Accessible Learning at Laurier

At Laurier, we’re dedicated to making sure every student is fully supported. We’re committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment where all students can actively participate and thrive. 

Accessible Learning supports students with disabilities by facilitating their equitable access to the learning environment at Laurier. We do this by assessing a student’s access needs to create individualized accommodation and support plans.

The term “disability” includes a broad range and degree of conditions, and Accessible Learning supports students who may have permanent, persistent and/or prolonged, temporary, or suspected disabilities.

Applying to Laurier

If you believe that your disability and/or accommodations created extenuating circumstances that impacted your academic standing, you may submit a personal statement through the Special Case or Extenuating Circumstances process by the posted deadline. Any details you disclose in this statement will be kept strictly confidential by Recruitment and Admissions.

Register with Accessible Learning in Four Easy Steps

1. Register early - we open registration in May for students beginning their studies in the fall.
2. Review our disability documentation requirements.
3. Complete the Accessible Learning Registration Form and upload your disability documentation.
4. Promptly respond to Accessible Learning messages in your MyLaurier email inbox. 

What is an Accommodation?

Academic accommodations adjust academic tasks, activities, or the environment to facilitate equitable access for students with disabilities. Accommodations do not change or reduce academic requirements or standards, and once accommodated, students with disabilities are required to meet the same academic requirements as their peers.

What is an Accommodation Plan?

Accommodation plans, individualized to a student’s support needs, documents the accommodations and supports that Laurier will provide to help facilitate their equitable access. In creating the plan, accommodation consultants consider how the student experiences their disability at school and in daily life, their disability documentation, and course and program requirements.  

Accommodation plans are active documents that are reviewed and revised as a student’s access needs and their academic programs/requirements change.

Depending on your access needs and supporting documentation, your accommodation plan may include any of the following:

• Accommodated exams, like extra time or smaller exam space.
• Permission to use a computer and technology during exams.
• Alternative format like electronic copies of your course materials.
• Access to Glean, our online notetaking program.
• Learning strategy supports specifically designed for students with disabilities.

Accessible Learning does not approve accommodations from a checklist or recommendations by a health care provider. Our professional staff thoroughly assesses your access needs to determine the accommodations and supports needed to facilitate your equitable access to learning at Laurier.