with SAS

Registering with Student Accessibility Services


Student Accessibility Services at OCAD University supports any undergraduate, graduate or continuing studies student requiring academic supports related to a temporary and/or permanent disability.

If you feel you may have a disability that's impacting your academic performance but have never been formally assessed or diagnosed, you can contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule a registration meeting. The Accessibility Advisor will discuss external referral options for a medical and/or psychoeducational assessment through a regulated health care practitioner. You may be eligible for interim academic accommodations pending the external medical or psychoeducational assessment and receipt of appropriate documentation confirming the presence of a disability(ies).

It's best to register prior to the beginning of classes to ensure you have the appropriate academic accommodations in place, however you are free to register with Student Accessibility Services throughout the year. 

Note: Students are responsible for activating their academic accommodations each term by completing online request forms.

To register, please follow the registration process below:

  1. Download a copy of our Registration Package (PDF).
  2. Contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule a registration appointment by emailing sas@ocadu.ca or you can also make an appointment in-person, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, at 230 Richmond St. W., located in the Student Wellness Centre on the 6th floor. 
  3. Bring your completed Medical Documentation (PDF) OR psychoeducational assessment to your registration appointment.
  4. During your registration appointment, you'll meet with an Accessibility Advisor who will review your medical documentation with you to discuss the impact of your disability(ies), your learning needs, essential requirements of your program of study, and any previous academic accommodations. Following this discussion, academic accommodations will be identified and your accommodation plan will be developed with your Advisor.

For information on requesting academic accommodations following your registration appointment, please contact your primary Accessibility Advisor.

Documentation guidelines

 

Medical documentation
 

In order to finalize your registration with Student Accessibility Services, you will need to submit supporting medical documentation from a regulated health care professional (e.g. medical doctor, medical specialist or registered psychologist). You are eligible for interim accommodations and can receive accommodations while you are in the process of obtaining your medical documentation.

Sutdent Accessibility Services' medical documentation form can be downloaded here: Medical Documentation (PDF)

Medical documentation provided should include (1) confirmation that you have a disability or medical condition; (2) the functional impact, limitation or needs associated with the disability or medical condition, and (3) recommendations of the type of accommodation(s) that may be needed to allow you to fulfill the essential requirements of your course or program of study. If you have any other existing medical documentation, you are encouraged to bring this to your registration meeting.

As per the Ontario Human Rights Code, students are not required to disclose their disability diagnosis to register with Student Accessibility Services or receive academic accommodations and supports. There may be instances when a disability diagnosis is required, for example when the academic accommodation needs are complex. Students have the option of disclosing their disability diagnosis to Student Accessibility Services. There may also be instances when the type of disability is required to establish eligibility for specific disability‐related supports or funding under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

 

Psychoeducational assessment


If you have a psychoeducational assessment completed by a registered Psychologist for LD, ADHD, or ASD, please bring this documentation to your registration meeting. This documentation is sufficient for Student Accessibility Services; you are not required to complete the medical documentation.

Note: Individual Education Plans (IEPs) can support the process but do not provide sufficient documentation.