Registering with SAS for the First Time

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Are you new to Student Accessibility Services at the University of Guelph?

See below for information on how to request support. If you have recently been admitted for September, be sure to fill out an SAS application by June 15 to ensure your accommodations are setup for September.

SAS will ONLY communicate through your UofG email! Check it regularly.

STEP 1: Complete SAS Application Form

Deadline: June 15 (starting at U of G in September)

You will need to complete an SAS Application Form after accepting your offer of admission. This form provides us with the relevant details about your disability and disability needs. This helps us to anticipate questions or concerns you might have in your first appointment and aids us with maintaining accurate records of the assistance we are providing.

Request accommodations:

STEP 2: Submit Your Documentation

Deadline: June 15 (starting at U of G in September)

You will be asked for documentation from a registered health professional which verifies the existence of a disability and describes your current functional abilities given the condition you experience. Please consult our documentation guidelines [3], as we require information about the functional limitations you experience based on your disability, and you may be required to update your existing documentation. Contact our office for additional assistance.

STEP 3: Attend Summer Orientation Events

June - September

Various accessibility events are hosted during the summer to help you with your transition to the University of Guelph, including:

Virtual Drop-in sessions (June - August)
“START Accessible” Virtual Event
“START Accessible” In-Person Event (Labour Day weekend)

If you are attending the University of Guelph for the first time in the Fall semester, be sure to check out our START Accessible Summer Events [4] to help you navigate your first year with SAS.

STEP 4: Meet With Your SAS Advisor

Deadline: Before - Start of the Semester

This appointment may take place during the summer (during a START Accessible event) or during the school year. It’s necessary to meet with your Advisor before accommodation eligibilities can be activated and before the start of the school year.

*Accommodations take time to set up and the start of the term is busy, so please book your appointment early. 

Meeting With An Advisor: What to Expect

You’ll receive your appointment times and details once your request to meet with your advisor (see step 4). Once you have your appointment date and time, attend your semester registration appointment. During your meeting with your advisor, you’ll:

Discuss your individual accommodations and support requirements.
Set-up classroom and exam accommodations as appropriate.
Review courses and disability-related support for each.

Please note, if you participate and start accessible, you will have access to your summer registration appointment prior to the start of class.

Supports and Services: What to Expect

Once these steps are completed and students are registered with SAS, support may be provided related to the following:

Classroom activities (ie. notetakers, FM systems)
Tests and examinations (ie. extra time for tests, quiet testing environment)
Course materials (ie. alternate format)  
Deadlines   
Access to some types of funding   
Navigating the campus environment etc.

Students registered with SAS will also have the ongoing assistance of an Advisor. For more information about programs and services offered, visit our website, call 1-519-824-4120 ext. 56208, or email sas@uoguelph.ca.

Admissions Deadlines

Supplemental Information Form For Students With Disabilities (SIF-D)

Complete this February 1 - May 1

If you think your disability had a negative impact on your high school performance and you think you were close to the admission cutoff, you may consider completing the Supplemental Information Form For Students With Disabilities (SIF-D) form. SAS will retain this information, and we’ll use it collaboratively with admission services if needed.

Fall Checklist: Don’t miss these steps when registering with SAS!

✓ Attend your appointment with your advisor to discuss your disability and disability-related needs one to one.

✓ Book your exams with the SAS Exam center as needed.

✓ Request alternate format text from library accessibility services if needed.

✓ Attend a Plan Your Semester workshop.

✓ Register service animals with SAS as needed.

✓ Consider Psych 1300 or Psych 1400 for the winter semester.

What is a Disability?

Not all students who use our services are comfortable with the term "disability," as it is sometimes viewed as too focused on personal limitations. We share this concern and prefer to focus on the strengths and abilities of our students.

The term "disability" is used specifically to identify protection against discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code, and with regard to the funding that makes our programs and services possible. As per the University of Guelph policy, students must have a disability in order to register with Student Accessibility Services. Examples may include:

Learning Disabilities
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [5]
Hearing and/or vision impairments
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Chronic medical conditions
Dexterity or mobility impairments
Acquired brain injuries
Psychological/emotional disabilities

Common ailments such as the flu or a cold are not considered disabilities. Similarly, family responsibilities, religious observances, or other obligations do not fall within this category. If you are experiencing an interruption to your academics as a result of these kinds of experiences, you are encouraged to speak with your instructors and/or your program counsellor [6].

Request Accommodations [7]

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