Other Services Available from Student Disability Services

In addition to the provision/coordination of classroom and testing accommodations, Student Disability Services provides a variety of services and supports to students with documented disabilities (including: learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, acquired brain injuries, vision, hearing and mobility impairments, chronic medical conditions and psychiatric issues), who have registered with SDS. These services and supports are intended to facilitate the inclusion of students with disabilities fully into the fabric of the University of Windsor, and to help minimize the impact of a disability on individual learning and academic performance. We welcome invitations from faculty to work collaboratively toward the goal of academic equity, and are available to serve as a resource for faculty who may want additional information about our shared mandate.

Available SDS Services include:

Faculty Presentations: Student Disability Services Advisors are available to deliver presentations to faculties across campus. Presentations provide an overview of the role of SDS, an exploration of the principles of accommodation, and discussion of the responsibilities of faculty, SDS staff and students with disabilities in the facilitation of academic accommodations. In addition, the presentations highlight best practices for working with students who have disabilities, and explore strategies for effectively working together to help remove barriers and improve equitable access to learning. Presentations are designed to foster discussion of issues instructors may encounter when working with students with disabilities, and identify practical strategies can be used to ensure that the duty to accommodate is fulfilled and the academic integrity of the institution is maintained.

Advising: Student Disability Services Advisors provide one-on-one support and facilitate necessary academic accommodations which may help to minimize the impact of a disability on learning and academic performance. In addition, SDS Advisors assist students adjust to the demands of university life by developing the skills and strategies necessary for academic success. Advisors also work with students to develop independence and self-advocacy skills and provide input on how to develop networks of support by utilizing other student and academic support services available throughout campus.

Learning Strategist: The SDS Learning Strategist works with students to assist them in understanding their psycho-educational assessments, and to then develop strategies for improving memory, note taking, reading, studying and exam taking in order to enhance academic performance and meet educational goals. Collaboration between the Learning Strategist and student is encouraged so as to assist students with learning disabilities identify their needs and prioritize their academic goals. Students are encouraged to connect the strategies utilized during LS sessions to their existing learning styles and personal patterns of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The Learning Strategist is also available to consult with faculty to ensure that the diverse learning needs of students are met.

LD and ADHD Coaching: The LD and ADHD Coaches works with students with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorders to improve time management and organizational skills. In addition, the coaches work with students to develop motivation, set appropriate and realistic goals, improve follow through, and prepare for tests and exams. Students with learning disabilities can also work specifically with the LD Coach to learn academic strategies and techniques designed to maximize their learning potential.

Assistive Technology Consultation and Equipment Loan: Assistive technology is meant to enable students with disabilities to compensate for educational barriers imposed by a disability. SDS Advisors work with students to help determine which assistive technologies may be the most beneficial in minimizing the impact of a disability. An Assistive Technologist and Technical Consultant are available to discuss technology needs with students and the types of technology which may best enhance individual learning and performance. Training for effective utilization of various types of software, including Dragon Naturally Speaking, is also available. Technology is available in the Learning Annex (basement of the Leddy Library) to students registered with SDS and, for short-term loan, through the Student Disability Services office. Equipment available for loan includes tape and digital recorders, FM systems and PDA's.

Text Conversion to Alternate Format:  Students registered with SDS may require that books and articles be transcribed into various types of alternate format as part of their accommodations. Types of alternate format include (but are not limited to): tape, Braille and PDF. Once a request for alternate format has been made by a student's Advisor, the information is passed on to Document Imaging who must be provided with proof of purchase before converting the requested material. The process to convert texts can take several weeks, therefore, students are encouraged to meet with Advisors and determine accommodations as early as possible.

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