New Learner Resource - FAQs

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Welcome to Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber! Accessible Learning Services (ALS) knows choosing a post-secondary institute and program is a big decision. This resource is intended to provide you with information to assist you with making the best informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Accessible Learning Services (ALS) determine what accommodations will be recommended?

Eligibility for disability-related academic accommodations is determined using an individualized approach in adherence with the Ontario Human Rights Code. ALS uses a collaborative approach, which involves a discussion between the learner and Accessibility Consultant during an initial appointment to determine the following: 

1. Impact of your disability in the learning environment: During your initial appointment, the Accessibility Consultant will ask questions to determine if you may encounter difficulties meeting program requirements or academic load due to the impact of your disability(ies). ALS refers to these impacts as the functional limitations of the disability. Accommodation planning is determined by identifying those barriers in the learning environment and how those interact with your functional limitations. Accommodation planning is not determined by diagnosis or disability(ies) category.

2. A review of relevant documentation: The documentation required will depend on a number of factors including but not limited to: the accommodations being considered, the nature of your disability(ies) and whether  you will be applying to the OSAP Bursary for Students with a Disability (BSWD) or other funding programs. We encourage you to review the information on documentation requirements.

3. Program requirements: Once an Accessibility Consultant has completed an assessment of your accommodation needs, an Accommodation Letter will be developed that will outline the required accommodations. Accommodations do not alter essential program requirements. If a conflict arises (e.g., additional time on an assessment that evaluates typing speed), this will be discussed during the appointment with the Accessibility Consultant who may need to consult with the program to determine what options are available for ALS to support. Certain accommodations may be appropriate for some  courses, but not appropriate for all courses in your program.

What accommodations might be recommended by Accessible Learning Services?

Due to the unique and individualized nature of accommodation planning, we cannot guarantee beforehand what accommodations may be recommended until you meet with an Accessibility Consultant.  While not exhaustive, depending on the functional limitations, some of the accommodations below may be recommended to support you in your academic journey.

  •  Test and Exams: Additional time allowances, supervised breaks, specific seating preferences, ergonomic equipment, assistive technology such as text-to-speech and/or speech-to-text software.
  • In the Classroom: Additional time for in-class work, provision of learning materials in accessible formats, provision of lecture materials in advance, notetaking support including audio recording of lectures, in some instances. Lab accommodations may be considered.
  • Overall Program Accommodations: Reduced course load, Work Integrated Learning (e.g. internship, placement accommodations), service animals, American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters, Live Transcribers, and individualized course timetabling.

For more information on the rationale or purpose for specific accommodations, please refer to the Glossary of Academic Accommodations linked here. The glossary is indexed to support directing you to the information you need quickly.

When should I register with Accessible Learning Services?

After you register for courses, contact Accessible Learning Services (ALS) in person, by phone (416.675.5090 North, 416-675-6622 ext. 3331 Lakeshore), or email (swac@humber.ca) to book an appointment to meet with an Accessibility Consultant who will explain our services and the resources available. Appointments are available in person, by phone or virtually via Microsoft Teams.

ALS encourages learners to provide their disability-related documentation in wherever possible for upload to ALS’ password protected case management software. Documentation requirements vary depending on the nature of the disability(ies). For specific information, please review the Disability Documentation Requirements. 

How can I prepare for my first appointment with Accessible Learning Services?

In preparation for your first appointment, we recommend reviewing the discussion items linked here.

Learners are a crucial part in the accommodation process. Whether you have a history of receiving academic accommodations or are new to the process, we encourage learners to review and to become familiar with the specific details on learner responsibilities and expectations by accommodation type in ALS’ Accommodation Handbook linked here.

Are there accommodations which may take longer to arrange?

Some services may require more advance planning between course registration and the start of class. Examples of accommodations with longer lead times include:

  • Medical Response Plans (for students with a seizure disorder, severe allergies, etc.)
  • Live Transcriber for learners who are deaf or hard of hearing
  • ASL Interpreters
  • Service Animal Requests
  • Classroom Support Workers
  • Alternate Format
  • WIL/Placement Accommodations

We encourage you to contact Accessible Learning Services well in advance of starting your program to schedule an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant to initiate this process.

Considerations When Choosing a Program and Living with a Disability(ies)

Have you reviewed the program information?

Programs at Humber and Guelph-Humber include Program Learning Outcomes that are listed on the program landing pages at Humber and in consultation with Program Heads at Guelph-Humber.

Have you visited campus and/or connected with the program directly to find out what the program will entail?

We encourage learners to attend open houses and/or contact Program Coordinators/Program Heads to ask questions about essential learning requirements and assessment details for: attendance requirements, group work, in class participation/ presentations, volume of reading, use of equipment in class, off campus activities, extra time in labs and required equipment (e.g., computer specifications).

Do you have a plan for travelling to campus?

Learners are responsible for making arrangements to travel to campus and/or placement site as required by the program. If you require specialized transportation, ALS encourages you to connect with the appropriate agency, community resource or caseworker (if you have one), for more information and to initiate this process months in advance of the start of class.

Is attendant care available through Humber or Guelph-Humber?

Learners are responsible for coordinating attendant care with external agencies/supports. Be mindful of your care needs when setting up your timetable and awareness of distances to fully accessible facilities on campus as staff and peers are not permitted to provide assistance regarding personal care needs.

Can I complete an in-person course remotely due to my functional limitations?

No, accommodations would not alter the delivery mode of a course.  ALS encourages you to consider the fit of your disability-related impacts and the mode of course delivery when choosing your program.

Can I request a dictionary, thesaurus, word bank and/or memory aid as a test accommodation?

At post-secondary, learners are expected to know and be familiar with the vocabulary in their courses. Dictionary, thesaurus and word bank are generally not available academic accommodations. Similarly, Testing Services staff generally will not answer questions during tests/exams  to limit the possibility of providing answers.

The use of a memory aid  will only be recommended if the required documentation is provided to determine eligibility. Having been provided a memory aid or reference sheet in high school does not automatically qualify  learners meeting the requirements for use of a memory aid  at the post-secondary level. Suggested further reading.

Will I need accommodations for Work Integrated Learning (WIL), placement or internship courses?

ALS can work with the learner and program to determine if accommodations for these courses may be required. This may need different documentation and usually requires advanced planning. A specific Accommodation Letter will be developed for these courses. We recommend reviewing the program information on the Humber or the Guelph-Humber website to find out if your program has a placement component. Discuss this placement component with your Accessibility Consultant if you have concerns related to interaction of functional limitations and placement responsibilities.

Can I get funding for a hearing aid or FM system?

Assistive devices used in all aspects of life and not specific to the learning environment are not eligible for disability-related funding through ALS. We encourage you to review the Ontario Assistive Devices Program. Assistive devices that are required to access the learning environment, such as an FM System, may be eligible for disability-related funding through the OSAP Bursary for Students with Disabilities. In some cases, learners can be loaned a FM system from ALS while exploring other funding options. Please review with your Accessibility Consultant during your first appointment.

Can I get a laptop to use while enrolled in courses?

Laptops are generally a learner's expense in many circumstances. If you require equipment to access the learning environment, there may be funding available for OSAP-eligible learners. Alternatively, Humber has a limited supply of laptop loans as well as rentals and an affordable computer purchase program. More information can be found here.

What other services are available to support me?

Do I have to register with ALS each semester?

Learners need to renew their Accommodation Letter each term and this process is completed by way of renewal form on our website. An appointment with your Accessibility Consultant is not required in most circumstances. ALS wants learners focused on their education  rather than spending time to meet  with us. We have designed our policies and procedures with this intent. Frequently asked questions about renewal process.