NEW STUDENT INFORMATION INTAKE & ORIENTATION

Transcription

1 Counselling & Disability Learning Disability Services Services NEW STUDENT INFORMATION INTAKE & ORIENTATION

2 What is Learning Disability Services? Learning Disability Services (LDS) is an educational support program within the Counselling & Disability Services (CDS) of York University. LDS Primary Goal: Support students with learning disabilities (LDs) and related conditions in order to facilitate their academic personal social and career development. Each student is assigned to a counsellor in LDS who is their primary contact for the time they are studying at York. Counselling & Disability Services 2

3 Where is LDS? Our main program is located in W128 Bennett Centre for Student Services (BCSS) and also in the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Building in room In BCSS, we have: The main reception area and the offices of our LDS counsellors In TEL 1017, we have: The office of the Assistant Educational Specialist and our Assistive Technologist. The Assistive Technology Lab. *Some of our support services need to be accessed at other locations on campus. 3

4 How can your LDS counsellor support you? be your primary contact within the LDS help you to maximize your personal, academic and career success. offer variety of services: disability-related counselling and advising; coaching; support for developing self-advocacy; academic petitions support; facilitation of academic accommodations; and recommendations for Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD). 4

5 LDS philosophy Students with LDs can be successful at university and in their careers. We provide support so that students can function as independently as possible. Students should be proactive and keep their LDS counsellors apprised of their needs and progress. Students are encouraged to be their own self-advocates; however, LDS counsellors can work with students to help develop this skill. 5

6 Specific Areas of support 6

7 Learning skills assessment Letters of accommodation Alternative exams Accommodations Assessment referrals Transcription services Notetaking 7

8 Learning Skills Assessment (LSA) What is it? A small-group assessment to evaluate your academic strengths/ weaknesses. Results in recommendations for appropriate supports/ accommodations you ll need (i.e. tutoring, assistive technology, test/ exam accommodations etc.). Space is limited at each session to no more than 10 students. Your counselor will let you know if this is a good support for you. 8

9 Learning skills assessment (LSA) You might need to participate in an LSA if: Your psychoeducational report has vague recommendations. You have a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, but have no psychoeducational report. You wish to update your knowledge about your academic strengths/weaknesses. 9

10 Letters of Accommodations What are they? Letters that are given at the beginning of the term to your professors informing them that you are part of LDS and listing your accommodations. (**Except students studying at Osgoode Law School) Why do I need to give this letter to each of my professors? The letters help professors know which students will be writing in the Alternate Exam Centres. The letters help communicate to your professors ahead of time that you are in need of certain accommodations/supports. How do I get these letters? From your LDS counsellor prior to starting a new course Returning students can a request to have their generated and ready for pick up in the main office area 10

11 Psychoeducational assessment Do I need one? If you suspect you have a learning disability and have never been assessed. If your psychoeducational assessment is outdated (usually more than 3-5 years old upon entry to York). How do I get a referral for assessment? If you are OSAP eligible, meet with your counsellor and get a list of referrals and to apply for the Bursary for Students With Disabilities which can cover the cost. If you are not OSAP eligible, you will be referred for an assessment through the Mobile Assessment Team (MAT) who can do the assessment on a sliding scale based on financial need. There can be a wait list associated with this service. 11

12 Note-taking Supports What if I need note-taking help? There are a variety of ways that you can support your note-taking. Discuss your specific situation with your counselor. Many students use the following strategies: Use a digital voice recorder. Record using your laptop and software like OneNote Use non-carbon copy paper (can be supplied free by your LDS counsellor). Ask a classmate for notes to share and compare. Ask professors for copies of their slides if they are not provided to the entire class. 12

13 Note-taking Services What if I require a notetaker? Your LDS counsellor needs to confirm that you require this service as it is an extremely limited service. Your LDS counsellor will provide you with further information on how to access this support. 13

14 Transcription Services What is it? Services that give you print material in alternate formats such as: audio books on CD (Daisy format), Electronic copies of your texts for use with assistive technology Where do I find the service? Library Accessibility Services Department, Room CS133, Scott Library you require a referral to this service Counselling & Development Centre 14

15 Transcription services steps What do I need to do to access this service? The LDS needs to register you by confirming that you require this service. Fill out paperwork with your LDS counsellor. Set up an individual appointment with Tina McColl, Manager of Library Disability Services at Scott Library who will spend an hour with you reviewing the services and other library services Bring the original paperwork to Tina and your list of courses (and booklist if possible) if that has been made available to you. Contact Info o Tina McColl Scott Library, CS133F (main floor behind reserved section) (416) x tmccoll@yorku.ca 15

16 Alternative exam accommodations What is it? A service for students who require the means to write their tests/exams with certain academic accommodations. Students book tests/exams through a scheduling process via the Registrar s Office. *Once you have registered in the LDP and your accommodations have been approved by your LDS counsellor, follow the procedures outlined at ** Students studying at Osgoode Law School are directed to register with the Learning Disability Services in order to obtain their Letter of Accommodation. They then bring it to Nancy Sperling at Osgoode Law School, Nancy requires a minimum of four weeks before tests/exams, to make accommodation arrangements. 16

17 Financial Assistance OSAP/ disability bursary Financial assistance Job finding assistance Other sources of funding 17

18 Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) What is it? A Government bursary to assist students with disability related educational needs. Disability-related needs are assessed on an individual basis and are based on the specific nature of your individual disability. They might include: tutoring; assistive technology such as a computer, digital voice recorders, software ; counselling; psycho-educational assessment; Can I access this bursary? You must be eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (apply online You must have documentation recommending the above disability-related educational expenditures and your counsellor must determine that it is an appropriate accommodation for you. Follow-up with your LDS counsellor about the process which usually takes 6-8 weeks. 18

19 Step 1: Apply to OSAP Steps to accessing the BSWD When applying for OSAP, don t forget to: o submit all signature forms and related forms (that OSAP lists online) to Student Financial Services; o request confirmation of disability letter from your LDS counsellor; and o submit letter to Student Financial Services confirming you have a permanent disability. o Pick up your loan documents o sign your Confirmation of Enrollment If you are not eligible for OSAP, see your LDS counsellor to discuss possible options. Step 2: Make an appointment with your LDS counsellor to complete the BSWD application form. 19

20 Steps to accessing the BSWD Step 3: Your BSWD application will be submitted to Student Financial Services, Bennett Centre for Student Services by your counsellor Step 4: You will be notified by Student Financial Services if your BSWD application has been approved and how much funding you will receive. You will be mailed a cheque for the amount approved. Step 5: Once you have received your cheque, purchase ONLY approved products/services. Step 6: Remember to keep all receipts and copy them for your file. Submit original receipts with accompanying Receipt Forms to Student Financial Services. Failure to submit appropriate receipts and/or unused funding may result in ineligibility for further OSAP and bursary funding. 20

21 Other sources of funding What are they? Undergrad Bursaries are open to all students with financial need and/or academic achievement. o To apply, you must complete your Student Financial Profile. Private Donor Funding for York students with disabilities are bursaries provided by foundations and other organizations outside of the University. o To apply for Private Donor Funding, you need to learn about the requirements and deadlines for each bursary. York Work Study programs and Service Bursaries. Non-York bursaries & scholarships (e.g. Justin Eves Mind in Motion Bursary). Scholarship databases with search capabilities (e.g. 21

22 Job finding assistance» Career Centre on campus (McLaughlin College, Suite See the LDS Career Specialist, Jayne Greene-Black, to discuss career topics.» Access external job agencies that assist students with disabilities to find work (eg. Entry Point, Hawkins Institute, see JOIN for complete list: 22

23 Individual counselling Individual/group support services Workshops Asperger s group & mentor program 23

24 Individual counselling What is this? Opportunity for students to work with professional counsellors on a variety of socioemotional concerns. Counselling is focused on supporting your academic and personal achievement as well as reaching your full potential. What if I need it? You can speak with your LDS counsellor to discuss which is the best option for you: o LDS counsellor; o York s Counselling & Disability Services for the Personal Counselling Program; o group workshop; or o off-campus clinics/counsellors (some funding may be available if you are BSWD eligible). 24

25 Services for students with Asperger s/ ASD Asperger s/asd Support Group Students looking for support and social connection can participate in bi-weekly meetings. Talk to your counsellor for more information about where and when meetings are held. Mentor Program Graduate Psychology students provide mentoring according to the student s expressed needs. Talk to your counsellor for more information about how to be a part of this program 25

26 LDS workshops What are these? A variety of workshops to assist students with LDs achieve greater insight and success. Check your , as other workshops will be announced through the program s mailing list. Next Steps Contact your LDS counsellor and discuss your interests and needs. If there is a particular topic of interest, you can: notify your LDS counsellor and a custom-designed workshop may be designed to meet your needs; reply to surveys that may appear in your ; and join our student advisory group and provide suggestions. 26

27 Academic and professional development Tutoring Learning skills program Student peer support & leadership Academic and professional development Career mentorship program Language & learning 1000 Assistive technology/lab 27

28 LDS Skills/Process Tutoring Program Why would I need this?» To improve language skills necessary for effective reading, writing, study and test-taking skills at York.» To improve organizational and time management skills to stay on track.» To ensure you have regular and consistent support throughout the academic year.» To learn how to incorporate assistive technology into your reading, writing and studying processes. 28

29 LDP tutor program What do I need to know?» One-to-one tutoring to improve general academic skills (non-content tutoring) located in TEL Sign up as soon as possible (ideally before each term) as tutoring fills up quickly.» There is a cost for this service, but if you are OSAP eligible you may be reimbursed. 29

30 Steps to booking a LDP tutor» To request LDP tutor, complete the tutor request form at : For more information contact: o Saima Hasan Assistant Educational Specialist 1017 TEL (416) ext saimazh@yorku.ca» There is a cost for this service. Confirm total cost for tutoring with Saima Hasan.» If you are OSAP eligible, see your LDS counsellor to complete a bursary form (BSWD).» Other tutoring or study support on campus: The Learning Skills Program The Centre for Academic Writing» Speak to your LDS counsellor for more information. 30

31 Learning skills program» What do I need to know? This is a free service available to all York students. There are a variety of topics covered such as: o effective reading, time management, memory strategies, notetaking strategies, test preparation etc. Workshops and short-term individual sessions are available.» Next Steps Explore complete list of workshops and services To register online Call for more information. 31

32 Career mentorship program What is it? An opportunity to be matched with a mentor from career area of interest. Networking and job search skills development. A way to improve career confidence. * Best suited for students in second year or higher. * Must be willing to meet six times per year individually with your mentor off-campus and four times per year in groups of all mentors and students. Do I need this? Studies show that successful workers report that their mentors fueled their accomplishments. Consider joining the program if you re interested in developing more skills and information to reach your career goals. 32

33 Steps to Joining the Mentorship Program» Go to and complete the student application that is found there.» Annual Registration Deadline: September 15» There is also a Career Centre on campus with career counsellors, workshops and a resource library. 33

34 Assistive technology What is it? Software that is designed to assist students with LDs in their pursuit of academic tasks. Do I need it? Psychoeducational reports and Learning Skill Assessments often make specific recommendations about assistive technology. Explore on your own and/or discuss with your LDS counsellor. 34

35 Steps to accessing assistive technology» Go to TEL 1017.» Computers and assistive software at the TEL Computer lab are available for student use.» Arrange appointment by phone, , or in person with the Assistive technologist to obtain a lab account and for assistive technology training. o Room 1017 TEL (416) ext 70211» If you are OSAP eligible, you may want to purchase assistive software programs by applying for the Bursary for Students With Disabilities. 35

36 Assistive technology lab What is it? A computer lab to assist students with LDs to learn and use a variety of assistive technology such as: o Kurzweil 3000 o Dragon o Inspiration o Texthelp Do I need this? This is an excellent space to learn and use assistive technologies on campus. You ll also have the opportunity to meet and network with other students with LDs. 36

37 AS/LLS : Language & learning seminar What is it?» Elective 6-credit course designed only for York students with learning disabilities.» Assists students with their transition to university.» An opportunity to improve writing skills, analytical reading abilities and assistive technology skills.» Curriculum topics include: a) learning disabilities; b) reading, writing and research; c) career development; and d) stress management. 37

38 AS/LLS : Language & learning seminar Do I need this?» This is an optional course, but if you answer YES to five or more of the questions below, then LLS could be right for you... Would you like to: gain a better understanding of your LD? make a smooth transition to university study? manage your time more effectively? handle stress more productively? learn how your LD may affect your career path? improve your comprehension of university level reading material? improve your ability to remember important facts after you read? improve your understanding of grammar? learn to write more effectively? learn about assistive technology? interact weekly with other York students with LDs and share strategies? 38

39 Steps to enrolling in AS/ LLS » Register with the LDS.» with your name and student number so we can lift computer restrictions to allow you to register. You will received a confirmation when you will be ready to enroll» Go into the York course registration system and select the course: Language & Literature AS/LLS * Recommendation: complete this course before enrolling in other essay-intensive courses. 39

40 Peer support and leadership development Why do I need this?» Students in our program have found that they greatly benefit from the support of each other.» Peer support can help you develop your leadership skills. If you would like to find out about participating in peer support, leadership development or student-led activities, please contact: o Mary Stasiuk (CDC) (416) x marystas@yorku.ca 40

41 York is committed to human rights and equity Other supports include: Students Ombuds Service 214 Bethune (416) ACCESS Centre Student Centre 429 (416) x

42 Summary Assessment referrals Notetaking Transcription services Alternative exams OSAP/Disability bursary Other sources of funding Letters of accommodation Accommodations Financial assistance Job finding assistance Learning skills assessment Individual/Group support services Learning Disabilities Program Academic and professional development Tutoring Workshops Learning skills program Asperger s group & mentor program Individual counselling Student peer support & leadership Language and learning 1000 Assistive technology/lab Career mentorship program 42