CONT 905

Jennifer Hrupp
Career Opportunities: University Accommodations
Here in the Lower Mainland, there are two popular universities where prospective students
applying, Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the University of British Columbia (UBC). These
institutions each have their own centers for student support, including services for those with
disabilities/ exceptionalities.
In researching and exploring the SFU website, their information for students with disabilities was
easy to access. At SFU, the Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD), provides a range of
services to support those with exceptionalities. To gain access to the benefits of CSD,
prospective students need to have a diagnosed exceptionality which can include one or more of
the following: learning disability, psychiatric impairment, neurological impairment, and /or
sensory impairment. With this, they also need to be experiencing some sort of functional
restriction or limitation which would require CSDs support. CSD provides the following
programs and services for students:
Accommodations-he use of assistive listening devices such as an FM or Infrared
system, priority seating, opportunity to audio record lectures, aide in class, note-taking
assistance in class, visual material (overheads or slides) provided in advance, and
textbooks or reference articles in alternate formats (e.g. PDF; e-text; larger type).
Students can also have accommodations made for exams as well.
Volunteers - this is to link a SFU student volunteer with an exceptional student. This can
help the student with homework, time management organization, tutoring, etc.
The Note-Taking Program - if an exceptional student is not capable of taking their own
notes, they are able to obtain a copy of the class notes from a peer.
Autism Mentorship Program - autistic students can apply to this program where they
are matched to a mentor. They use this as an opportunity to explore the students goals/
concerns in terms of academics or other activities.
Beyond CSDs outline of programs and services, they also elaborate how Campus Services can
support students with exceptionalities in the following areas:
Obtaining accessible transit
Career resources - online links to organizations that support and employ students with
disabilities. Several of these organizations include: WorkAble Solutions, The Neil Squire
Society, and NOWS (NEADS Online Work System).
Library Services
Parking Services
Residential and Housing
SFU Services and Resources
UBC also provides services that are similar to some of those that are provided through SFU.
UBCs Student Services Access and Diversity program supports students with disabilities. Upon
navigating through UBCs website, their information regarding student support wasnt as clearly
laid out as SFUs was. Within UBCs Access and Diversity program, they offer the following
programs and services to support students with exceptionalities:
Academic accommodations- this includes assistive technology, note-taking, as well as
peer tutoring.
Exam accommodations
Awards for students with disabilities
Priority access to housing
 CONT 905
Jennifer Hrupp
Career Opportunities: University Accommodations
UBCs Access and Diversity program also provides links to community supports which include:
Adaptech - information regarding support with assistive technology.
Assistive Technology BC (ATBC)
Canadian Disability Studies Association - forum to exchange ideas and sets up
workshops regarding students with disabilities.
National Education Association of Disabled Students - run by post secondary students
with disabilities, for students with disabilities regarding post-secondary life and supports.
The Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC) - issues permits for
accessible designated parking spots for those with disabilities.

The information provided by both SFU and UBC give prospective students a good
understanding of what supports are available for the student once they move on to
post-secondary. It can be very intimidating for both the student and the parent/ family. One great
feature of SFUs CSD Success page, is that they describe the key differences between high
school and post-secondary for the exceptional student. This helps to prepare everyone for the
transition process that occurs as the student moves on to post-secondary. The information that
is provided by SFU and UBC can also provide insight and access to supports that the family and
student may not be aware of. Teachers can use this information to help prepare their
exceptional students by sharing this information in their Grade 10 Career Education course.
Students can incorporate the information regarding post-secondary supports and
accommodations in their portfolio as they plan for their future endeavours. Another way for
educators to assist students with this information, is that they can ensure that they post the
information within the classroom or in the guidance counsellors office.