Overview and Approach for Services for Students with Disabilities Program

Brandon University is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to enable special needs students to fully participate in academic programming. The services provided are determined, in consultation with Student Services and the student, on a case-by-case basis, and dependent on the contents found within the documentation. Designated staff members will work one-on-one with students to develop a program specific to their individual needs.

Policy for Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities

Brandon University recognizes the right of individuals to be treated in all matters solely on the basis of their personal merits, and to be accorded equality of opportunity with other individuals. The University acknowledges that, as stated in the Manitoba Human rights Code, to protect this right, it is necessary to ensure that reasonable accommodation is made for individuals with disabilities. The University notes that failure to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled persons is a form of discrimination prohibited by the Human Rights Code.

Eligibility for Disability Support Services

Students are eligible to obtain support services if they have one of, but not limited to, the following types of disabilities:

• Vision/hearing impairment
• Neurological conditions
• Mobility/coordination
• Psychological/psychiatric conditions
• Developmental disability
• Chronic health problems
• Learning disability, including ADD/ADHD
• Temporary disabling conditions (e.g. broken arm)

Requirements to Register for Disability Support Services

Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Student Services at any time to arrange accommodation; however, it is recommended students make contact at the beginning of the academic year. Prior to receiving support services students must:

• Meet with Disability Services Coordinator to discuss available services
• Provide documentation, certified by a licensed professional of the condition, giving rise to the need for accommodation.
• Complete a formal request for services
• Obtain official documentation, provided by Student Services, to inform professors of the accommodation arrangements.
• Arrange accommodations as soon as possible, including test/exam accommodations and equipment loans with Student Services and faculty members.
• Monitor your progress. If you find something is not working well, meet with the Disability Services Coordinator.

For full details refer to the policy, “How to Use Academic Accommodation Services at Brandon University”.

Note: If you do not have documentation to support your disability, you still are encouraged to contact Student Services, to discuss how to obtain the necessary documents.

Accommodation Services Available Through Student Services

About Accommodation Services

Registered students may be eligible for one or more of the following accommodations:

• Alternative testing and exam accommodations, including private study/testing rooms, extended time, scribes, and readers
• Equipment loans/sound amplification
• Customized computer workstations capable of voice recognition, and text reader software
• Notetaking services

Adaptive/Assistive Equipment Loans

If you qualify for the use of equipment, Students Services may have the following support devices available to students with disabilities to access on a short-term basis:

• Laptop alternative computers for notetaking
• Digital voice recorders compatible with voice-to-text scribing software for recording and transcribing lectures
• Pen scanner for reading and creating notes
• Scientific desktop calculator with speech
• Large screen computer workstations
• Portable FM hearing system for sound amplification

To request the use of the equipment students must:

1. Complete an Equipment Sign-out request form available in Student Services
2. Provide your own batteries, disks, and memory cards for the devices that require them.
3. Return the equipment to Student Services by the due date, otherwise, a hold may be placed on the student’s record, transcript, etc.

Computer Technology Software Products

In addition, Student Services has available a computer lab, complete with assistive technology programs accessible to special needs students. Technology includes programs capable of voice recognition, screen reading, and creating graphic organizers. The programs include, but are not limited to:

• Kurzweill 3000
• Inspiration
• TextHELP
• Express Scribe
• Spark-Space
• Dragon Naturally Speaking
• Self-feeding, flatbed scanner

Rights and Responsibilities of Student Services

Students:

• Register and provide official documentation to Student Services that supports the disability.
• Deliver your accommodation letter immediately to your instructor.
• Make arrangements for accommodations in a timely manner.

Student Services:

• Determine reasonable accommodations as outlined in the official documentations.
• Ensure that students receive reasonable accommodation.
• Provide access to resources and support programs.

Faculty:

• Inform students that they must identify themselves if they need accommodations.
• Acknowledge the student’s request for reasonable accommodation.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Provide support to ensure accommodation is implemented to meet the needs of the student.

Complaint Procedure

Student are encouraged to contact the Associate Vice-president (Student Services & Enrolment Management) & University Registrar to discuss any concerns.

Privacy and Access to Information

In accordance with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Student Services staff are only authorized to respond to student requests. Staff are unable to correspond with parents, guardians, or other third party members unless the student has given written consent to authorize the correspondence.

In addition, any communication with faculty members will not detail the condition of the students’ disability, but will only identify the requested accommodation.

Other Services and Assistance

In addition, Student Services offers a range of support services available to all current students including:

• learning skills
• peer-tutoring
• writing/math centre
• notetaking services
• academic advising
• personal counselling
• career counselling
• support programs for Aboriginal and International students
• career planning and placement