Services and Supports

In addition to the provision/coordination of classroom and testing accommodations, Student Disability Services (SDS) 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.

Available SDS Services include:

• Advising
• Learning Strategist
• LD and AD/HD Coaching
• Assistive Technology Consultation and Equipment Loan
• Text Conversion and Alternate Format
• The Learning Annex

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.

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Learning Strategist

The SDS Learning Strategist works with students to assist them in understanding their psychoeducational 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.

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LD and AD/HD 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.

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Assistive Technology Consulatation 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 to students registered with SDS through the Learning Annex 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, allowing students to test-drive equipment for brief, specified periods of time before making decisions about purchasing similar equipment for their long-term use. Students may only borrow such equipment with the specific authorization of their Student Disability Services Advisor, and are required to sign a contract which specifies the terms of use. A deposit of $50.00 is required on loans of equipment valued at $1000.00 or less; a deposit of $100.00 is required on loans of equipment valued at more than $1000.00. Equipment must be returned by the date specified on the contract, in the same good condition in which it was received by the student. Failure to do so will result in forfeit of the deposit, and students will be held responsible for the repair or replacement of damaged or lost equipment.

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Text Conversion and Alternate Format

Many students with learning disabilities, visual disabilities, or certain mobility impairments may be interested in obtaining their textbooks and other materials in alternate formats (alt-format) as an auxiliary aid to assist them with their reading and coursework. At the University of Windsor, a request for this accommodation is handled in the same manner as requests for any other academic accommodations. Students seeking alternate format texts must present documentation that clearly supports the need for the request. After a student's documentation has been reviewed and the recommendation has been approved, the student must meet with a Student Disability Services staff member to obtain additional information concerning specific policies and procedures and how to make effective use of this accommodation. For more information about this accommodation, please go to our Alternate Format Textbook web page.

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The Learning Annex

The Learning Annex is a private computer lab which makes up-to-date assistive technology readily available to students registered with Students Disability Services. The Annex houses computers connected to the World Wide Web and the Leddy Library Voyager system. Some computers are placed on height-adjustable desks with separate keyboard height adjustment for wheelchair accessibility. Computer programs for accessibility include Zoom Text Extra, Kurzweil 3000, Kurzweil 1000, Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Jaws. CCTVs are available for enlarging text, and the latest office productivity software, mathematics and statistics programs are also available on all computers. The Annex can also provide a quiet study space for students.

The Leddy Library is home to The Annex, which is in Room G104 on the basement floor of the main building. View the Guidelines for Student Conduct When Using the Annex.

Students who are registered with Student Disability Services may access the Learning Annex by obtaining and using a personal swipe card for secure entry. You can view and/or download step-by-step instructions for obtaining your swipe card (pdf).  Swipe cards can be picked up at the Key Control Office in the Maintenance and Central Receiving Building (map).

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