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Students

Support for Students

The Disability Resource Center provides disability-related academic accommodations for students with disabilities who have registered with our office.

Confidentiality

If you wish to share information about your disability documentation or discuss the nature of your disability with your instructors or other University offices,you can. However, you are not expected to do so.

The DRC is committed to treating your documentation as confidential in accordance with BC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act:

Guide to Access to Information and Privacy Protection

In registering for services with our office, you have given written permission for the DRC to share relevant information with instructors and departments to the extent necessary to ensure the provision of services. The functional impact of your disability relative to a need for a specific accommodation is the type of information that may be shared.


Academic Accommodations

The purpose of an accommodation is to allow students to overcome disability-related challenges that impede their academic success. Webase our accommodation recommendations on:

  • the impact of the disability, as determined through medical documentation

  • the student's course of study and expected learning outcomes of the course

You are encouraged to provide input on the academic challenges posed by your disability/medical condition.This information is helpful in determining which accommodations would be most appropriate for you.Accommodations are not established by instructors. However, instructors may assess whether the accommodations affect the essential learning outcomes of a course.

Some examples of accommodations are:

  • alternate format material (such as Braille for blind students)

  • private exam space for students with attention deficit disorder

  • notetakers for students with hand/wrist injuries

Access information on how to request an accommodation

We do not offer tutoring through the DRC but it can be accessed through the Academic Resource Centre (ARC).

Exam Accommodations

Your disability or medical condition may impact your ability to take exams in standard exam conditions (e.g., in a classroom or lab setting). Exam accommodations allow students with disabilities to demonstrate their knowledge of the course material. They are determined by the student's documented need. Exam accommodations might include extended exam time, computer use, or a distraction-reduced exam environment.

Determining your eligibility for an exam accommodation

At the outset of the term, contact the DRC to make an appointment with the Coordinator to determine your eligibility for exam accommodations. Once eligibility has been established, follow the necessary steps to arrange the exam accommodation.

Alternate Format

Alternate format materials provide students with print disabilities access to academic materials. Eligibility for these materials is determined on your documented need.


Examples of alternate format materials are:

  • Digital audio

  • Electronic text (e-text)

  • Braille

  • Large print texts

The Crane Library at UBC Vancouver produces and houses a collection of alternative format materials which are available to students at the UBCO campus.

Determining alternate format accommodations

Contact the DRC to set up an appointment with the Coordinator. In keeping with the DRC guidelines and in accordance with the Canadian Copyright Act, the coordinator reviews your disability documentation to determine accommodations. If you are new to UBC, you should meet with the DRC Coordinator at least two or three months before the start of the term.

Alternate format policies and expectations

Our alternate format procedures are guided by copyright requirements to ensure that we do not compromise service. As well, the course syllabus is required so that the Crane Library staff can produce materials in priority sequencing. Incomplete requests will delay the production of the materials. You are responsible for providing all of the necessary information and materials.

Note-taking

The DRC offers a notetaking service to eligible students who,because of their disability, are not able to take their own or sufficient notes in class. If you feel that this accommodation is warranted by your disability, please contact the DRC Coordinator. The notetaking service does not replace your attendance requirements.

Recruiting notetakers

The DRC usually recruits notetakers by emailing your classmates.Applicant notetakers must submit an application form and meet the DRC’s hiring criteria.The assigned notetaker is responsible for emailing yout heir notes no later than 48 hours after the class. If you have concerns regarding the timeliness or quality of the notes, please contact us at 250.807.9203.

Adaptive Technology

The DRC has a computer lab that contains specialized adaptive equipment including:

  • Dragon Naturally Speaking

  • Read and Write Gold

  • Kurzweil

  • Dreamweaver

  • Inspiration Software

Financial Assistance

BC grants

BC’s Advanced Education Ministry identifies several provincial grants and bursaries for you. Check out the following websites to determine whether you are eligible or contact the DRC make an appointment with the Coordinator.

Federal grants and bursaries

The Ministry of Advanced Education lists the following:

All provincial and federal grants and bursaries listed above can be applied for using the Permanent Disability Program Application.

A large number of scholarships, grants, and bursaries for students with disabilities are also listed by the National Educational Association of Disabled Students.

UBCO-based resources

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Last reviewed 7/27/2011 9:48:00 AM


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