defuse, etc. Our own place!
Blind/Visually impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Exam accommodations, i.e. writing
separately form everyone else. Mobility
impaired; College, MB
- Health Centre provides me with
counselling to work on my non-declared
learning disability. Service is being
abolished next term. Mental Health
Disability, Other-Non-declared Learning
Disability; University, ON
- A tutor and assessment person at [The
Centre]. Very caring and empathetic;
wonderful tutoring techniques; very peppy.
Mental Health Disability, Other-Nondeclared
Learning Disability; University, ON
- Learning Centre -- Instructors are
extremely knowledgeable and helpful. If
they don't know they make efforts to find
out. Learning Disability; College, SK
- Classroom relocation is done well if
the room is inaccessible (as it will be if the
building is not connected to the tunnels).
Mobility impaired; University, MB
- The most successful element of [the
University's] campus is [The Centre] for
learning disabilities. This is the office
where you arrange for extra time, private
rooms and computers for tests. Support
staff is wonderful. Learning Disability;
University, Atlimtic Canada
- Tunnels are very good because they
link about 70% of all buildings on campus
which is great for getting around in winter.
Mobility impaired; University, MB
- The Financial Aid Office gives priority
to students with disabilities. Learning
Disability; University, A tlimtic Canada
They had a physical therapist come in
and check desk and chair heights. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- The fact that the Discovery Program is
linked to [The College]. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Adult Basic Education -- Gives a
strong foundation, both supportive and
educational, on which student builds
confidence to pursue studies. Learning
Disability; College, SK
- Student Services Centre -- Is helpful to
an extent. People are willing to help but
fall short in making changes in program
development. Learning Disabily; College, SK
- Recruiting sign interpreters -- There
aren't many qualified but we seem to have
a lot. Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- Last year, they installed two automatic
door openings. Although they were first
installed backwards, I wish there were
more. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- There was an elevator just installed
that connects the bookstore, the main
building, and the student employment
centre. Previously these were not
accessible. There is also an elevator which
connects the main building with the tunnel
system. In the winter the tunnels from one
building to the next are essential. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- A Professor in the Kinesiology
Department. She teaches an adaptive
physiotherapy program that is not bad. She
has contacted outside agencies and relies
on their input. I wish that she had more
help and equipment. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- The Education Centre provides
excellent service for students with
disabilities. I was able to extend final exam
periods, get private room to complete my
examinations at my convenience.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, Atlantic Canada
- Support services -- Although the
university does not have a stated policy in
order to support students with a disability,
what services are in place are very good
(e.g. extra time for exams). Learning
Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- The tutoring because it is one-to-one.
They answer any questions that you have
in any other classes. Learning Disability; College, ON
- Exam accommodations. Mobility
impaired; University, MB
- The Business Office where you get
your loan and bursary cheques. They are
very friendly and helpful. They are fully
aware of my disability. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; University, Atlantic Canada
- Recruitment of individuals with
disabilities is helped in large part by our
general accessibility and they (students)
further influence this area because of their
needs. Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- The extra test time gives me more time
to focus on each question. They give you a
fair amount of extra time. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Student Services -- They were able to
identify that I had a problem. They
provided me with ongoing support to learn
how to learn - my style. They provide
continual educational guidance and
assistance. Learning Disability; University, MB
- Disability Services -- I am an
organizational nightmare. Therefore, I am
extremely grateful to have DS who take
care of all exam accommodations and
administrative headaches. All I have to do
is pick up papers and drop them off to my
profs. They also foster studentlprof
relationships. Learning Disability; University, MB
- Note-taking -- Done by volunteers; we
choose them. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Counselling Services -- Being faced
with an environment that does not quite
understand you is a frustrating thing.
Counselling services has been a great help
to let me vent those frustrations and also
has shown me how to take those things
that cause me the most stress and turn
them into positive challenges instead of
negative. Learning Disability; University, MB
- Learning Centre -- A place to go to
talk about needs, work on computer, write
tests; A person to assist you when in need
of help. Even with a disability and with
English as a second language (like me) you
can succeed in your education. I find there
is support for any need if you ask for help.
Other-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; College, ON
- [The Centre] -- Resource centre for
students with special needs; willing and
able to go to bat for students. Other-
Hemiplegic; University, ON
- Staff -- The staff I feel give the most
support and understanding and they try
their best to give students the help they
need. Learning Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Extended exam time -- It is wellorganized
and efficient. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Emotional support, consideration for
clients. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Math and English Centre has the best
teachers who work with LD students.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- [The University] also has [the Centre]
which provides numerous services to
individuals with disabilities. This works
very well. Mobility impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- [The University] has a student
organization which is active in disability
issues and is quite successful. Mobility
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Overall general policies and rules are
fair and non-discriminatory to everyone
whether they are disabled or not.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- All buildings are connected so travel
time for wheelchairs outside in the winter
is minimal. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability (Spzna Bifida); College, MB
- Orientation access -- Without it I
would probably not have known what to
study. Learning Disability; College, ON
- I think the Learning Disability Centre
is one of the best services. They are very
friendly and helpful. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Exam writing accommodations -- I get
the extra time and the privacy needed.
Learning Disability, Mental Health
Disability; College, SK
- Underground tunnels -- Provide easy
access to almost all buildings. The only
buildings not connected are the Education
building, and [two other colleges].
However [these two colleges] are not really
used. The Education building is accessible
by everyone's standards. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; University, MB
- Most teaching staff are understanding
and willing to help as time allows.
Mobility impaired; College, SK
Student Services is very helpful; very
good counsellors. Mobility impaired;
College, SK
- I am acquiring skills that will lead
directly to employment. Mobility impaired,
Learning Disability, Medical Disability;
College, Atlantic Canada
- Physical accessibility is good --
automatic front door, elevator and
accessible washroom. Mobility impaired,
Learning Disability, Medical Disability;
College, Atlantic Canada
- Elevators are strategically placed. You
can access any part of campus.
Blind/visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- The large corridors. It makes it easy
for wheelchairs going in opposite
directions to pass each other. Blind/visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
The campus is well laid out with
plenty of directional signs in plain view.
Mobility impaired; College, MB
- All buildings are equipped with
emergency call stations linked to the
security office. Mobility impaired; College, MB
- Learning Disability Resource Centre --
Without it I would be failing and doing
poorly. Learning Disability; College, ON
- The most successful aspect of service
at [The College] is the support staff
employed in the Educational Support
Centre and in Counselling Services. They
are committed and will do whatever they
can to accommodate even with meagre
resources. Blind/Visually impaired;
College, MB
- [The Centre]. This centre is very
helpful in supervising exams.
Blind/visually impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Information to professors to allow
accommodations. Blind/Visually impaired,
Medical Disability; University, ON
- Adaptive technology. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Student Services -- Accessible, helpful,
friendly. Mobility impaired, Learning
Disability, Medical Disability; College,
Atlantic Canada
- Faculty helpful and understanding in
accommodating the needs of their disabled
students. Learning Disability, Other-
Scotopic Sensitivity; University, ON
- For me voice activated devices and
texts on tape are important. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, ON
- Special Needs Office: tries hard;
empathetic; helpful. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Library resources. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Accessibility in terms of wheelchair
ramps. It seems that all buildings are
wheelchair accessible. Other-No use of
right arm; University, Atlantic Canada
- [The Centre] because it helps students
with disabilities very much. They are very
well organized. Other; University, Atlantic Canada
- The accommodations for test writing
are very helpful and the experience has
been relatively smooth. Learning
Disability, University, ON
- On-campus staff are very helpful,
caring, supportive and knowledgeable.
Unfortunately they are also overworked.
Learning Disability, Other-Scotopic
Sensitivity; University, ON
- Tutoring -- was a godsend. Since I was
stuck in the house (while pursuing my
schooling), I didn't have anyone to talk to
in order to understand what I couldn't
comprehend. Also needed tutoring to retain
info because of the impairments caused by
my disease and medications. Medical-
Colitis and Fybromyalgia; College, ON
- The head of Special Services has been
extremely helpful in getting a computer
with special features to help with my
limitations. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- Volunteer Services. Much needed
program; provides a much needed service.
Learning Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Railings on ramps -- For those that
aren't very steady on their feet, they have
something to hold on to. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, ON
- Elevators are available throughout the
main campus and have never been out of
order. Mobility impaired; College, ON
- The special needs coordinator is
genuinely interested in helping students.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- The library staff were really fabulous
in their willingness to get books off the
shelf and sort through reference material.
Extremely important for upper year
students. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- [The Centre] -- Assesses the needs of
students with disabilities, provides a broad
range of services. Extremely accessible.
Blind/visually impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Low grade ramps. Ramps were built
for me due to construction of a new arena.
Mobility impaired; College, ON
- Found the instructors to be helpful and
friendly as well as the Dean and Chair.
Mobility impaired, Learning Disability,
Medical Disability; College, Atlantic Canada
- Automatic doors are at both buildings
and work well when not accidentally shut
off. Mobility impaired; College, ON
- Accommodations for extra time on
exams and assignments. A formal letter is
sent to each prof explaining why
accommodations are needed and requesting
their cooperation. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Accommodations for writing in a
separate room for tests and exams if
required. This respects the various needs of
students and their writing habits. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- The small nature of the university
makes mobility much easier. One can get
to and from anywhere fairly easily.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- The Adaptive Technology Room
allows visually impaired students to read in
comfort. Blind/visually impaired, Mobility
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Providing a special needs counsellor.
She was extremely helpful in telling me
what services/equipment were available to
allow me to achieve the best grades I can.
Medical Disability; College, ON
- Coordination of relocation of classes if
done in advance, usually easy to
accommodate. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- [The Centre]. This office acts as a
mediator between students and professors
in making special arrangements for exams
for students with disabilities.
Blind/Visually impaired, Mobility
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- The fact that any services or equipment
that I have to pay for can be added to my
OSAP application. Medical Disability;
College, ON
- Volunteers who help with travel
between classes. Mental Health Disability;
University, ON
- Final exam accommodations.
Blind/Visually impaired, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- Student volunteers who willingly give
their time to help with such chores as note
taking. Blind/Visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Exam procedures for individuals with
special needs. Very good policy of
providing alternative means of
examination. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- The adaptive technologies lab is very
successful with users and will, hopefully,
improve to accommodate a greater number.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Professor awareness. Every prof I have
contacted for help has been receptive.
Medical Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Staff of the Special Services section
have been helpful. Mobility impaired,
Medical Disability; University, ON
- Oral testing; extra time on tests.
Learning Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Outdoor lighting. It helps people with
physical disabilities feel secure. Other-No
use of right am?; University, Atlantic Canada
- Recreation Leadership program was a
great help to me. Learning Disability,
Medical Disability; College, ON
- Individual professors and the
administrative staff in the Department of
English at [The University] have been very
helpful and are understanding of my
condition. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- Calendar information. Medical
Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Some adaptations to campus: ramps,
single level buildings. Mental Health
Disability; University, ON
- Bus from downtown to campus and
back. Mental Health Disabilify; University, ON
- Keeping in touch/contact on progress
being made. Learning Disability;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Great service at [The College].
Learning Disability, Medical Disability;
College, ON
- Advice on meeting professors.
Learning Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- The pay phones are now better
equipped for people with a variety of
disabilities. Deaf/Hard of hearing; College, MB
- Microtext -- Need more staff and
equipment and they would become an
efficient service. Medical Disability;
University, ON
- Part-time -- It makes life a lot easier
for me. I don't have to worry about writing
three and four tests in one day. Medical
Disability; College, ON
- Special Services dept. is the most
successful. Any changes taking place to aid
disabled students are initiated by them, but
cooperation from faculty and government
is difficult and sometimes seems
impossible. Medical Disability; University,
ON
- Reach -- I get the extra help that I
need. Extra time for writing my tests,
computers to use, and many more
advantages. Medical Disability; College,
ON
- General Arts and Science -- It will
help reduce the load of work when I get
into the program I need, because I will
have the credit. Medical Disability;
College, ON
- Because the campus is all
interconnected, physical access is not
difficult. mobility-impaired; University, MB
- Wheelchair access and awareness --
Physical adaptive course in Kinesiology;
all buildings have ramps for entrance.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, ON
- Security/social support. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, ON
- The accommodations for exams and
the use of computers for essays during the
exams. [...I I need a separate room for tests
and freedom from background noise to
concentrate. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- I am raded with the accommodations,
not with t f~ em held against me. I got an A
but only because I was able to get special
accommodations. I am able. I just work in
a different way. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- The awareness that I can be open with
professors, rather than having to ask for
every detail to avail myself of the
conditions in which my abilities can be
realized. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Disability Assistance -- available to all
students. Blind/Visually impaired; University, ON
- Volunteer is always available to people
with disabilities. You ask for help and it is
usually given to you. Deaf/Hard of hearing;
College, MB
- Peer note taker program. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; University, ON
- [The College] has recently opened a
new Special Needs wing with the latest
requirements available. I have not had
access to computers and all special needs
services available. I have not dealt with
them personally, although I have heard
they are excellent. MobiIity impaired
(lower back injury); College, ON
- Peer tutoring. Deaf/Hard of hearing;
University, ON
- Services that are provided by Student
Services or Information Centre. They try
their best to help. Deaf/Hard of hearing;
College, MB
- Private rooms to write a test in. Makes
it easier to concentrate. Mobility impaired,
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Accessible washrooms because they
have big stalls which makes it easier to get
around with my wheelchair. Mobility
impaired, Learning Disability; College, ON
- Automatic doors because they are at
every door. Mobility impaired, Learning
Disability; College, ON
- All special needs services located in
one area on main floor. Mobility impaired
(lower back injulyl; College, ON
- Having a board position set aside for a
person with a disability in the Student
Association makes representation easy at
that level. Mobility impaired; University, MB
- It is good to have one person to go to
as advisor and special needs coordinator
makes things less complicated. Mobility
impaired; University, MB
- Computer programs for blind people,
and work tables at different heights for
people in wheelchairs. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, ON
- [The University] has the audio library
on campus. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Good communication with my
professors. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Consultation with faculty and staff
through the use of resource materials.
Mobility impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- The campus is extremely accessible.
The layout is excellent and community
resources are available. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Testlexam accommodation and
schedules. Learning Disability; University, ON
- The equipment available to students
with special needs is outstanding. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Student orientation. Mobility impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Library. Mobiliy impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Library and Computer Labs. Now that
our school has more computers plus
Internet, it really helps. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Our Learning Centre. This dept. has a
lot of options to help students deal with
their work load. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Most successful are elevators and
ramps for physically disabled. Security is
also good until 11 pm. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Even though elevators are few and far
between, they do exist in the college. This
allows me to attend courses as an
individual using a wheelchair. Lighting as
well is sufficient in classrooms. Mobility
impaired, Medical Disability; College, ON
- [The University] Student Experience
Program, a program set up to provide
students with work experience on campus
for 40 or 80 hours per semester, has
provided all students, with and without
disabilities, the chance to obtain valuable
work experience, connections and some
extra cash within the university
community. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Firstly the security and maintenance
staff at [The University] are
accommodating in whatever way they can
be. If there is a curable problem which is
brought to their attention as a disability
issue, they will address it as quickly as
possible. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- The counselling centre. The network of
counsellors and staff provide a wide range
of individual and group services in a wide
variety of areas. On a number of occasions,
I have benefited from their support and
feel that it is a valuable part of the
university which more students should
make use of. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- a Being able to take part-time courses
gives me the motivation and opportunity at
the postsecondary level. This is achieved at
my own pace. I think that it's important for
a disabled student. Mobility impaired,
Medical Disability; College, ON
- Education Accessibility. Without this
service, I wouldn't be able to attend
college, either night courses or during the
day. Having my books on tape, oral exams
and tests, and a note taker allow me to
succeed with independence both in class
and out. Mobility impaired, Blind/Visually
impaired, Medical Disability; College, ON
- The most successful feature is the staff
of Special Needs. Available, courteous,
understanding and intuitive, they are the
most valuable resource. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Exam accommodations -- they give
good accommodations for students with
disabilities. Mental Health Disability;
College, ON
- The remodelling of student service
areas to make counters etc. wheelchair
accessible. It is now significantly less of a
hassle to deal with administration staff.
Also, it is less impersonal if you can
actually see the person you are dealing
with. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- The removal of all barriers from food
service area now allows disabled students
to select their own food instead of having
to rely on someone else to do so for them.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- The installation of an elevator to make
athletic areas, student lounges and the pub
wheelchair accessible have led to a better
integration of disabled students into
mainstream college society. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- Service pour personnes handicapees -
tres efficace. Au moindre probleme en
concernant mon handicap, ils'en occupent
et ont beaucoup de services.
Surditi/Personne malentendante;
Universite, QC
- Instructors attitude and cooperation --
Very approachable and available for help.
Very understanding and allow
accommodations to be made. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- For me, extra time on exams and
separate room, because quiet and less
stressful. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Our computer labs and Internet setup --
There are lots of computers with Internet
access open to all. There are also
computers reserved for people with
disabilities. Some have large screens, etc.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- Funding -- No scholarships, grants to
help me get a computer. Learning
Disability, Other-Chronic Hip Condition;
University, ON
- Special Services: Exam and test taking
stalls -- I couldn't get by without use of
computer and extra time. Learning
Disability, University, ON
- The accessibility of student
counselling, for both disabled and other
students. The large range of services
available cover areas ranging from
academic concerns to personal issues (ie.
stress management, grief counselling).
Other-Post Traumatic Stress Dzsorder;
University, ON
- The open availability of support
services for disabled students - providing
advocacy services to aid students to
continue their education while contending
with difficulties beyond a student's control.
Other-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder;
University, ON
- Special orientation program for
students with disabilities. This is important
since it allows (at least for that first week)
a sense of the types of services available to
students with disabilities. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, QC
- Transit from campus to campus due to
its excellent schedule. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, QC
- The emphasis put on ability rather than
disability. The very name of the office -
Ability and Access Office - promotes a
positive outlook for the student and hisher
potential as a person. Other-Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder; University, ON
- [The Centre] -- Very helpful in
assisting students with their needs at
university. Providing academic counselling
for students with disabilities and learning
assistants to those who need tutoring.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- Alternative examination procedures.
Blind/Visually Impaired; University, ON
- Friendly staff in Disability Service
Office. Blind/Visually Impaired;
University, ON
- Alternative format study materials.
Blind/Visually Impaired; University, ON
- The Office for Students with
Disabilities has good connections with all
profs so it is easy to access alternate
learning environments or exam
accommodations. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, QC
- Special Services: Proofing of papers --
Polished papers make big difference
between low B and high B; Counselling --
Helps since society often scapegoats others
with disabilities; provides emotional
support not given by family or some peers.
Learning Disability, Other-Chronic Hip
Condition; University, ON
- Counselling from learning disability
professional; provides connection to
university through empathic and
understanding individual. Mental Health
Disability; University, ON
- Office for Learning/Physical Disability;
provides access to materials needed like
books on tape. Mental Health Disability;
University, ON
- Program for extra time to do exams.
This helps all people who have access to
special needs facilities. Multiple
Disabilities; University, ON
- Financial support helps a lot. Mental
Health Disability; University, ON
- The Office for Students with
Disabilities is helpful, well organized, and
active on the part of its members.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- Les services de bureaux des interpretes
parce que quand j'ai besoin de savoir les
techniques des LSQ ou je savais lui
rejoindre facilement et le plus rapide.
Surdite/Personne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Interprete (LSQ) parce que je suis
assez satisfait qu'il connait une technique
de l'interprete (Langue des Signes
Quebecois) pour les techniques des
informatiques et infographies. L'interprete
a obtenue leur certificat des interpretes
personnels. SurditePersonne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Help with school work and in class
work, e.g. note taker. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Additional time for exams. Mobility
impaired, DeaJ/Hard of hearing, Medical
Disability; College, ON
- Extended course program for mature
students and/or SWD. Mobility impaired,
Deaf/Hard of hearing, Medical Disability;
College, ON
- L'ascenseur qui etait deja la a mon
arrivee. Deficience m otnce; Cegep, QC
- L'employe de la maintenance toujours
disponible pour les retouches techniques.
Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Assistance with transportation, to help
people to get to school. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Prise de la note parce que je concentre
facilement l'interprete quand le professeur,
en m6me temps, l'autre eleve entendant
ecrit la note pour nous. Surdite/Personne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Transport pour services adaptes.
Surditk/Personne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Le responsable local pour les
handicapes est tres sympathique et est
d'une oreille attentive. SurditcYPersonne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- The Special Needs Coordinator
because she helps me access the services
that help me in my class. Deaf/Hard of
Hearing, Speech Impaired; University, ON
- The Peer Tutoring Program because I
had help from older students to understand
the course work. Deaf/Hard of Hearing,
Speech Impaired; University, ON
- Les preneurs de notes (meme si je
n'aime pas qa, plusieurs etudiants seraient
pr6t a le faire benevolement egalement les
interpretes gestuels). Surdite/Personne
m alentendante; Cegep, QC
- Note-taking [assistance] helps me to
give full attention to the professor while
another person takes my notes. Deaf/Hard
of Hearing, Speech Impaired; University, ON
- Le systeme de preneur de notes.
Troubles d'qpren tissage, don t le syndrom e
de deficit d'attention; Cegep, QC
- La personnelle qui s'occupe de nous.
La secretaire, responsable preneur de
notes.. . Troubles d'apprentissage, dont le
syndrome de deficit d'attention; Cegep, QC
- [The College] -- Built to accommodate.
Mobility Impaired; University, ON
- [The Library] -- Built to accommodate.
Mobility Impaired; University, ON
- My profile sent to my instructors--
This reduces my anxieties; less stress for
me since I have a letter of introduction re:
my migraines. Medical disability
(Migraines); College, ON
- Private counselling. Mobility Impaired;
College, ON
- Facilities set up for disabled students.
Mobility Impaired; College, ON
- [The College] Special Needs staff are
truly amazing. They are in it for the benefit
of students because of ON. I wouldn't change schools
it. Learning Disability; College, ON
- Friendliness of staff; willing to help
students. Mobility Impaired; College, ON
- a There are ramps at all entrances to the
College with electric doors, making the
building accessible at all times. Other-
Agility (RSI); College, ON
- The access to private rooms for
testlexam writing. Excellent. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- The physical accessibility is better than
at most institutions I have attended.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Faculty (teachers) -- Understand and
are willing to help in any way they can.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Student Awards Service -- The people
are amazing. They made my year. Care,
respect, unlimited help and support.
Without them I would not have gone to
postsecondary school. [The College] is the
only school I have seen where it is done so
well. Learning Disability; College, ON
- The Student Centre for Disabilities.
The staff that works there go above and
beyond what their job entails to
accommodate students. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Relocating classes. Service is quick,
well coordinated. Mobility impaired;
University, QC
- Centre for Students with Disabilities --
A required liaison for students to achieve
success in their studies. (I think the
Students' Association could do more than
they do.) Mental health, Medical disability;
College, ON
- A Liaison with security staff (who are
frequently insensitive to the needs of
persons with disabilities). Mobility
impaired; University, QC
- Great chairpersons for each
department, willing to help students.
Mental health, Medical disability; College, ON
- The Learning Centre offers a full range
of service to students with disabilities of
all kinds. I haven't heard any complaints
about their services. Personally, I would
not be able to complete my studies
successfully without the note-taking and
test accommodation services. Other-Agility
(RSI); College, ON
- The centre for student development has
helped me, acting as liaison with my
department when I needed them to
intercede. Deaf/Hard of hearing, Learning
Disability, Acquired Brain Injury;
University, ON
- Peer Helper Program because students
who have been at school longer will be
able to help a student with a disability
cope with getting around. Mobility
impaired; College, ON
- Disseminating of information. I have
not always chosen to make use of tours,
orientation -- but when I need a specific
question answered, someone is always on
hand. Mobility impaired; University, QC
- Support -- I feel this is important and
successful because the teachers are always
there when you need to talk to them or
have concerns. They listen to you and try
to help in any way they can. I feel it would
be very difficult to cope and survive the
transitional changes without this. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Availability of Office for Students with
Disabilities staff to students. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, QC
- PLT is fairly successful. Most of the
clientele go there for any special needs
equipment or help. Blind/Visually
Impaired; College, ON
- Office for Students with Disabilities
staff standing up for students.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- Peer helper program is very successful
in matching any student with a peer to help
orient them around the school and just to
talk. Blind/Visually Impaired; College, ON
- Computer learning aids; examination
organization. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, QC
- Accommodations -- I feel this is very
important and successful because. .. without
special needs help, it would be very
difficult to complete my school year and
program. Learning Disability; College, ON
- [The University] Disability Awareness
Committee -- because it deals with people
with disabilities. Mobility Impaired;
University, ON
- Faculty in general because they are
aware of accommodations. Mobility
Impaired; University, ON
- Attendant Services -- because they
treat everyone as an equal. Mobility
Impaired; University, ON
- The Office for Students with
Disabilities and its services (computer labs,
lounge, etc.) The coordinator is excellent
and very fair. She really cares about
students. Learning Disability; University, QC
- They [disability office] are very
flexible and ask faculty to be flexible with
PWD. This really helps a lot. I praise the
services that the disability office is
providing. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Peer tutoring servicehours available to
students with disabilities. This is a great
program and really has made a difference
to me. Learning Disability; University, QC
- People at the office really care. They
are not just doing it because it's their job
Learning Disability; University, ON
- Computer labs for disabled students
and staff who work there are very
knowledgeable about various types of
computers. Learning Disability; University, QC
- Counselling -- they are very eager to
see you succeed and they will do whatever
it takes to make it happen. Mobility
Impairment, Learning Disability; College, ON
- Teachers do a fabulous job even
though they have not worked with the
disabled their entire life. Mobility
Impairment, Learning Disability; College, ON
- Awareness -- promote, advertise
around campus. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Peer tutoring has helped me understand
my courses and helped my confidence.
Mobility Impairment, Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Elevators/Rarnps -- I need them!
Mental health, Medical disability; College, ON
- Bonne preparation des professeurs en
general a nous reservoir. Deficience
motrice, Autre-Les mains et les pieds;
Universite, QC
- Bonne integration en groupe. Autre-
Les mains et les pieds; Universite, QC
- Preparation au debut de session. -
Rencontre avec la conseillere et etabli les
coiit pour chaque sessions. Deficience
motrice, Autre-Les mains et les pieds;
University, QC
- Tout d'abord, je crois que l'acces a ma
faculte est excellent. Il existe de nombreuse
rampes d'acces qui sont en general assez
bien arranges. Deficience motrice;
Universitd, QC
- Transport. Deficience motrice;
Universite, QC
- Le soutien administratif pour les
etudiants fait de leur mieux pour nous
aider. Cecite/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- Le service pour les handicapes est
excellent. Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- La bibliotheque est regulierement tres
accessible; il existe un ascenseur pour y
utiliser et le personnel est disponible en
tout temps lorsque je veux un livre que je
ne peux pas attendre. Difzcience motrice;
Universite, QC
- Le laboratoire d'informatique de ma
faculte est regulierement tres accessible.
Tous les ordinateurs sont surposes a une
hauteur confortable qui me permet de les
utiliser facilement lorsque je suis assis dans
mon fauteuil roulant. Deficience motnce;
Universite, QC
- Les transports en commun nous
debarquent en avant le cegep.
Cecite/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- Je trouve que les professeur de
[l'universite] ont peur d'avoir une personne
handicapee dans la classe. Deficience
motrice; Universite, QC
- Il te laisse tellement indifferent. Tout
ce que ils veulent c'est de nous decourager.
Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- Prolongation du temps pour les
examens. Le service d'interprete est
excellent. Surditd/Personne malentendante;
Cegep , QC
- Meme certain directeur adjoint se
donne la main avec des professeurs.
Deficience morrice; Universite, QC
- Bureau pour handicapes. Deficience
motrice; Universite, QC
- Preneur de notes parce qu'a l'occasion
je dois m'absenter de l'ecole pour des
sejours d'hospitalisation. Autre-Deficience
pulmonaire; Universite, QC
- Les personnes ressources des services
aux etudiants nous transmettent de
l'information et nous aide dans nos
demarches. Autre-Deficience pulmonaire;
Universite, QC
- Ordinateurs. C'est pratiques parce qu'il
n'y a pas beaucoup de personnes qui les
utilisent donc on est siire qu'il y en a
toujours un de libres. Autre-Deficzence
pulmonaire; University, QC
- Service d'aide financiere pour les
personnes sourdes (seulement les bourses).
Tres pratique mais il faudrait augmente le
montant a cause les frais scolaire qui
augmente de plus en plus. Surdith/Personne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Le local de travail adapte -- local bien
equipe pour etudiants ayant une deficience
visuelle. Cecite/Deficience visuelle;
Universite, QC
- L'edifice des services -- bonne
adaptation des liens, et portes
automatiques. Ctcite/Deficience visuelle;
Universite, QC
- Les preneurs de notes aussi, je ne peux
pas ecrire parce que je ne peux pas suivre
en m6me temps a ecouter face l'interprete.
Je suis satisfait d'engager les preneurs de
notes. Surdite/Personne m alentendante;
Cegep, QC
- La prise de notes, car la prise de notes
me permet de suivre efficacement les cours
en me concentrant sur mon interprete sans
perdre aucune information que lorsque je
prends moi-meme des notes.
Surdite/Personne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Les interpretes fournissent aussi un bon
service, car je comprends et me concentre
mieux au cours et avec les interpretes. Je
peux leur faire repeter lorsque je ne
comprends pas. Surdit/Personne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Bibliotheque: Je sais qu'ils ont tout le
materiel necessaire pour les aveugles, entre
autres. 11s ont beaucoup de materiel pour
faciliter le travail des handicapes.
Surdit/Personne malentendante;
Universite, QC
- Bibliotheque - Registraire. L7edifice est
tres bien adapte aux handicapes et tres
accessible. Surdite/Personne malentendante;
Universite, QC
- Le tutorat pace que j'ai de la difficulte
en fran~ais pour ameliorer de l'ecriture et
de lecture. Surditt/Personne malentendante;
Cegep, QC
- Les services interprete gestuels nous
permettent a aider pour comprendre les
cours important. Surdit/Personne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- L'aide aux etudiants, leurs
organisations est globale. Nous pouvons
facilement avoir differents services.
Cecite/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- Bureau d'accueil des personnes
handicapees. -- la coordonnatrice.-- on est
toujours au courant selon nos besoins.
Deficience motrice; Universitte, QC
- Departement des sciences sociales.
Prennent en consideration nos demandes.
Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- Accessibilite des toilettes. Deficience
motrice; Cegep, QC
- Bibliotheque: offrent des services
essentiels. Deficience motrice; University, QC
- Les service de tutorat m'aident
beaucoup aussi, car ils permettent de
m'ameliorer et de surmonter mes
difficultes. Surditi/Personne malentendante;
Cegep, QC
- La bibliotheque -- le bureau d7accueil a
mis les bouchees double afin de rendre la
edifice accessible. Colories avec me bande
contrastante, ascenseurs adaptes etc.
Cecit/Deficience visueIle; Universite, QC
- Relation avec personne conseillere aux
personnes handicapkes. Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Prise de notes avec papier carbone.
Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Tutoring -- Readily available; excellent
tutors. Medical disability (Migraines); College, ON
- [L'universite] est pres de tout, bien
centree, facile d'acces avec le metro. Tous
les services y sont regroupes.
Cecite/Deficience visuelle; Universite, QC
- Policy of administration to encourage
people with disabilities to attend. Because
this really shows support by the school.
Blind/Visually Impaired; University, ON
- Tres bon service d'aide a la recherche
d'emploi: possibilite d7emprunter un
cartable d'offre d'emploi comme je ne
peux pas les lire a l'ecran.
Cecite/Deficience visuelle; Universite, QC
- Improvements in large print computers
and utilization of PCS in general. Makes it
easier for students with visual impairments
to complete their studies. Blind/Visually
Impaired; University, ON
- Understanding instructors. Helps
students to study and gives needed
encouragement for such. Blind/visually
Impaired; University, ON
- Elevators- easy access. Bilateral
Epicondylitis (both elbows); College, ON
Counselling services - excellent; very
helpful. Bilateral Epicondy litis (both
elbows); College, ON
- [L'universite] a un esprit militantisme,
contestataire. C'est important.
Ceciti/Deficience visuelle; Universite, QC
- Exam accommodations and facilitators - excellent. Bilateral Epicondylitis (both
elbows); College, ON
- The Disability Centre gave me
confidence that I'm able to finish
University, even though I suffer from
fybromyalgia and depression. They're there
for me when I most need it. They saved
my life. I value their work, because no
matter what you have, they don't question
you. They respect you no matter what you
have. Other-Chronic Fatigue,
Fybromyalgia; University, ON
- Automatic doors -- Doors that are not
automatic are being changed or remain
open. Automatic doors allow easier access
to different services. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Ils m'ont trouve une accompagnatrice.
Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Alentour des travaux dans la
construction d'une toilette adaptee.
Deficience m otrice; Cegep, QC
- Most rooms used for testing are in one
building, limiting the amount of times you
need to be outside. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Counselling -- Readily available;
caring and sensitive. Medical disability
(Migraines); College, ON
- Good elevators and ramping to get to
any classroom or office. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Learning Centre -- Directs students to
where services can be accessed and helps
them as much as possible to obtain
services. Mobility impaired; College, ON
- Service offert par le responsable des
personnes handicapees. En general il fait le
lien avec l'etudiant, les profs et les autres
services. Dcificience motrice, Deficience de
la parole; Cegep, QC
- Student Equity Committee -- Brings
forward all issues of concern for disabled
students to proper department and pushes
to have problems rectified. Mobility
impaired; College, ON
- services d'aide pour les personnes
handicapees (personne qui s'occupe les
interpretes, preneur de note etc). Le service
est tres bon. Surditk/Personne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Aide pour les choix de cours. Cecite/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- Aide financieres aux etudiants: Aide
pour completer les formulaires, Service
personnalise. Ceciti/Deficience visuelle;
Cegep, QC
- Le service de transport adapte (taxi).
Deficience motrice; University, QC
- L'aide financiere est relativement
bonne griice a l'implication du Ministere
de l'education. Deficience motrice;
Universite, QC
- Au point de vue integration de la
personne aux services de l'universite.
quand m6me accessible pour tous.
Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- C'est Personnes ressources toujours
disponibles. Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- Accessibilite - excellent. Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- L'integration des personnes
handicapees. Deficience motnce; Universite, QC
- Programme de droit a [l'Universite]
bien adapt6 a nos services. Deficience
motrice; University, QC
- I am not familiar with any other
features in my educational facility, as I do
not have anything to do with any other
services for people with physical
disabilities. But I'm sure that there's many
more that I am not aware of. Mobility
Impaired; University, ON
- Outils de travail: Un manque de budget
et un manque de comprehension des
administrateurs. Ex. plus d'un mois pour la
reparation de l'ordinateur relie au reseau
interne, les tables a la bibliotheque trop
bases. Deficience motrice,
Cecite/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- [name]. Excellent person to work with.
Very approachable and trustworthy. Great
person to visit with when writing exams.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Les profs et le personnel auraient
besoin d'un formation continue pour
apprendre qu'il y a autant d'handicap qu'il
y a de personne, que les besoins sont pour
la session et non dans les 5 annees a venir.
Deficience m otrice, Cecite/Deficience
visuelle; Cegep, QC
- [The Centre] for Persons with
Disabilities because it gives people with
disabilities the chance to receive a
successful education. Mobility Impaired;
University, ON
- Services d'integration aux etudiants
handicapes (SIPH): Services individualises,
laboratoires d'equipements adaptes,
personnes ressources, liens avec les
modules et departements, les profs., liens
avec la personne responsable des locaux.
Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- Service de preneur de notes.
Deficience m otrice; Cegep, QC
- Services aux etudiants handicapes,
evaluation des besoins. Deficience motrice;
Cegep, QC
- Explication des besoins aux
enseignants (lettre). Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Library -- Librarian was so helpful in
accommodating my needs. Medical-Colitis
and Fybromyalgia; College. ON
- Computer accessibility -- Special
computers for students with disabilities in a
separate room, easy to access. Deaf/Hard
of hearing; College, ON
- Isolation [for exams] if needed.
Learning Disability; University, ON
Academic accessibility. Medical
Disability; University, QC
- For all students with disabilities, by
observation only, I would say the services
of the staff; the accessibility to the office
itself; the equipment available to students
with disabilities. Medical Disability;
University, QC
- Computers, computers, computers. You
can't compete if you hand things in
handwritten. Mental Health Disability;
University, QC
- Automatic doors at all entrances.
BlindYVisually impaired; College, ON
- Financial aid for equipment is prompt.
They process quickly and help you get
what you want. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Extended time for exams. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Computers for exams. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- In the Social Services department, I
enjoy the teachers. Learning Disability;
Northern College, ON
- Books on tape. Learning Disability;
University, QC
- I think that the applied nature of [the
University's] programs appeal to LD
students. The heavy work loads and high
number of class hours a week help to give
school structure that I badly needed and
wouldn't get at a trade school or another
university. Learning Disability, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- The Access Centre! The staff are
amazing and will totally go out of their
way for you. I would have been lost
without them. Learning Disability, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- Special Needs Librarian -- She is
always accessible to get research help, with
SN room and equipment. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, ON
- Special Needs Services -- New section
of college, very accessible, bright, wide.
Great selection of equipment to help
students. Blind/Visually impaired; College, ON
- Bookstore/Computer Store -- Many
products - books, software - for everyone;
easy to access; books easy to find, in
sections for each program. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; College, ON
- Library Services -- Librarians are
always willing to help find what you need;
always know what you are looking for;
very supportive, great staff. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; College, ON
- Office for Students with Disabilities --
Effective, organized and extensive.
Mobility impaired; University, QC
- The way letters are written to
professors from the Office of Students with
Disabilities. It gave me an in to talk to all
my professors and advocate my own needs.
Mental Health Disability; University, QC
- Accessible bus on campus; very
helpful for those with mobility disabilities.
Mobility impaired; University, QC
- The one-to-one counselling by the
centre helps in building and maintaining
my self-esteem and gives strategies on how
to handle situations andlor events. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Computers for exams. Learning
Disability; University, QC
- It is one of the best colleges I have
attended in training in terms of instruction
and helpfulness. Blind/Visually impaired;
College, ON
- Note taking Service: One does not
have to go through the hassle of finding
their own note taker. At the beginning of
the year, one simply gives the Special
Needs Office a list of their courses and the
rest is taken care of. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Letters for the teachers. Learning
Disability; University, QC
- [The University's] Disability Services -
- Has helped me greatly in terms of
accessible formats for exams. This service
while not very successful in improving
physical access for me has done what they
can for me. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Special Needs -- We are very fortunate
at [The University] to have a wonderful
individual coordinating services for Special
Needs students; she goes above and
beyond the call of duty. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- Special Readers Services -- Program
which puts texts and other reading
materials into accessible formats. This
service also provides access to computers
that have special features to help people
with disabilities write papers, etc. Example:
voice input, adjustable desks, large screens,
voice output, etc. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- Instructors are encouraging about
helping me get through. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, ON
- Special Registration Services -- I've
attended one college and another university
before attending [The University]. [The
University's] Disability Services has
worked with staff to create a hassle-free,
low run around registration for students
with disabilities. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- Special Needs Counsellors are very
helpful. Blind/Visually impaired; College, ON
- Athletic programs and facilities -- [...I;
Athletic centre; Varsity. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; University, ON
- [The Centre] needed for help in
library. Learning Disability; University, ON
- [The Centre] overall. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Photocopy pass. Now I can have the
same information as those who can afford
it. Mental Health Disability; University, QC
- [Service] coordinators because they are
able to do battle for us when we don't
know what to do. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Registration and helpfulness of staff.
Medical Disability; University, QC
- They try to cooperate. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Most of the programs are good.
Learning Disability; University, QC
- Course selections -- variety. DeajYHard
of hearing; University, ON
- Libraries -- Lots of material on
different subjects; Very accessible.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, ON
- Housing: A student with a disability is
guaranteed a room in residence to
eliminate the burden of looking off
campus. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Latest addition for those with
disabilities (i.e. elevators)-- have made
good choices; a bit slow to come about,
but once in place are generally very good.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- The disability service office helped me
get good teachers and a good schedule.
Deaf/Hard of hearing, Blind/Visually
impaired; University, QC
- Faculty -- Very willing to help and to
accommodate students with special needs.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Our Office for Students with
Disabilities is an excellent resource with
dedicated people. The on-campus
transportation is excellent and provision of
alternative exam formats is great. Other-
Severe Tendonitis; University, QC
- The services for students with
disabilities is excellent at dealing with each
student and working along with teachers.
([name] is a wonderful counsellor.)
Learning Disability; Cegep, QC
- Volunteers because they made the
adjustment to university a lot easier,
providing assistance in getting to class.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, ON
- Special Needs Department because,
unlike other Universityes, I actually had my
textbooks on tape when I needed them,
instead of when my course was finished.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, ON
- Extended time for examinations saved
my life. Without it I couldn't have
succeeded so well. Learning Disability;
Cegep, QC
- Learning Assistance Centre -- Make all
possible accommodations they can and are
always open to helping. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- Tutoring -- Although the school may
be a little slow at finding tutors, they still
get it done. (These are the only two
services I use at the college.) Other-Brain
injury; College, ON
- Note taking -- The school will provide
you with this service as soon as they are
able to. Other-Brain injury; College, ON
- Special Needs Office -- Very attentive;
willing to help with accessibility issues
outside immediate program, i.e. GMAT
accommodations. Blind/Visually impaired,
Short-term m emory problems; University, ON
- Access to computers and technology --
Disabled student services establishes what
the persons needs are and tries to find
appropriate technology to help them.
Mobility impaired, Speech impaired,
Learning Disability; University, QC
- Most successful would be resource
people. They can help when most needed.
But it is very difficult to see the persons
working there at any time. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Adaptive technology rooms in [one of
the Libraries] -- Provides all the equipment
I need in one location; It's quiet; Personnel
on staff during business hours to assist
specifically those in the lab. Blind/Visually
impaired, Short-term memory problems;
University, ON
- Automatic doors and ramps -- very
good. The CSD office installed an
automatic door where I needed one.
Mobility impaired; College, ON
- A very good and personalized service
at the Centre for Students with Disabilities.
All counsellors are very knowledgeable
and attentive to students' needs. Mobility
impaired; College, ON
- Parking facilities -- very good.
Mobility impaired; College, ON
- The note takers, exam accommodations
(computers, extended time, room
accommodation) take the pressure off. I
can talk to myself, I can pace, I can use
the spell check. It is easier to keep
org&ized. Learning Disability; University, ON
- [The Centre] is a place I can go and be
understood when no-one else seems to
think there is a problem. A safehaven, an
advocate, a cheering squad. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- I'm also pleased to have access to a
secluded room (a lounge) when I need to
get away from the crowd. Learning
Disability; Cegep, QC
- Extended exam time -- They fairly
provide extended time, taking into account
the person's disabilities. Mobility impaired,
Speech impaired, Learning Disability; University, QC
- Office for Students with Disabilities --
They give support needed in order to
continue. Mobility impaired, Speech
impaired, Learning Disability; University, QC
- Disability services -- without them I
would have quit. Especially what I went
through last year. They've helped me to
hang on and did everything in their power
to accommodate my impairments. Medical-
Colitis rmd Fybromyalgia; College, ON
- Great services person. Mobility impaired; College, AB
- Great instructors. Mobility impaired; College, AB
- Staff for assistance when required.
Mobility impaired; College, BC
- Accessible washroom. Mobility
impaired; Northwest Com m unity College, BC
- Automatic doors. Mobility impaired;
Northwest Community College, BC
- Computer access. Mobility impaired;
University, AB
- Library services very helpful,
courteous. Other-Left hem i-paresis;
University, BC
- Physical accessibility; good ramps,
automatic doors, washrooms. Mobility
impaired; Univevsity, AB
- [One Campus]: The physical layout
and the personal concern of the staff,
especially student services. Staff provide a
feeling of "potential" that enhances the
involvement of students with disabilities in
the learning environment. This campus is
far less intimidating than [the other
campus]. Medical Disability; College, BC
- The instructors and staff are supportive
of students. The small class sizes and
personal interaction is probably the best
aspect of attending this institution. Medical
Disability; College, BC
- The access to help if needed, despite
the department, location, or the student's
abilities. Learning Disability; College, AB
Teachers who care; excellent. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- [The College] is a correspondence
school which allows me to create an
appropriate study atmosphere and work at
my own pace (within the limits of CSL).
Learning Disability; College, BC
- My school provides a plethora of
services for the learning disabled students.
Learning Disability; University, BC
Counselling service, both personal and
scholastic; excellent. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- Flexibility. Learning Disability;
University, BC
- Learning Support Services for writing
tests; very good to excellent. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Nice teachers (most of the time).
Learning Disability; University, BC
- Accessibility -- Layout, elevator,
wheelchair access, etc. Other-Neurological;
College, BC
- Adult Services -- Very concerned with
student need despite campus size. Other-
Neurological; College, BC
- Lots of networking to help et through
the red tape. other-Neumlogicaf College, BC
- Learning Support Services have helped
me and others to realize our greater
potential with the services they provide.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- Good programs, courses. Learning
Disability; University, BC
- Computer services is very good.
Learning Disability; College, BC
- Teachers: The desire to help the
students overcome any obstacle despite
personal limitations. Learning Disability; College, AB
- Tutoring, very helpful. Other-Left
hem i-paresis; University, BC
- [Name], Education Equity Coordinator;
Because of his non-formal approach with
me and encouraging comments, smiles and
nods. Other-Right Wrist Impaired; College, SK
- Centre for Students with Disabilities
computer lab -- accessible equipment.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
- Special counters1computers in the
Registrar's office. Multiple Disabilities; University, BC
- Note takerslreader. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, BC
- Exam accommodations. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, BC
- Note takers -- They make listening to
the prof easier. Multiple Disabilities;
University, BC
- Accessing the Disability Student
Service office. She is very helpful and
resourceful and she can help deal with
instructors if need be. Deaf/Hard of
hearing, Mental Health Disability, Medical
Disability; College, BC
- I was able to do my exams in a private
room away from distraction. Blind/Visually
impaired, Dyslexia; College, AB
- LSS was able to obtain enlarged texts
for me in 5 of my 6 semesters.
Blind/Visually impaired, Dyslexia; College, AB
- Operation of Disability Resource
Centre. Mobility impaired; University, BC
- Duplicating faithfully enlarged all of
my in class work without complaint.
Blind/visually impaired, Dyslexia; College, AB
- The learning resource room; Helps you
with your studies and after getting approval
for a tutor, helps you to ensure you get the
right tutor for your area of study. Other
Back and neck; College, SK
- Having a disability counsellor to talk
to because they understand the frustrations
that you are going through. Other-Back and
neck; College, SK
- Students older, feel comfortable. Much
attempt is made to make testing of learning
disabilities a positive experience. Much
support and encouragement are given once
testing is done and tutoring has begun.
Learning Disability; College, SK
- Disability Assistance Program --
Extremely helpful all over campus.
Mobility impaired, Medical Disability;
University, BC
- Disability Centre -- Great help.
Mobility impaired, Medical Disability;
University, BC
- Audio-visual Department -- Ta in is
Disability; University, BC
- invaluable. Mobility impaired, Me rca
a Teaching good; want students to pass.
Teachers give students every chance to
pass. Much help and encouragement given
along the way. Learning Disability;
College, SK
- Maybe will get laptop; will help with
my courses. Medical Disability; University, BC
- Little communication with other
departments. Medical Disability;
University, BC
- The number and location of elevators
is reasonably good. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- Not a very big campus, like [another
University] where you have to walk long
distances to attend classes. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- We have a Disability Resource Centre
and people help us with our problems.
Medical Disability; University, BC
- Extended times and exams. Medical
Disability; University, BC
- Transportation -- excellent.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, BC
- Staff and faculty -- excellent.
Blind/visually impaired; College, BC
- Accommodating students who need
special equipment while on campus. Things
like adapted chairs and desks, computer
equipment and computer software. Mobility
impaired; College, AB
- Accommodating disabled students with
separate rooms with individual student
helpers tutoring. Mobility impaired;
College, AB
- There is an abundant supply of
volunteers to help students with disabilities
get through. Mobility impaired; College, AB
- TTY: More and more TTYs are being
installed around campus. Some services
have TTY; for example student registrar's
office and Services for Students with
Disability office. We have a TTY pay
phone in the student union building. SSD
office still negotiating in requesting more
TTYs being installed everywhere on
campus. Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, AB
- Note takers: We have two volunteers
in every class if we request this service.
The volunteers tend to use NCR paper and
they are really good about it. Sometimes
we photocopy notes. Overall I think it's
quite good. Deaf/Hard of hearing;
University, AB
- Student Support Services is all that I
require. It is a d~verse group that looks
after all my accessibility needs: special
needs; mediating; transportation; required
equipment. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability, Other; College, BC
- Services for Students with Disabilities:
This office helps all students with
disabilities. They go out of their way to
help and are actively involved in bringing
accessibility issues to the attention of the
university. Learning Disability; University, AB
- Elevators in the Students Union
Building: The elevator buttons all have
braille, the elevator has a voice to say what
floor it is on and whether it is going up or
down. There are also large numbers outside
the elevator on every floor. Learning
Disability; University, AB
- The Disability Resource Centre is great
for support, outreach, and exam
accommodations. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, BC
- [The Centre] provides adaptive
technology with computers and books on
tape. Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
- Refuge areas. Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
- I think [the Centre for SWD] is very
successful at ensuring that students with
disabilities have the required note takers
and exam accommodations. In terms of
service, the Centre is excellent. Without
these services many students would not be
able to finish their degrees. If a student
with a disability has a concern, they can go
ask questions in order to find a solution at
the Centre. I know that if I am facing a
problem, e.g. a professor doesn't want to
give me extra time, the Centre will step in
and advocate for me when I am not being
listened to. If you have a problem with a
room, the Centre will change the room.
This ensures that students have the
opportunity to take whichever course they
want to, without being limited. Other-Loss
of fine motor control; University, BC
- Interpreter Services: We the students
can say who we prefer to work with and
who we will not work with. The Interpreter
Coordinators are very friendly and always
make sure we are satisfied with the service
and interpreters. I am very happy with this
service. Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, AB
- The one requirement I ask from the
university is that of extra time to complete
examinations. I found previously that,
when this was not available, I became
particularly prone to panic, especially with
long essay type work. I am now almost 65
years of age [...I I believe that education is
an essential part of self-realization, and of
ultimate importance in the life process.
Medical Disability, Other-Dystonia; College, AB
- Features: Elevator in recreation centre
and low ramps, street to curb. Other-Right
hand amputee; College, AB
- Services: Staff service members are
willing to do what they can to assist the
students. Other-Right hand amputee; College, AB
- Cooperation -- excellent.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, BC
- I'm not aware of any programs
curtailing people with disabilities. Other-
Right hand amputee; College, AB
- The Disability Resource Centre is vital
in that it coordinates services for students
with disabilities. It acts as a mediator and
advocate for us. Medical Disability;
University, BC
- Disability Resource Centre. Mobilify
impaired; University, BC
- [The Library]. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- [The Library] -- All three of these are
good: accessible; well ramped; has
elevators; accessible washrooms; friendly
and helpful staff. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- Course accessibility is important for
some people, like myself, who need extra
time or adjustments to the usual
procedures. Medical Disability; University, BC
- Instructors: The instructors on campus
(well at least a good majority) are always
willing to help out. They help provide a
wonderful experience at the university.
They are very accommodating. Learning
Disability; University, AB
- The Office for Students with
Disabilities is very busy but they are
organized and care for each student. The
have good counsellors and wonderful
volunteers. Blind/Visually Impaired;
University, AB
- Good contrast on classroom numbers.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, AB
- Easy to find my way around.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, AB
- Volunteer Note taking with NCR
paper. Allows me to see what ishas been
written on the board. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, AB
- Alternative text book searches. Large
print production. Location of talking books.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, AB
- Counselling support when nursing
department wanted me not to have exam
accommodations. Medical Disability;
College, AB
- Counselling services very helpful,
courteous. Other-Left hemi-paresis;
University, BC
- Student Services for Disabled is
helpful and very accommodating.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, AB
- Advisors are open to changes in needs.
My vision fluctuates; some days worse
than others. Accessibility is not deterred by
this: eases frustration. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, AB
- The Assistant Counsellor is great;
always open and a great person to talk to.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- They still helped even though my
funding [request] was not accepted.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- I have always had a computer available
to me when I needed it. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Advisors are very helpful in finding
solutions to education problems. Have
discussed attending other schools which
were not interested in "dealing with" my
impairment. Blind/Visually impaired;
College, AB
- Can quickly access services; I do not
lose study time in waiting for large print
documents or paper supplies. Changes in
test times are quickly reorganized to
accommodate changed schedules.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, AB
- Exam accommodations. Medical
Disability; College, AB
- Staff of the Disability Resource Centre
are very helpful and will do anything to try
to make your education easier. Deaf/Hard
of hearing, Learning Disability; University, BC
- Assistance with exam arrangement and
paid student assistance. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- The Resource Centre and the
equipment there. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- Improvement to physical plant.
Mobility impaired; University, BC
- If I need help, it is there. If I don't
understand something, help is there.
Learning Disability, Medical Disability;
College, AB
- Being officially designated as a
disabled student allows me extra time on
exams. I need the official designation
because I don't look disabled. Medical
Disability, Other-Chronic Fatigue,
Fibromyalgia; University, BC
- Everyone is just terrific. Learning
Disability, Medical Disability; College, AB
- Contact [counsellor] when I have a
problem. The counsellor will help me to
solve the problem. Will let me know what
books are necessary so I can read the
books before classes start. Deaf/Hard of
Hearing, Speech Impaired, Synfhroid;
College, AB
- Many different scholarships.. . which I
would like to try for because some are for
people with disabilities. It is a good way to
encourage the disabled ... Deaf/Hard of
Hearing, Speech Impaired, Synthroid;
College, AB
- Desktop computers; many computer
labs available at all hours during the day.
Deaf/Hard of hearing, Learning Disability;
University, BC
- Accessible walkways; easier to walk to
classes especially in the rain. They have
been concreted. Deaf/Hard of hearing,
Learning Disability; University, BC
- Disability Services does a great job for
all students. Services seem to be up to date
and the office staff seem to be
knowledgeable. Mobility impaired,
Learning Disability; College, BC
- Referral to outside services such as
VRS and Adult Services SET-BC. Mobility
impaired, Learning Disability; College, BC
- Availability of staff. For the last two
years, there is always someone in the
office at North Campus. Mobility impaired,
Learning Disability; College, BC
- Services -- Sign language interpreters
and note takers are provided so that I can
understand what is going on in the
classroom. I have the benefit of the skills
specialist who corrects my grammar on my
assignments before I hand them in to the
instructor. Deaf/Hard of hearing; College, AB
- Programs -- Want to achieve my dream
so that I can work with the deaf where
there is a big need. I love to help people,
so I strongly believe I am on the right
track. Deaf/Hard of heanng; College, AB
Computer services available. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Use of Language Master to support
spelling disability. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- [The Centre] because it is there to ease
the transition into university for students
with disabilities. Learning Disability;
University, AB
- Counselling Services -- provide
excellent crisis and disability specific
counselling. Learning Disabiliy; University, AB
- Resource personnel can usually answer
any questions. Mobility Impaired; University, AB
- Health Services -- provide access to
physicians with disability specific training.
Learning Disability; University, AB
- Extra time for exam writing. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Flexibility in making course changes;
Accommodation coordinates effectively.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- All the hallways are wide and the
signs are fairly large. Blind/Visually
Impaired; University, AB
- [The University] has a Blind Fund that
payed for my tuition. It's a university fund,
not a government award or grant so you
can tell that school is aware of special
students. Blind/Visually Impaired; University, AB
- Most staff at [The College] are very
helpful with exams or getting the material
you need. If you need extra help the staff
will help you find someone to assist you.
Mobility impaired; College, AB
- Number of aids. Large department that
is well staffed and friendly. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Hours of availability. Department was
nearly always at my disposal. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Physical access is fairly good. Mobility
Impaired; University, AB
- Elevators are a most successful feature
because they are easier to use and make it
possible for those in wheelchairs to get
from floor to floor. Learning Disability; College, AB
- If a class is inaccessible, SSD has the
class moved right away. Learning
Disability; University, AB
- Everyone has been very helpful to me
with all my courses. I have no problems
with anything except for accessibility to
some of the classrooms. The stair lift does
not work but they are installing a new
elevator now. The bathrooms are also not
very accessible but they are working on
that as well. Mobility impaired; College, AB
- Staff Friendly, helpful and informed.
At this facility the staff is extremely good.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- Counselling -- If it was not for a
counsellor, I would not still be in school. I
have learned how to understand myself and
others. I also would not know what to do
with my life if it wasn't for counselling.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- Majority of professors are very helpful
and understanding. When they are not I go
to Counselling or the Learning Centre. For
the most part, profs are very willing to
help ensure understanding. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Learning Centre -- Here is where I
discovered my ADD. I was taught how to
read and understand the information. They
have been a tremendous help to me
because they help solve my problems
(complex or simple). Learning Disability;
College, AB
- The Learning Disabled Centre has
fantastic public relations. They will address
any concern and help out. Learning
Disability; Univemity, AB
- Education Library. Helpful, friendly,
knowledgeable staff. Well-organized and
easy to get around. Cater to everyone's
needs. Whenever I have a question, they
are always there to help. Medical
Disability; University, AB
- Part-time program allows people to get
used to school before they get into it fulltime,
and offers part-time for those people
who it suits better for their goals. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Learning Support Services because it
makes it possible for learning disabled
students to get an education. Otherwise
they would not be able to or would get a
more limited one. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- Accommodations requested have been
met. Mobility Impaired; University, AB
a Services for Students with Disabilities.
Very well organized. Staff are easy to talk
to. Accommodate all needs. Offer many
different accessibility services. Medical
Disability; University, AB
- Safewalk Program. Excellent service.
Easily accessible. Great people who are
always available at a moment's notice.
Medical Disability; University, AB
- Having access to a computer with
email and Netscape in a quiet room at any
time of the day - unless someone else is
using it. I am distracted by noise, heat,
dust, etc. Feel sick in the public computer
station. It is important to come and go at
odd hours, when I have the energy.
Medical Disability, Other-Chronic Fiztigue,
Fibromyalgia; University, BC
- Academic Accommodations Policy
Provides a ground for discussing the
effects of a disability with an instructor.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, AB
?% Adaptive technology centre: a place to
talk with other disabled students; easy
access to e-mail and a microwave. Mobility
impaired; University, AB
- [The College] allows me to get an
education while studying at home. Because
of my illness, I am unable to leave my
home environment, but I still want an
education. Mental Health Disability;
College, BC
- I like the Learning Assistance Centre
because they are always ready to help you
when you need it. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- Wide doors and automatic doors on the
newer parts of the university. Learning
Disability; University, BC
- Library assistance. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- The food, bookstore, and some student
services are located in one building which
saves time and energy. Mobility impaired;
University, AB
- 'Ea Assistance with "Telereg" for visually
impaired students. Multiple Disabilities;
College, BC
- Peer tutoring. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- Peer tutors because it's someone your
own age and you don't feel stupid.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- Note takers -- My school pays them so
they feel more responsible. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- [The College] has a well organized
department with several staff to help
disabled students. Student services centre is
staffed with professors. I have no
complaints about CNC. After 26 years of
operating they are still improving their
disability services. Learning Disability;
College, BC
- Academic accommodations: The
professors are very understanding and
make using the accommodations easy.
Mobility impaired; University, AB
- Having a note taker has been very
helpful at times - I can't concentrate for
very long continuously - but the quality of
the helper is luck of the draw. A couple of
them have been nasty, which means no
note taker for me. A couple were excellent,
others were okay. Medical Disability,
Other-Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia;
University, BC
In general, in tern of campus
accessibility, what do you feel am the three
LEAST SUCCESSFUL services, pygrams,
or features of your educational fac~lity?
Why do you think so? - Comments:
- No services are overly advertised
Learning Disability; College, ON
C'est tres long d'avoir du service au
niveau financiere. La cause en et
probablement la communication et les
lenteurs entre le ministere et l'universite.
Deficience m otrice; Universite, QC
- There are not enough good elevators.
Some are too old, others are out of order,
and too many of them need keys to enter
which is a pain. There needs to be an
alternative way around. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- Parking spaces is the least [successful].
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Accessibilites dans les pavillons.
Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Sensibilisation de la communaute
etudiante. Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Orientation professionnel et placement
travail. Deficience m otrice; Cegep, QC
- Accessibilite architecturale: pas de
salles de bains adaptees, pas de mesures
d'urgence, rampes trop rigides, pas de
stationnement accessibles ni reserves (sauf
1 non-adequat), bibliotheque et laboratoires
d'ordinateurs non-accessibles, ascenseurs:
pas assez + on ne peut pas rejoindre le
panneau - pas de braille au gros caracteres
et pas de signal sonore, edifices eparpilles
partout dans la centre ville, administration:
non-accessible sauf par la rue (autre
edifice), cafeteria non-accessible sauf par
les sorties, pas de sortis d'urgence
lumineux ni sonores. Deficience motrice;
Universite, QC
- Centre s ortif pas de programmes
adaptts. Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- There are not enough automatic doors
throughout the campus. They say it's
because there isn't enough funding.
Mobility impaired; University, MB
- When desks need to be switched in a
classroom it takes a long time because
physical plant doesn't cooperate fast
enough. Mobility impaired; University, MB
- Service d'accueil quotidien minable.
Pas d'aide offerte. Aucune assistance
disponible. Ciciti/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- Poste de garde non-collaborateur.
Cecitt/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- Program cuts; change programs half
way through the course; 3 year program
changed; half way through classes changed.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Building access is not good in many of
[The University's] buildings. Most ramps
(if available) are too steep (according to
building code). Elevators are often not
accessible. You may be able to sit in a
building, but can't access classrooms or
services because the rest of the building is
inaccessible. Many buildings are not
accessible at all. [The University] is trying
to improve, but still has a long way to go.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Service de la bibliotheque: Peu d'aide,
medias substituts peu disponibles.
Cecite/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- L'administration: Coupure de budget.
Manque de consideration. Deficience motrice; University, QC
- Table adaptee dans chaque local utilise
par l'etudiant. Favoriser le climat de
groupe meme pour les examens au lieu de
isoler l'etudiant handicape dans un local
pour faire l'examen. Deficience motrice,
Deficience de la parole; Cegep, QC
- La bureaucratie et la diversite des
services sont parfois compliquees. I1 faut
parfois s'adresser a plusieurs personnes
pour trouver reponses a nos demandes.
Deficience motrice; University, QC
- La manipulation psychologique est
frequente par les intervenants du service
d'intigration des personne handicapees et
par certaines personnes ressources
(lecteurs, accompagnateurs, preneurs de
notes). Ciciti/Deficience visuelle;
Universite, QC
- Counselling services: not approachable;
doesn't feel trustworthy or safe. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Tutoring services: 1) too expensive; 2)
not helpful; 3) feel like I'm wasting
valuable time. Learning Disability; College, ON
- Test and exam room: 1) too cramped,
too small, too stuffy; 2) lack of heat; 3) not
enough rooms (privacy); 4) private
computer rooms. Note: It is very difficult
to write a test/exam in an open space
where people walk around, talking, etc.
[The College] does not have private rooms
(besides their offices!). Their offices are
poor because it is distracting, poorly lit or
poorly heated. Learning Disability; College, ON
- The computer labs for some courses
are old or there are few computers for the
number of students. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- There are a lot of affiliated colleges,
and there is no attempt to coordinate
accessibility. If you register for an offcampus
course, you don't really know what
you are getting into. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- Financial department lacks brains. I
had to hand in 3 bursary application letters
before they would buy a Franklin
Spellchecker, which I use and will be using
until I'm 100. Learning Disability; College, ON
- There is no long-term plan or outside
advice for new projects. New parts of the
building are modified, giving a good
opportunity to do it light, but without a
plan there are inevitable mistakes. Mobility
impaired; University, MB
- The site of the campus makes it
inappropriate for the mobility impaired. It's
full of hills. Learning Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- I1 n'y a pas de personne designee pour
effectuer la recherche de documents et
aider aux photocopie a la bibliotheque.
Cecite/Deficience visuelle; University, QC
- The libraries all inaccessible in one
form or another. Librarians are helpful if
you get them. Medical Disability; University, ON
- Admissions and Awards -- Building
and service poor (for reasons listed in
previous question). Medical Disability; University, ON
- The Bookstore - Building and service
very poor. Medical Disability; University, ON
- The automatic doors sometimes open
for the people in wheelchairs, but not all
the time. Learning Disability; College, ON
- To my knowledge, I am not aware of
the least successful services at [The
University]. Mobility Impaired; University, ON
- I1 faut toujours Stre disponible. C'est
un forme de manipulation que je conteste.
Cicite/Deficience visuelle; Universite, QC
- Some instructors have a poor attitude
toward people with disabilities and are
often rude. Deaf/Hard of hearing; College, MB
- Inadequate job placement service.
Blind/Visually Impaired; University, ON
Phones are not equipped for TTY. I
usually have a hard time understanding
people. Deaf/Hard of hearing; College, MB
?!!A Special Needs -- They use peers for
everything (tutors, note takers, readers).
They do not allow me to decide what I
need. They do not allow me to deal with
my bursary the way that is needed (i.e.
paid tutors, readers). Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Learning Assistance Centre -- They
provide tutors for those with learning
disabilities. They take anyone with a high
enough average or who takes the training
session. I could be a tutor! Now does that
make sense? I'm glad that I have bursary
money. Learning Disability; College, ON
- Manque d'aide au plan academique qui
pourrait &re adapte au handicap de chaque
etudiant (ex., grille d'evaluation differente
selon le handicap). Deficience motrice,
Deficience de la parole; Cegep, QC
- A lack of general willingness on the
part of the administration's special needs
office to help with students. Blind/Visually
Impaired; University, ON
- A Student Services deals with all
disability problems. There is no separate
office for this. [The Centre] is only for
students with learning disabilities and it is
privately funded. It doesn't have enough
money to handle all of its students.
Learning Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Science labs don't really make
accommodations on a weekly basis,
although during exams extra time was
allocated. Blind/Visually impaired, Shortterm
memory problems; University, ON
- Special Needs Strategy Program --
They teach us skills that will help us deal
with our disability. I have been in school
for 16 years and all of a sudden they are
going to teach me skills that will help me
read or understand or take notes. If they
are right, why didn't I learn this 16 years
ago. People need content tutoring. I am
trying to get through school. I don't have a
lot of time to waste. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- There is no informal (or formal) place
for students with disabilities to interact and
organize. The only space set aside is for
studying only. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- Stairwells are for the most part poorly
lit and stair edges are not marked.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, ON
- Elevators are very slow and in some
cases you have to hold the call button or it
won't come. Blind/Visually impaired; College, ON
- No real mentor system with successful
role models that students can relate to.
Blind/Visually Impaired; University, ON
- Distance from main campus to
education and athletics buildings.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, ON
- Ascenseur pas suffisamment accessible
(boutons trop haute). Utilisation de cle.
Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Ouvre porte exterieur. Souvent
defectueux. Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Campus accessibility is terrible; getting
between attached buildings is very difficult.
The tunnel system is not accessible. Many
unnecessary doorways and stairs. Very
poorly thought out. Mobility impaired;
University, MB
- La cafeteria n'est pas accessible ->
comptoir de service, de nourriture.
Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Library access while not impossible is
very inconvenient for persons with
mobility difficulties. Other-Hemiplegic; University, ON
- Only one of the teaching staff was not
helpful in lab or class. Mobility impaired;
College, SK
- Au cegep, je trouve lorsque durant les
cours ou l'on doit ecouter des reportages, il
n'y a pas de services adaptes. Par exemple
de sous-titrage ou de systeme FM.
Surditk/Personne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- In brand new buildings, the w/c lifts
do not accommodate larger electric
wheelchairs. Same for on-campus
transportation. Mobility impaired; University, MB
- More automatic doors needed
throughout campus. Mobility impaired; College, ON
- I'd like to see the Centre for Students
with Disabilities have extended hours.
Mobility impaired; College, ON
- Sign interpreters -- Lack of qualified
interpreters in Manitoba and [The
University] doesn't promise full-time hours.
E.g. hires one interpreter for 6 hours
weekly for 2 three-hour long classes. Then
interpreter is done for the week. Can be on
call but costs not covered for this on-call.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- Lack of direction from administration.
They need to set an example and follow
through on it. Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- La faqon don't le college a ete
construit c'est plus difficile de s'y
retrouver. Cecitt/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- A chaque cours on doit negocier la
periode prolonger d'examen et reindiquer
nos besoins aux professeurs.
Cecitc/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- University centre complex has some
accessibility problems; there are attempts
made to render it more accessible but it is
definitely inconvenient. Other-Hemiplegic;
University, ON
- Attitude of some staff and support
personnel. Other-Hemiplegic; University, ON
- Le depanneur est difficile d'acces
egalement en raison des allee trop etroites
qui rends difficile la circulation en fauteuil
roulant. Deficience motrice; University, QC
- Accessibility is a large problem. The
university is poorly equipped in this area
and I feel they need to do more. Learning
Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Equipment -- As a result of cost, the
Special Needs Office does not offer all the
facilities that I had access to at my last
university, Ontario. This is because the
Ontario government provides Universityes
with funds for these services, unlike [the
province]. Learning Disability; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Dans la cafeteria ou le registrariat,
c'est plus difficile d7accessibilit6 ou des
services. Cicit~/Deficience visuelle; Cegep, QC
- Access to books before program starts
is extremely important to me. This time I
was into the program before receiving my
books. Learning Disability; College, SK
- Instructors lack education in dealing
with learning disabilities. Also lack
organization and instructional methods.
Learning Disability; College, SK
- Exam formats: ask for the best answer
on multiple choice. I know what the
answer is, but when they ask for the best
answer, two choices are correct. I'd be
better off writing out my answers, or
getting exam in a format that fairly reflects
what I've learned. Readers are not always
capable of interpreting questions or
understanding the question, which ends up
taking more time than necessary to write
the exam. Learning Disability; College, SK
- Preparation, inscription, orientation.
Ceciti/Deficience visuelle; Universite, QC
- Soutien administratif. Cicite/Deficience visuelle; University, QC
- Instructors -- Feel that there is a small
number of instructors that care if they are
even teaching anything. Groups in our
program have complained about teachers to
head of department but nothing ever
happens. Learning Disability; College, SK
- Telephone. Les telescripteurs ne sont
pas facilement acces. Et ne fonctionnent
pas toujours. Surdite/Personne
malentendante; University, QC
- Counters are far too high in
administration office, bookstore and
library. Not all automatic doors are in
working order. Mobility impaired, Learning
Disability, Medical Disability; College,
Atlantic Canada
- Les comptoirs pour remis generaux se
trouvent dans des endroits tres bruyants et
il n'y a pas moyen d'entendre
l'information voulue clairement.
Surdite/Personne malentendante;
Univemite, QC
- Too many able-bodied people are
taking elevators and consequently are
delaying students who must depend on
elevators. Mobility impaired; College, ON
- Les services ATS, on n'en avait pas
beaucoup de services dans mon college
regulier, mais la seule service est au cegep
du Vieux-Montreal. I1 y en avait un ATS
publique. A mon ecole, je n'en ai pas.
J70blige d'avertir par mon interprbte pour
appeler quelque chose ou quelqu7un.
Surdite/Personne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- [The University] administration is very
unorganized. Deaf/Hard of hearing,
Blind/Yisually impaired; University, QC
Tutoring Services -- There is a lack of
qualified tutors that can help with specific
classes in certain courses. Learning
Disability, Mental Health Disability;
College, SK
- The indoor lighting is too dark in most
hallways. I have night blindness and find it
very hard to see. Deaf/Hard of hearing,
Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- Le service aux etudiant-e-s handicapes.
I1 etait temps que l'administration change
car le personnel N'AVAIT PAS LE
TEMPS NI LA PATIENCE de s'occuper
de certains besoins. Quand on appelait, un
gentil repondeur prenait le message la
plupart du temps. De plus, la personne
responsable etait surchargee de travail et
impatiente a 17exces. Cecite/Deficience
visuelle; Universitd, QC
- Getting procedures completed. It takes
a mother's voice to allow the centre to hear
from a student's point of view. Nothing
gets accomplished unless a parent gets
involved. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Availability [of resource people].
Everyone seems to be too busy to help.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- Time limit for course completion -- I
may be short one or two classes when I've
reached my deadline and therefore won't be
allowed a diploma after that deadline even
if I can pick up these classes. Learning
Disability, Mental Health Disability;
College, SK
- Evaluation of exams and courses --
Certain teachers exhibit bias toward those
who are slow or hard to teach. Yet they
tell me I have proven knowledge of the
subject. Also tests include questions that
don't make sense or ask the question in a
way that's hard to identify what's being
asked or what's wanted for an answer.
Confronting the instructors has proven
useless. Learning Disability, Mental Health
Disability; College, SK
- Administration needs to communicate
more with staff and students. There needs
to be more solidarity. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; University, MB
- None of the water fountains are at
wheelchair level. In order to get a drink
you have to go to one of the cafeterias and
buy a drink. This is not fair. Mobility
impaired, Medical Disability (Spina Bifida); College, MB
- In my experience, the automatic door
openers could be more reliable. It is as if
they are disengaged after normal college
hours except for the main administration
building. Mobility impaired, Medical
Disability (Spina Bifida); College, MB
- The service counters on campus are
too high and cause needless problems.
Mobility impaired, Medical Disability
(Spina Bifida); College, MB
- Professors in departments that refused
to put books on reserve. Mental Health
Disability; University, QC
- One feature we have been attempting
to change for many years is the killer ramp
outside of the main building. This ramp
has a very steep gradient and has an
extremely sharp right turn in the middle,
making access very difficult. The
university administration say that the ramp
is too expensive to change and that there
isn't enough room. Excuses! Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- Les cours d'anglais ne sont pas adaptes
pour les sourds (cassette, expose oral).
Surditi/Personne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Computer Services -- Not the best in
up to date technological services. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- Many of the service desks are too high
to be reached from a wheelchair.
Blind/visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Poor outside lighting. I feel this is an
area that should be looked into.
Blind/visually zmpaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Je n'ai pas constate de lacunes. Autre-
Ddficience pulmonaire; University, QC
Je ne peux pas voir quels services n'est
pas adequate. Deficience motrice;
Univemite, QC
- Parfois, et pratiquement toujours, les
professeurs sont completement demunis
d'informations au niveau de la presence
d'une personne handicap6 dans leur cours,
de leurs besoins et caracteristiques
personnelles. Deficience motrice;
University, QC
- Having to get your own note takers
could be something of an embarrassment
for younger students. Blind/visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Cmada
- There should be more time between
classes. Travel time to get from one room
to the next takes more than ten minutes.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, MB
- The Learning Assistance Centre needs
improvement. They seem to cater to
intellectual disabilities while services for
some physical disabilities are left sorely
lacking. They have one raised computer
desk, a large print screen and other
services for visually impaired. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- The major thing to be done is policy
development so that all professors allow all
students a fair and equal education. There
is no such thing as a disabled student
coordinator. This position was deemed
unnecessary. In my opinion, it is necessary.
The student union was supposed to
maintain a disabled student committee, but
they have not and so these very important
issues are left unaddressed. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- Health services is used to dealing with
middle class or upper middle class students
and services are administered for those
who are rich (e.g. they have telephones,
email, can pay for meds up front). Mental
Health Disability; University, QC
- Sidewalks and paths in and around
[The University's] campus are poorly
maintained (in summer and winter). This
creates special hazards for students with
visual impairments, balance difficulties and
for those who use wheelchairs. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- Lack of willingness of professors and
staff to accommodate the needs of students
with disabilities. Attitudes like if I can't see
it, then a disability doesn't exist, or I don't
want to accommodate because to do so
would mean more work for me. Most profs
and staff want to accommodate, but a few
have the above attitudes and can make life
difficult for students with disabilities.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- La librairie est egalement un endroit
difficile d'acces en raison des allees qui
sont trop etroite. Deficience motrice;
University, QC
- Better exposure to students who are
having difficulty in classes. Education for
faculty members to be better able to steer
those students with disabilities to services
that would assist them in non-judgemental
or non-threatening ways. Learning
Disability; University, MB
- Plus de comprehension de certains
professeurs qui ne sont pas prst a recevoir
une personne handicapee. Deficience
motrice, Autre-Les mains et les pieds;
Universite, QC
- An areahpace that could be used as a
study/tutoring/lounge area for students with
disabilities without having to form an
association (which implies membership,
commitment financially and timewise to
the individual who already has many
challenges in front of them). Nonthreatening
place to exchange ideas and
methods to help one another. Learning
Disability; University, MB
- Les rampes qui sont pour les
handicapes est le meilleur chemin pour les
autres etudiants (31s ont peurs des
escaliers?") Deficience m otrice, Autre-Les
mains et les pieds; University, QC
- No special services provided for a
large number of people with disabilities.
No group organization. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; University, Atlantic Canada
- Les residences de l'universite ne sont
pas tres accessibles car d'une par la
presence des marches m'empkhe d'y
circuler partout. D'autre part, les chambres
sont tres petites et je ne peux pas me
retourner (360") lorsque je suis dans mon
fauteuil roulant. Deficience motrice;
Universite, QC
- There are very few computer
adaptations available. Mobility impaired;
University, ON
- Commitment from senior
administration for the funds needed to
provide more tutoring, computers, learning
specialists for students with disabilities.
Learning Disability; University, MB
- Financing -- As a result of budget
problems and cost, the Special Needs
Office receives little support in this area.
Our Counsellor works from her own
personal budget to ensure students get what
they need. Learning Disability; University,
Atlantic Canada
- Registration -- As an adult student
attending part-time (I work full-time), I
feel that there is little if any
accommodation made for students who
need to talk to counsellors, register for
evening courses (very few offered), and
receive information for pre-registration.
Very disappointing and often academic
goals are difficult to meet. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- Application fee -- How do you pay
$60 when you're living on social assistance
for disability? Mental Health Disability;
University, QC
- The lack of adaptive technology,
specifically with regard to computers, is
the least successful feature. In fact, I don't
think it exists at [The College] and my
ability to succeed was dependent on
resourceful staff. Blznd/Visually impaired;
College, MB
- Registrariat. Escalier. Grande distance
du pavillon central. Portes d'entree lourdes.
A utre-A phasie-agrqhie; Universite, QC
Less disability services available.
Deaf/Hard of hearing; University, Atlantic
Canada
- Transportation not accessible off
campus. DeafIHard of hearing; University,
Atlantic Canada
Sport. Deficience motrice; Universite, QC
- Services des Bourses. Escalier. A utre-
Aphasie-agraphie; Universite, QC
- Librairie. Deficience motrice;
University, QC
- Outdoor lighting. Mental health,
Medical disability; College, ON
- Public transportation is too costly.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Information on new technologies and
techniques. Learning Disability; University, QC
- OSAP is too slow and doesn't account
for out of town travel. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- There must be more money made
available to students. It would help me to
be able to study more and achieve a higher
GPA. I have to work more than 25 hours a
week to support my family because of lack
of OSAP funding. I know if I had more
time to study, I would do better. Learning
Disability, Mentd Health Disability;
College, ON
- Information on alternative study
methods. Learning Disability; University, QC
- Campus large and without adequate
on-campus transportation. Mental Health
Disability; University, ON
- Some buildings very difficult to
navigate. Mental Health Disability;
University, ON
- Information on how to use the system.
Learning Disability; University, QC
- Not always available. Learning
Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Really needs additional mental health
service both at school and in the
community. Mental Health Disability ;
University, ON
- Staff in my faculty are aware of issues
but are not properly trained or given
instruction on disabilities. I am aware that
there are training videos and have viewed
one, which was grossly inadequate.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- The accessible adaptive technology lab
is underfunded and in need of new
equipment. Money had to be sought from
the student body but will not satisfy
immediate needs because of no
commitment from central administration.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Study skills services for disabled
students and others. These are very
poorlnon-existent. I have attended two
other schools and can make a
knowledgeable assessment. (One other
school had better study skills services but
services for students with disabilities were
not as good, and the other had not great
study skills or disability services.) Reasons:
General lack of support or funding for
student services at our school. Not on the
part of disabled student services - they are
great. I'm talking about the larger
administration as a whole. Learning
Disability; University, OC -
- Physical access to buildings inside and
outside. Access is a patchwork effort put
forward by the university. Certain areas are
accessible, others are not. Elevators are
hard to find, if one exists in a building
often they only go to certain floors and not
others. Entrances that are accessible are at
the rear of buildings. Ramps are steep and
isolated. There are no emergency buttons
for disabled persons in "accessible"
washrooms. Snow removal is dreadful.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Some professors do no cooperate.
Blind/Visually impaired, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- Accessible washrooms -- There should
be a lot more than just two and they
should stipulate that these are only for
SWD. Mobility Impainnent, Learning
Disability; College, ON
- Library staff -- They should understand
that people in wheelchairs have feelings
and that they shouldn't be made to feel
like a burden. Mobility Impaiment,
Learning Disability; College, ON
- The following comment refers to
another school, not the one I currently
attend. Increased awareness is needed
among study skills counsellors re: signs of
LDIADD. In tears, I once asked a study
skills counsellor at a university if she
thought I had an LD (ADD didn't occur to
me). She said no, my marks were fine and
that everyone was having trouble in the
courses I was having trouble in. I had to
work so hard to get decent grades; they
came at a big cost. I was later tested (after
begging) for LD at that same institution
and they found nothing. In the workplace I
later suffered severe consequences due to
this undiagnosed LD/ADD (i.e. job loss,
termination). My confidence was absolutely
shattered by this experience and I can't
help but think that if it had been picked up
earlier I would have known or had some
strategies to deal with these problems.
Learning Disability; University, OC
- The gym -- I would like to be able to
go in without taking security away from
their job, because they are very important
to the safety of the school. Mobility
Impairment, Learning Disability; College,
ON
- Financial services makes everyone's
life difficult. Tuition fees are a problem
too. Learning Disability, Medical
Disability; University, ON
- Cafeteria should have designated area
as it used to have prior to remodelling.
Mobility impaired (lower back injury);
College, ON
- Funding cuts; they hurt. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Elevators should be more accessible
and larger. Mobility impaired (lower back
injuryl; College, ON
- Access to food services. BlindVisually
impaired; University, QC
- Instructors who feel that accessibility
is a privilege. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Information services -- Lack of
information on all other services makes
accessing them impossible. Mobility
impaired, Medical Disability; University, ON
- Note takers -- There isn't enough to go
around but it is badly needed.
Blind/Visually impaired, Deaf/Hard of
hearing, Learning Disability, Mental Health
Disability; University, ON
- Bookstore does not offer wheelchair
accessibility. I know of some students who
crave independence here and don't wish to
bother the Special Needs for help. Mobility
impaired (lower back injury); College, ON
- [The Centre] for students with
sisabilities considers [the University]
accessible -- but just barely. I believe the
Office for Students with Disabilities would
support greater action on the part of the
university to make the campus easily
accessible for disabled students.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- Ramps and physical access in general.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- Dental and school staff are not very
qualified to help students with learning
disabilities. They are not used to teaching
in a different way. They do not have the
knowledge of learning disabilities. I feel
they should be taught and it should be
essential to becoming a teacher. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- [The College] doesn't have braille
equipment for the visually impaired. They
lack a lot of equipment for the visually
impaired. Learning Disability; College, ON
- Paid for oral exam. Service should be
covered by special needs. Learning
Disability, Medical Disability; College, ON
Fs Location and provision of special
services. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, QC
- All professors are not up to date on
[The Centre] and how it works. Other-No
use of right ann; University, Atlantic
Canada
- Administration because they suck.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- Recreation department should provide
exams for special needs students. Learning
Disability, Medical Disability; College, ON
- Some teachers don't try. Learning
Disability, Medical Disability; College, ON
- Facilities for exams -- When a person
is suffering with chronic pain,
concentration is a problem. Having a quiet
place to do exams is very important.
Currently not available at [The University].
Mobility impaired, Medical Disability;
University, ON
- I would benefit greatly by having a
scooter as there are long distances to
traverse. However, without automatic doors
and wide access areas (e.g. library aisles)
the scooter would be problematic. Mobility
impaired; University, QC
- Not all doors are automatic/low
pressure. Mobility impaired; University, QC
- The office requires each student to
meet with a counsellor each year,
regardless if things have changed or not,
before a student may receive any type of
assistance. This is a waste of time for
faculty and students. Also students may
need help prior to their meeting. Bad
administrative policy. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Forced to pay for parking. At the
downtown campus, this is $7.75/day.
Mobility impaired; University, QC
- I had to go to an adviser first to get
authorized. Took sheet and my schedule to
PLT. This department doesn't seem to have
a list of note takers handy, so therefore I
was 2-4 weeks into the semester before I
was assigned a note taker. Because of my
disability I usually only take one or two
subjects a semester to try to get my credit.
This is going to take awhile at this rate,
but I'm getting there. It just seems that
each semester when I sign up again, it
always takes so long to get everything in
place. Learning Disability; College, ON
- Parking especially handicapped
parking. Not enough and at times too far
away from the buildings. Mobility
impaired, Leming Disability, Medical
Disability; College, Atlantic Canada
- Public transportation is bad! Doesn't
run on Sunday. Doesn't run after 5:00 pm
to some very important locations. Mobility
impaired, Learning Disability, Medical
Disability; College, Atlantic Canada
- There is no type of special help given
to graduating students with disabilities to
help them find jobs, or to educate them on
how to further their education. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- A general feeling of lack of support.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- Ramps -- Overall most ramps are
either fairly steep, too narrow, or poorly
placed. Some are good, but the majority
are not. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Peer tutoring because sometimes when
a student needs help with a course they
can't get the help they need. Mobility
impaired; College, ON
- Elevators for passengers. Mental
health, Medical disability; College, ON
- The program I was registered in is
extremely flawed in several ways. There is
a complete lack of flexibility. My timetable
was pre-set -- hence, often I couldn't get
from one class to the next on time.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Overall campus understanding toward
disabilities. Mental health, Medical
disability; College, ON
- Getting access to materials for research
papers, etc. Blind/Visually impaired, Other-
Diabetes; College, Atlantic Canada
- Campus accessibility -- It's very
difficult to manoeuvre around campus.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, ON
- Adapted equipment and training for it.
Blind/Visually impaired, Other-Diabetes;
College, Atlantic Canada
- The classroom setup was often
completely inaccessible. Desk and chair
setup were often obstacle courses making
group activities difficult if not impossible.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- There was no time lapse. When my
pregnancy required me to take two weeks
extra off, the result was my removal from
the program. No refund because there are
no clauses allowing medical withdrawal,
and a really awful feeling that so much
work had counted for nothing in the end.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Learning Support -- I do not like the
counselling here. Feel they do not
understand learning disabilities. Focus too
hard on budget; very unorganized. Do not
provide enough information on services
available. I spent a whole semester (15
weeks) fighting for the help I was told I
would receive and am still waiting (week 4
of second semester). As a result I failed all
my courses. I talked to everyone (in LSS,
teachers, coordinators, SAC) trying to get
help. Going to see school president next.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Parking availability is very poor. Not
enough spaces for the school's population.
Learning Disability; College, ON
- I need closed caption films in class.
Most hearing impaired people cannot
necessarily hear some of the National Film
Board soundtrack (e.g. Health, Illness and
Health Care in Canada) ... Medical
Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Classroom acoustics are not very good.
A quiet class sounds very noisy when the
instructor is speaking. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- A private rest area. I need one and
instead drive home (45 minutes at a cost of
$15.00 extralday) or I sleep in the back of
my Jeep if the weather is not too cold or
too hot. Rather strange for a 45 year old,
n'est-ce-pas? Medical Disability;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Commonality among SWD, e.g.
meeting each other. Coffee hour was
proposed but no interest shown. Other
SWD do not seem to have the interest or
whatever to come forward.. . Medical
Disability; University, Atlantic Canada
- Learning Support has been moved to
basement; hard to find! Elevators are hard
to find as well. Learning Disability;
College, ON
- Security and safety are an ongoing
problem on campus for everyone. Learning
Disability, Medical Disability; University, ON
- The marketing or advertising of the
Disability Services for students. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- The physical nature of the campus.
Escalators are always broken, so people
clog up the elevator which I know is
frustrating for those who absolutely need to
use an elevator. Inappropriate arrangements
for accessibility in many places, and
frankly the bathrooms are disgusting.
Learning Disability, Medical Disability;
University, ON
- Proctors for exams. For some strange
reason, many of the proctors are J.W.S.
Consequently they're very forward with
their beliefs at the most inappropriate
times. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Doors -- Very few automatic doors.
Many that are very heavy or awkward to
open. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Accessibility: [The University] is an
old institution. The cost of refurbishing is
seen as a cost no administrator wants to
pay. Thus, access for the physically
disabled is limited and not a priority for
the institution. In general, policy is behind
the times. Learning Disability; University,
ON
- Classroom layout -- With [The
University] being built 25 years ago,
almost all rooms are very poor as far as
places for those in wheelchairs to sit, take
notes, etc. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- Note taking: lack of anonymity; lack of
volunteers; lack of professor support.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- Lack of planninglforesight in terms of
incorporating access standards and
considerations into new building projects,
e.g. new Law library, new Engineering
complex, new student services. Mobility
impaired; University, QC
- Lack of awareness of faculty. Mobility
impaired; University, QC
- OSAP -- How it is organized. Needs to
be a better way to do it. Students suffer
badly because of OSAP mixups. Big issue!
Learning Disability; College, ON
- Lack of funding for accessible
programs and building renovations.
Mobility impaired; University, QC
- Access to athletics building -- Parking
at rear, entrance in front, hard to enter
double doors. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, ON
- Le sentiment d'gtre un fardeau par
qu'on est pas comme les autres. Troubles
d'apprentissage, dont le syndrome de
dificit d'attention; Cegep, QC
- Needs more advertising, particularly to
get info to students with temporary
disabilities. Other-Severe Tendonitis;
University, QC
- Often needs of students with
disabilities are not met effectively and
efficiently because of lack of integration.
Mobility impaired; University, ON
- L/D tutoring services. Learning
Disability; College, ON
- In general, the level of education is
poor, mostly due to the profs being
frustrated with layoffs, cutbacks and
money-saving reorganization of class sizes,
etc. Lack of, or decreasing, government
funding has had major impact on all
aspects of education. Mobility impaired,
Deaf/Hard of hearing, Medical Disability;
College, ON
- Carrying a yellow card that you keep
visible to get priority service while in
lineups, e.g. at the Registrar's Office. These
are labels and they do not work since
persons at the desk do not know what they
are for. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Physical accessibility to buildings;
ramps are either not available or found in
the back of buildings. Other-Severe
Tendonitis; University, QC
- Staff at the Special Services Offices is
not well trained in the area of all
disabilities, program development and
delivery. Mobility impaired; University, ON
- [Need] Centralization of disability
service delivery where one office is
responsible for all physical accessibility
and educational needs. There is a need for
more integration of services and programs
at this particular institution. Mobility
impaired; University, ON
- L'aide financiere parce que j'ai etudie
aux cegep pendant 5 ans. La bourse m'a
offert pour seulement 4 ans. La 5ieme
annee, je n'aurai aucun requ de la bourse
handicapee, $a suffira difficile de ma
finance. Vous savez que les surdites
prennent le cours ou 5 ans pas plus car ils
ont besoin beaucoup du temps disponible
pour rencontrer leurs interpretes et une
assistance pour corriger leur texte (fran~ais,
erreur) (different langue). 11s s'inquietent
souvent pour la limite de la duree de l'aide
financiere bourse handicapee.
Surditt/Personne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- En cas de feu, il n'y a pas un systeme
de lumiere. Surdit/Personne malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Time between lectures -- 10 minutes
not enough to run from one side to the
other side for classes. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; University, ON
- Pour ceux en chaise roulante, ils ne
peuvent pas avoir acces a toutes les classes
ou services essentiels. Surditt/Personne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Special needs students are not
informed of forms of assistance other than
what they are already using. I found out
from another student that students with
learning disabilities (i.e. dyslexia) can use
books on tape. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Class sizes too large. In first and
second year courses (particularly these)
often over 200 per class. Deaf/Hard of
hearing; University, ON
- Campus food more expensive than off
campus. [Food Service] is more expensive
than other franchise stuff such as Subway,
Pizza Pizza, etc. Deaf/Hard of hearing;
University, ON
- I take public transit which is very
expensive. Mental Health Disability;
College, ON
- Physical accessibility is apparently
poor. There are many stairs, but few ramps
and elevators. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Les portes sont relativement lourdes et
il n'y a pas de bouton pour les ouvrir.
Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Not enough accessible washrooms
although there are some. Mobility
impaired, Blind/Visually impaired, Medical
Disability; College, ON
- Objects left in hallways make passage
very difficult especially when people are
standing in the hallways. Leaves very
narrow passage. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- There aren't many fire exit routes for
the disabled. Mobility impaired,
Blind/Visually impaired, Medical
Disability; College, ON
- Stationnement pour handicapes
toujours pris par les autres etudiants.
Deficience motrice; Cegep, QC
- Les service d'hygiene. I1 devrait avoir
me salle de bain adaptee, accessible et
securitaire a chaque etage. Deficience
motrice, Deficience de la parole; Cegep, QC
- The campus is not completely
accessible. There are ramps and elevators
in some spots but not in all buildings. It is
a very old campus. Learning Disability,
University, Atlantic Canada
- The food in the cafeteria is up at a
height that is not accessible. You need to
rely on the help of others. Tables are not
accessible at noon hour. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Library -- Difficult to get around and
not enough staff. Mobility impaired,
Speech impaired, Learning Disability;
University, QC
- The integration of the peer support
group with the Centre for Special Services.
Learning Disability; University, ON
- Student note takers are rather
impractical. Approximately fifty percent of
them are useless, while those that are not
may only select information that they think
is important -- not what you might think
important. Multiple Disabilities; University, ON
- The location of some door openers on
rarely used doors is a waste of resources,
when other higher traffic doors have no
openers. No disabled students were
consulted before these were installed.
Multiple Disabilities; University, ON
- Some materials that are made available
in large print are useless because of colour
of paper, little contrast between ink and
paper, elaborate page layouts with lots of
cutesy graphics or light print on a darker
background. Multiple Disabilities;
University, ON
- I think we need a more active
awareness campaign directed at other
students. Medical, Other-Pervasive
Developmental Disorder; University, ON
- Administration building is not
accessible; difficult to get around. Mobility
impaired; University, QC
- The lack of specific support group,
supported by the Centre for Special
Services. It is nice to know you are not
alone and to share strategies that work for
one but maybe not for another. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- [The Centre], an administrative body
run by the division of Student Services, is
dysfunctional, poorly run and concerned
more with their own status than the welfare
of disabled students and their accessibility.
Blind/VVisually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- The integration of LDIADD students
into physical activity, career placement,
study courses, tours, orientation workshops.
I never went on them or did them because
I was not assured they would fulfil my
needs or that I would not feel stupid going
to them. So it is easier not to go. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Wheelchair access from one building
to the next is very awkward and requires
more than the ten minutes between classes
most professors allow. Mobility impaired,
Medical Disability; University, ON
- Communication between students and
special needs department -- Hard to track
down sometimes; Made a small
improvement this year as they sent us info
in the mail. Learning Disability;
University, ON
- Library has no extended loans for
people with learning disabilities. Learning
Disability; University, QC
- Wheelchair accessibility -- Poor roads
and paths, not shovelled very well in
winter; parking is far away; bathrooms
have very narrow doorways. Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Not enough computers with voice.
Learning Disability; University, QC
- Cutbacks -- With no funding, can't
meet needs. Learning Disability, Other-
Chronic Hip Condition; University, ON
- Adaptive technology is only in place
on Services for Students with Disabilities
computers. Mobility impaired; College, ON
- Communication between secondary
school and university; had to be re-tested
for learning disability in order to be
recognized at university at my own
expense. Learning Disability; University, ON
- Braille room numbers are virtually
non-existent. Mobility impaired; College, ON
- Large print texts have to be ordered if
someone needs them. Mobility impaired; College, ON
- Rooms for writing exams should be
soundproofed. Learning Disability, Other-
Chronic Hip Condition; University, ON
- Disclosure of disability to instructor --
Automatic discrimination at higher levels
of education; causes stigma. Learning
Disability, Other-Chronic Hip Condition; University, ON
- Getting talking books is very
problematic. The staff I have dealt with in
this process are, however, very helpful.
Learning Disability, Other-Scotopic Sensitivity; University, ON
- I found at [The University] there is a
waiting period for laptop computers. I need
one but wasn't offered a chance to be on
the list. Multiple Disabilities; University, ON
- Accessibility to counter services and
washrooms is very limited. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
- Lighting is fair - not the greatest.
Blind/Visually impaired; University,
Atlantic Canada
- OSAP and the requirements for fulltime
status for people with disabilities.
Learning Disability, Other-Scotopic
Sensitivity; University, ON
- The lack of learning strategies like
those used by my former tutor. Learning
Disability, Other-Scotopic Sensitivity;
University, ON
- [The College/Faculty] -- Classrooms
are upstairs as are viewing rooms, library,
professors' and teaching assistants' offices.
The central theatre has installed its seats so
tightly that anyone with a 42" waist feels
confined by herhis neighbour. While I am
not suggesting that each seat be reinstalled,
it would be a good thought to
accommodate a dozen wider seats on the
inner aisles. Mobility Impaired; University, ON
- Admissions-- Don't take learning
disabilities into account. Mental Health
Disability, Other-Non-declared Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Psychology and sociology professors
(most) not compassionate; not empathetic;
need training in this area. Also students
services need to make students more aware
of services offered. Mental Health
Disability, Other-Non-declared Learning
Disability; University, ON
- Students walking in and out in the
middle of instruction as well as poor
lighting in classrooms and hallways.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, ON
- Wheelchair accessibility -- It's there
but still very difficult for those in
wheelchairs. Mental Health Disability,
Other-Non-declared Learning Disability;
University, ON
- The lack of wheelchair ramps and
wheelchair accessibility in some of the
buildings where classes are held. People I
know have had to change courses due to
this problem as they have no way of
reaching their classroom. Other-Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder; University, ON
- [The Library] is another instance of a
media facility that lacks adaptive access or
technology. The university media resource
centre (film library) and the firstlsecond
year computer PC lab are both in this
building. First, there is no ramp (+ 3 steps)
for wheelchair access and second, the PC
facility is on the second floor accessed by
an antique tiny elevator available on the
mezzanine floor (+ 8 to 10 steps). The
chairs available in the PC facility are cheap
plastic which promotes bad posture and
backaches. Mobility Impaired; University, ON
- L'equipement a la bibliotheque. Pas de
decodeur. I1 n'y a pas d'aide financiere
(meme si je suis sourde skvere, le federal
ne me considere plus handicapee meme si
je l'ai ete pendant 1 ans a l'iige de 8 ans.
J'ai maintenant 19 am). Surdit/Personne
malentendante; Cegep, QC
- Not enough people to help in the
Special Needs Office. They can only help
so much and provide help to so many
people at a time. !t is overcrowded.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, ON
- Due to financial cutbacks all of my
activities had to be compromised. I got my
textbooks on tape late; not enough readers
because of cost. Learning Disabilzly;
University, QC
- Funding to put in automatic doors.
[The University] does not receive a lot of
money to improve the number of automatic
doors on campus. Mobility impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- Inadequate computer technology. There
is a total of three stand-alone computer
systems for students with disabilities which
have older adaptive software and have no
Internet access, which is available only
during office hours with no training
offered. There is no campus-wide initiative
to make computer labs accessible what so
ever. Blind/Visually impaired; University, QC
- Arts and Administration building (not
accessible from tunnel, but from skywalk,
including Phys Ed. building). Mobility
impaired; University, Atlantic Canada
In class instruction time is not enough
time with instructor before testing. Time to
complete work is not there. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, ON
- Plenty of campus buildings and
annexes which are physically inaccessible
(with stairs only access into houses
converted into offices). One of the reasons
why this has been allowed to stand is that
there is no campus-wide accessibility
committee that looks into this, and other
issues of physical access. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, QC
- There is no university policy stating
explicitly the rights of students with
disabilities. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, QC
- Alumni House (almost completely
inaccessible). Mobility impaired;
University, Atlantic Canada
- "New Directions" program for students
with brain injury not successful due to
inappropriate curriculum, inappropriate
teachers. Other-Brain injury; College, BC
- VRDP was the worst program. I
required a computer, scanner, printer. They
dragged it out for four semesters, then told
me that because I was almost done with
my schooling, there was no point in
providing me with the equipment. When I
told them I still had more time, they sent
me a thick form that was essentially a
"treasure hunt" of names and addresses to
be returned by the day it arrived. Never
again. Blind/Visually impaired, Dyslexia;
College, AB
- Not attached to community. No student
ghetto or social life. Bad funding for all
student programs. Learning Disability;
University, BC
- Venting systems poor at [The College].
People are always getting sick. I missed a
few days. The school should have windows
that open. Learning Disability; College, AB
- I think that overall the educational
facility that I attend would be willing to
solve a problem as the need arises. I think
that if this standard ever dropped that
would be the least successful feature.
Other-Neurological; College, BC
- Disabled Student Services -- Only
equipped to deal with physical disabilities.
Absolutely no awareness of need of
students with cognitive disabilities. Do not
solicit feedback from students. Other-Brain
injury; College, BC
- I was given some poor advising.
Medical Disability; College, BC
- Automatic doors -- only one-third open
for me. Multiple Disabilities; University, BC
- Volunteer tutoring, note-taking, etc
Blind/Visually impaired, Dyslexia; College, AB
- Minister of Skills, Labour and Training
had me on a list for two years and finally
told me they could do nothing for me.
Medical Disability; College, BC
- Health Services. Doctors not very
personable. Long waiting times. Not very
informative. Give deferrals for exams too
easily (ie. for common colds). Should be a
little stricter. Medical Disability;
University, AB
- Courses/Instructors -- High level of
non-communication between instructors
and service (what little there is) provided
for students with disabilities. Multiple
Disabilities; College, BC
- Education Undergraduate Office. Lack
of cooperation. Secretary lacks people
skills. Not very helpful. Medical Disability;
University, AB
- [The University] has a learning skills
centre staffed by students who lack
confidence in their skills, which hinder
their ability to assist others. Learning
Disability; College, BC
- Red tape, cutbacks; ... not enough staff.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- A sense of place, belonging. Learning
Disability; University, BC
- An instructor really put me down and
made my disability an issue, and they did
not stick up for me or talk to him.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- Need more funding to support increase
in student population. Learning Disability;
University, AB
- Not enough information. If I want to
apply for grants, sometimes no one knows
or has any information. Trying to track
down information by yourself can be
upsetting, self-defeating and a plain waste
of time. Learning Disability; College, AB
- [The College] needs to ease up on their
policy of not accepting assessments over
three years old. Assessments are expensive
and not very accessible in the north.
Leamzng Disability; College, BC
- No athletic facility. Learning
Disability; University, BC
- Scribing for exams is available at [The
College] but not at [The University]. [The
University] needs to be open to offering
services that are available at the high
school and college level.
Learning Disability; College and
University, 63 C
- I feel some professors are very helpful
in making alternative arrangements while
others do not like to accommodate. More
education for professors would be
beneficial. Learning Disability; University, AB
- Access to all buildings -- old
structures; not a lot of elevators; poor
design. Mobility impaired; University, BC
- Could use a gym to relieve stress.
Students may be more active and alert.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- The Science Faculty's lack of
accommodation for persons with special
needs. They have no understanding of what
it is like to go to school and have a
disabling condition. Not informed and not
approachable. Medical Disability;
University, AB
- Too many faculty members are not
very keen on providing accommodations
for students. There is no standardized
policy or guidelines for them to follow.
Learning Disability; University, AB
- In the main washrooms there are stalls
for disabled people but no one in a
wheelchair can get to the sink to wash
their hands because there is no way to get
the wheelchair under. Mobility impaired;
College, AB
- I find the facility not that great for
people with physical disabilities. For
example, if you park in disabled parking
and use the elevator closest to the parking
lot and you want to get to building five on
the third floor, it would take you three
elevators. Mobility impaired; College, AB
- Funding is the most important. Grants
should not be considered to be income
when they are only used to help a disabled
student get through their studies, e.g. have
to pay for people to supervise exams or for
note takers. Mobility impaired; College, AB
- Physical accessibility; not accessible.
Mobility impaired; College, AB
- Equipment and technology nonexistent.
Mobility impaired; College, AB
- Some teachers not accredited. This
causes stress when it comes to
departmentals [exams]. If teachers were
accredited they could set their own finals.
Learning Disability; College, SK
- Some of the doors on the older part of
the university are pretty hard to open.
Learning Disability; University, BC
- Lecture room seating for students with
disabilities should be marked; outside aisle
seating. Other-Left hemiparesis; University, BC
- Hours of building. Strict policy on
working late. Learning Disability; College,
AB
- No way for a person in a wheelchair to
get in. Learning Disability; College, SK
- Disabled parking walkways should be
shovelled clean and salted or sanded for
the conditions make it worse if this is not
done. Other-Left hemi-paresis; University, BC
- Classrooms: Some classroom aisles
aren't wide enough for wheelchairs to get
through. Some classrooms are very
cluttered making things very difficult for
the visually-impaired. Learning Disability;
University, AB
- The stairs could have darker coloured
strips. Blind/Visually Impaired; University, AB
- Elevators close too quickly. Mobility
impaired, Medical Disability; University, BC
- The buildings could have signs on
them that tell people right away what it is
associated with. Blind/Visually Impaired;
University, AB
- Bad and dangerous ramps. Mobility
impaired, Medical Disability; University, BC
- Parking is limited and quite a distance
from the building. Often snow-covered or
muddy. Learning Disability; College, SK
- Elevator to library makes research very
difficult. Mobility Impaired; University, AB
- Teachers that will not hand out
photocopies and not allow extra time for
writing when my writing hand is sore (as it
is now after writing this). Medical
Disability; College, BC
- Physical adaptations -- lighting, stair
strips, etc. are poor. Blind/Visually
impaired; University, BC
- Library assistance -- not enough
resources devoted to the needs of students.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
??A The Professional Faculties building
because it was poorly built. Learning
Disability; University, AB
- The overall layout and architecture of
the campus is poor for visually impaired,
mobility impaired persons. Learning
Disability; University, AB
- None that affect me, other than
someone with more weight training
experience for people with limited wrist
movement. Other-Right Wrist Impaired;
College, SK
- Students Association -- They are more
concerned with giving themselves raises
and they would rather improve the bar than
put money towards our education. We are
here to learn, not to drink. Learning
Disability; College, AB
- Large printltape books -- not available
at Simon Fraser; through UBC only.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
- Can't take scooter into classroom.
Mobility impaired; College, BC
- Computers available on a limited basis.
Often there is a wait to use them. Learning
Disability; College, SK
- Disabled student services non-existent.
Mobility impaired; College, AB
- Hallways too narrow. Mobility impaired; College, BC
- Washrooms are few and inconvenient.
Mobility Impaired; University, AB
- Doorways too small. Mobility impaired; College, BC
- Administration building is difficult to
enter. Mobility Impaired; University, AB
- Accessibility in the cafeterias;
countersare very high. Other-Post Brain
Injury; University, BC
- Disabled parking -- This service should
be free for the students who already paid
for disabled placards. They shouldn't have
to pay again for parking. Other-Left hemiparesis;
University, BC
- The work load on teachers is at times
too much, which robs the teachers and
students of really good time together, or
quality time together. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- Instructors -- They need to be educated
about respect, worth and the rights of the
disabled. Mobility impaired; College, BC
- Having your tutor working only one
day a week and wanting to talk to him
before that. Mental Health Disability;
College, BC
- Having to make six phone calls;
having to talk to different people in order
to get information and get registered for a
course. Mental Health Disability; College, BC
- Classrooms that have fixed seating.
The fact that wheelchair students are not
informed about fire drills and where to go
and then how to notify someone that you
are sitting in the back stairwell. No outside
recognition of fire wardens. Mobility
impaired, Learning Disability; College, BC
- There is no general knowledge of
services available to students. Maybe a list
of services, equipment, policies and
procedures for students. I've been at [The
College] for five years and just found out
about talking books. Mobility impaired,
Learning Disability; College, BC
- Student Union -- Not accessible on my
campus to those with transport difficulties.
Mobility impaired, Medical Disability,
Other; College, BC
- Library -- Old building, bad access, no
private washroom facility. Mobility
impaired, Medical Disability, Other;
College, BC
- Lack of organization and concernlcare
at [The Campus]. The class schedules are
not conducive to the availability of
reasonable access. Medical Disability;
College, BC
- [The Campus]: Safety and physical
access are very poor. The campus is
situated on a steep hillside. The slope and
length of ramps hamper mobility in good
weather, let alone in bad weather
conditions. Medical Disability; College, BC
- The lack of communication between
departments and student support systems at
[the Campus]. The attitude of separation
and the lack of clarity in lines of
responsibility and assistance guidelines.
Too many departments, no umbrella in
relationship to disabled students. Run
around! Medical Disability; College, BC
- In class note taking, need more
laptops. Now I have to try to arrange it
myself or just try to get notes down. Other
students don't always want to wait while
you take their notes to photocopy.
Deaf/Hard of hearing, Learning Disability;
University, BC
- Teacher education. A few teachers
need to learn that learning difficulties don't
mean you are stupid (but this is not just a
problem in school). Deaf/Hard of hearing,
Learning Disability; University, BC
- More and more flashing alarms are
being installed, but not all buildings have
them. Most old buildings that are not
renovated yet do not have them.
Sometimes deaf students have to work in
the labs by themselves, and they won't be
aware if fire alarm goes off. The are very
concerned about it. Negotiation is in
process right now. Deaf/Hard of hearing;
University, AB
- Accessible washrooms. As of last year
we got feminine hygiene products in one
washroom which can only be used when
no other students are in this washroom.
[The College] has stated that because all
other accessible washrooms are single stall,
they are worried about theft and damage.
Really makes you feel respected as an
individual. Mobility impaired, Learning
Disability; College, BC
- The teachers need to talk together to
help students succeed and pass. Learning
Disability; College, BC
- Need to have coordinators aware of
invisible disability as a real problem. I
wish they were aware of their own
attitudes and inability to recognize what
they cannot see or feel good about. Helpers
get a certain prestige from being seen with
visibly disabled people. In my case they
don't. In fact, it seems like there is forever
a question about my credibility as a
disabled person. Medical Disability;
University, BC
- Need an awareness of environmental
toxins and sensitivities. Noise, lights, air
quality. Medical Disability; University, BC
Hours of operation of the Learning
Assistance Centre. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- Buildings: some of the campus
buildings are not accessible to the disabled
population. Learning Disability; University, AB
- Campus services: Some of the sewices
offered on campus aren't disabled
accessible. The counters are too high and
the service people aren't helpful. Learning
Disability; Universzty, AB
- Need professional, well paid study
coaches and note takers. Otherwise, I'm not
really getting the help I need. Also note
takers should be anyone qualified. They
should not have to be full-time students.
They are overstressed as it is. Medical
Disability, Other-Chronic Fatigue,
Fibrornyalgia; University, BC
- I find it really hard to get help if you
are not exactly sure what is there. Even
though the faculty knows that I have a
problem, I have to ask for things. I don't
know what the school offers and they don't
tell you either ... They don't let you know
what options you have or what facilities
there are for learning disabled students.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- Funding strain on disabled students,
particularly at grad level. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- The campus is so big and impersonal it
makes another barrier in terms of reaching
out for sewices. But if you do so, they are
available. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, BC
- The Student Union does not stimulate
student life enough, and really does very
little. Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
- Poor lighting on campus.
Blind/Visually impaired; University, BC
- We need to have more counsellors.
There is only one and she is hard to see.
Learning Disability; College, BC
- Lack of paid counselling and
employment strategy services. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- Slow change in attitudes of senior
administration. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- Faculty lounges -- We need more
classroom space and these areas are empty
(majority of the time). Learning Centre
could use this space. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- Automatic doors which require you to
push buttons. Not everyone can use buttons
so you can't use those doors. Mobility
impaired; University, AB
- It can be extremely difficult to find a
tutor qualified to teach university level
maths and sciences that is willing to work
at the rate ($9.00/hour) the school is
willing to pay. (Had to subsidize tutor fees
with my loan.) Learning Disability;
University, BC
- Less accessibility to teachers. Teachers
are available for contact twice per week.
Learning Disability; University, BC
- Could use more designated parking
areas. Other-Right hand amputee; College, AB
- Possibly run a workshop for ablebodied
people, so they value what they
have, and possibly show them what it is
like to function one day as a disabled
person. Other-Right hand amputee;
College, AB
- Some of the ramps are poorly
maintained and have ridges which are
unsafe. Mobility impaired; University, BC
- Transportation is a major problem for
someone in a wheelchair. Mobility
impaired; University, BC
- Student Health Service [...I is too far
from main student service building. I think
there should be one in the main student
service building. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- Old buildings have still to be
converted for accessibility. Medical
Disability; Uuniversity, BC
- I was very angry that this year it took
over a month to get a book on tape.
Learning Disability; College, AB
- Residences -- One pays money for rent
and the service is very poor. Nobody
knows how to clean or fix anything. I
didn't appreciate being laughed at by the
residence manager for being thorough on
my damage report. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- Funds I am given for students with
disabilities could not be spent as I wished.
I was unable to use it to take a computer
class or get a laptop. Learning Disability;
College, AB
- Services: May be able to use an
elevator in one particular area. Other-Right
hand amputee; College, AB
- Walkways could be larger and so could
aisles in classrooms. Medical Disability;
University, BC
- Too little awareness of unusual or
controversial disabilities and cutbacks in
budget make it difficult to provide all the
help possible. Medical Disability;
University, BC
- Fees office: very difficult to access
because of dangerous small elevator.
Mobility impaired; University, AB
- Student Union Building, Movie
Theatre -- Because the elevator is not large
enough to accommodate my wheelchair, I
can't attend movies. Mobility impaired;
University, BC
- I think students need a larger role in
[the Centre] for students with disabilities.
[The Centre] has so much administration
that often I feel like "output" rather than an
integral part of it. Other-Loss of fine motor
control; University, BC
- Lack of communication with instructor
or program. Medical Disability; College, AB
- [The Centre] encourages students to
advocate for themselves. Personally, I do.
However there are no seminars or courses
on self-advocacy and there are students
who are uncomfortable advocating for
themselves. Teaching students to advocate
would be better than simply stating, "Be
your own advocate." Other-Loss of fine
motor control; University, BC
- The campus is very large. There is no
on-campus transportation, so if one class is
on the north side and you have to get to
the south side in 10 minutes, many
students opt not to take the second course.
Other-Loss of fine motor control;
University, BC
- Physical accessibility. Many areas are
a pain to get around in. Especially the
newer buildings. Blind/Visually impaired;
University, AB
- Disabled Resource Centre: because
your counsellor is always changing and
they make promises they can't keep.
Mobility impaired; University, AB
- There is no specialized transportation
system available for students with
disabilities. Mobility impaired; University, BC
- Lack of policy changes that would
allow for reduced timeldays. Medical
Disability; College, AB
- Funding seems to be a real problem in
keeping all the programs (e.g. tutoring)
available when it is best for the student. As
a result students have to miss a class or the
tutor ... Learning Disability; College, AB
- Classroom stairs have no indicator,
visually, of where stairs are. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, AB
- Cafeteria items are hard to read; don't
know what's on menu. Blind/Visually
impaired; College, AB
- As I previously mentioned, stairs are:
irregular in count in different areas.
Building 7 to second floor has 3 stairways
with 15-10-14 stairs, whereas Building 6 is
15-8-14. And main circular stairway is 3-5-
16-16 steps. This gets very frustrating.
Also stairs are dark and not marked. I have
low vision: have tripped many times.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, AB
- Stairs at cafeteria aren't good contrast.
Blind/Visually impaired; College, AB
- Lorsque les profs utilisent des moyen
audio-visuels. Ce n'est pas adequat pour
les sourds. Surditi/Personne malentendante;
University, QC
Comments:
- I had difficulty answering a
number of questions, primarily since I did
not utilise either service or am not familiar
with the environment. My disability is
(hopefully) temporary.. . [The coordinator]
of Services for Students with Disabilities
has been very helpful. Medical Disability,
Other-Skeletal injuiy related fatigue;
University, Atlmtic Canada
- Re. Survey: Too long. Do you honestly
think a person with a disability can fill this
out. Learning Disability; College, AB
- Re: Survey -- This was horrid. Mental
health, Medical disability; College, ON
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