New students - When to contact the SDO
Bishop's encourages applications from students with disabilities. In accordance with general admission procedures, Bishop's will accept academically qualified candidates for admission by examining each applicant's academic record. New students are encouraged to identify themselves at the time of their acceptance at Bishop’s by contacting the Students with Disabilities Office (SDO) as soon as they receive the offer of acceptance. As with all applicants, those with disabilities are encouraged to select programmes that are appropriate for their skills, abilities, and career goals.
In the event that questions arise during the application process pertaining to the University’s ability to reasonably accommodate, the applicant is encouraged to contact the SDO for assistance.
Persons with a disability should recognize that admission to the University does not in and of itself guarantee that accommodation for a disability will be made.
Requests for Accommodation
When a student is seeking an accommodation in a course, they will first contact the SDO. Staff from the SDO will work with students to develop an accommodation plan where appropriate.
Timing of Accommodation Requests
To ensure that the SDO staff have sufficient time to properly review requests and to coordinate any necessary arrangements, students are responsible for making their requests for accommodations and for submitting all required medical documentation as soon as possible each term, or in the case of first-year and transfer students, before the term commences. Students must communicate any changes in course selection at the same time as the changes are made with the Registrar's Office. Accommodations for new courses are not made automatically. Failure to make a request or to supply the required medical documentation in a timely manner may delay or prevent implementation of the requested accommodation.
Initial appointment at SDO
In order to achieve academic services through our office, students will need to come in for an appointment. They will be interviewed about their academic needs, and oriented to the services we provide. The initial meeting will take approximately one hour. To allow us to prepare for the appointment we ask that students bring or fax us a copy of the supporting documentation at least two days before the appointment so that we have time to read it. The SDO will:
- Review all documentation provided;
- Develop a proposed accommodation plan;
- Write Letters of Accommodation to the instructor(s). The student will be responsible for delivering the letters;
- Be available to discuss a student’s accommodations with instructors on request.
Students: Please plan your visit accordingly. We want to provide quality time and services. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time is strongly suggested. We look forward to meeting with you and hope that we may participate in a successful university experience.
Returning students - Steps required for accommodations
Step 1. Book an appointment with the SDO Coordinator before each semester begins, or as soon as you have registered for courses
Step 2. If necessary, pick up your Letters of Accommodation to take to each of your instructors
Step 3. Meet with your instructors during their office hours. This will:
- Help you to facilitate a dialogue with your instructors, to introduce yourself and set the ground for your future working relationship. This is the time to discuss course content and presentation formats, and in class support such as copies of lecture materials, permission to tape record lectures, requests for note takers, etc.
- Give your instructors the information they need in order to provide the accommodation that you need.
