Access to Students with Disabilities ASD
Athabasca University is committed to provide students with disabilities with reasonable, individualized accommodations and support services in order to facilitate access and the successful completion of undergraduate and graduate programs and courses.
If you require accommodation for your Athabasca University courses due to disabling condition you are required to register for services with Access to Students with Disabilities (ASD). Please see the ASD web site at http://lss.athabascau.ca/asd for more information regarding the types of accommodations that may be available.
Goals
- Reduce and eliminate barriers to institutional access and academic success for persons with physical, sensory, psychological, and learning disabilities.
- Ensure a level playing field for all students by assessing needed accommodations on an individualized basis. Accommodations may be recommended in direct relationship to identified functional differences that would disadvantage a person in the performance of specific academic requirements due to delivery within a specific mode, format, or a required procedure.
- Deliver services based on the specific needs of individuals.
- Provide a non-prescriptive practice that acknowledges the expertise of the student regarding their condition and needs; requires their active participation in the planning and implementation of accommodations and supports; and demand student responsibility.
Who is eligible for the services provided by ASD?
Enrolled or prospective students with functional differences resulting from disabilities or medical conditions that are:
- Sensory (e.g. low vision, blind, hard of hearing, deaf)
- Learning (e.g. L.D., A.D.H.D., A.D.D.)
- Physical/Mobility (e.g. spinal cord injury, M.S., M.D., C.P., back injury)
- Neurological (e.g. A.B.I./T.B.I, aneurysm, Parkinson's)
- Psychological (e.g. bi-polar, M.P.D., schizophrenia, P.T.S.D., clinical depression)
- Permanent or chronic disabilities or medical conditions (C.F.S., Graves Disease, Fibromyalgia, Osteo-arthritis, Diabetes, etc.) or
- Temporary (e.g. broken wrist, injury) providing there is a clinical diagnosis of the condition and that it impedes ability to complete course work.
How do I register for services with ASD?
In order for students to register for services through ASD they are required to complete the Verification of Accommodation and Support Service Requirements (VOA) form. You may download and print the file from the ASD web site at: http://lss.athabascau.ca/asd/forms/ASD_Verification.doc
The VOA form must be signed by a medical professional, psychologist and/or other disabilities service office staff member whom is familiar with your disabling condition and able to verify the presence of your disabling condition and the academic accommodations you may require. If you have been assessed with learning disability and are able to provide a recent (completed within last 5 years) psychoeducational assessment, we will accept an assessment in lieu of a signature from a medical professional, psychologist or other disabilities service staff member however you are still required to complete and return the VOA with your assessment.
Who can I contact for more information?
You may contact ASD at:
Access to Students with Disabilities
Athabasca University, Edmonton
Peace Hills Trust Tower
1200, 10011 - 109 Street
Edmonton, AB
T5J 3S8
Canada
Phone/Voice Mail: (780) 497-3424
or 1-800-788-9041 ext. 3424
TTY/TDD: (780) 428-2059
or 1-800-788-9041 enter 3 enter 1 and enter 2059
Fax: (780) 421-2546
E-mail: asd@athabascau.ca
Student & Academic Services - Last Updated October 11, 2012
