Roughly 50 students, their parents and guardians, local school board representatives and community partners took part in LEAP — Learn, Empower, Advocate and Prepare — an on-campus event designed to demystify the transition from secondary to post-secondary education for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). (PHOTO BY JOHN-PAUL BONADONNA/University of Windsor)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
High school students and their families recently gathered at the University of Windsor for the latest iteration of LEAP — Learn, Empower, Advocate and Prepare — an on-campus event designed to demystify the transition from secondary to post-secondary education for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Now in its fourth year, the event drew its largest audience to date with about 50 students in attendance alongside parents, guardians, local school board representatives and community partners.
Educators including learning support teachers and special education co-ordinators joined the session, as did members of the Learning Disabilities Association of Windsor-Essex, reflecting the program's strong community ties.
For student accessibility advisor and learning specialist Joyceln Lorito — event co-organizer along with accessibility advisor and assistive technologist Anthony Gomez — the event provided an opportunity to answer pressing questions and ease anxieties surrounding a critical life transition.
"LEAP was really designed to help us respond to the questions we hear throughout the year," Gomez said.
"Parents and students want to understand what happens after high school — how supports translate, what changes and what stays the same."
Unlike high school, where accommodations are often co-ordinated through an IEP and supported by educators and parents, post-secondary environments require students to take a more active role in advocating for themselves.
LEAP addressed that shift directly, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to navigate it successfully.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a range of activities, including a guided campus tour, information fair and presentations highlighting academic programs, campus life and student supports.
A key feature of the event was a student panel, where current UWindsor students registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) shared their personal experiences.
"We know peer-to-peer support is incredibly powerful," Lorito said.
"Hearing from students who are currently navigating university — and succeeding — helps participants see what's possible for themselves."
Those stories reinforced a central message: accessibility services are not about lowering academic standards but rather ensuring equitable access. As Gomez put it, "We're putting students on the same playing field as their peers. The work is still the work — it can and will be difficult — but with the right supports, students can fully realize their potential."
For many families, that message brings reassurance. Lorito recalled a recent interaction with a parent who arrived at an event feeling uncertain about her child's future, only to leave with renewed confidence.
"By the end of our conversation, she was emotional — but in a good way," Lorito said.
"She felt comfortable knowing her daughter would be supported here, not just academically, but socially as well."
That holistic approach is a cornerstone of SAS. Beyond accommodations such as note-taking support, exam accommodations and assistive technology, the office fosters connection and community among students, helping them build friendships and confidence alongside their academic skills.
The LEAP program highlighted practical tools for success, including learning strategies, coaching supports and available financial resources such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for students with disabilities.
Importantly, the event was open to any Ontario high school student with an IEP exploring post-secondary options, not just those considering UWindsor.
"This is about giving students and families the information they need to make informed decisions," Gomez said.
"Wherever they choose to go, we want them to feel prepared."
For many prospective students, the next step is BUILD (Bridge to University for Individuals with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD), a transition program for students who have accepted their offer and plan to start in the fall.
Offered in late August, BUILD gives participants a deeper, hands-on introduction to university life — covering SAS services, learning strategies and what to expect in the first weeks on campus. It also creates opportunities to meet peers, faculty and staff, helping students establish a support network before classes even begin.
"It's really about setting students up for success from day one," Gomez said.
"Once they feel confident in that first year, it lays the foundation for everything that follows."
Registration for BUILD will open in the coming months, with multiple session dates planned to accommodate incoming students. Those already connected with SAS will receive information directly; details will also be posted to the Student Accessibility Services website.
Through LEAP, the University of Windsor is opening its doors and sharing resources to ensure every student — regardless of their learning needs — has the opportunity to thrive.