Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact about my disability?
Who needs to know about my disability?
What should I bring to my initial consultation?
When do I start this process?
What do I need to provide in terms of documentation?
What do I need to know about
exam accommodations?
What do I need to know about funding?
What is the procedure regarding handicapped parking on campus?
What do I do if I have more questions?
Who do I contact about my disability?
Setting the transition from high school to university usually involves several steps. The Disabilities Resource Centre at the University of Lethbridge is provided by Counselling Services. Once you have been accepted, contact the Disabilities Resource Centre at 403-329-2766 to make an appointment.
Who needs to know about my disability?
No one needs to know about your disability unless you request classroom and/or exam accommodations. With your consent, relevant information will be released to your professors, funding agencies, and/or any other persons/agencies that you specify.
All information provided to the Disabilities Resource Centre is confidential.
What should I bring to my initial consultation?
Ideally, documentation of your disability should be sent to the Diabilities Resource Office before your appointment. Documentation can be faxed or sent by mail. The fax number is 403-329-2003.
Start early in the spring (for fall enrolment at the UofL) by making contact with the Disabilities Resource Centre at the University of Lethbridge and gathering the necessary documentation.
If you are applying for a student loan and you require special assistance (e.g., a tutor, educational assistant, etc.) or special equipment, you will need to begin the student loan application process no later than the end of May. Contact the Disabilities Resource Centre for help with your loan application if you require special assistance or equipment.
What do I need to provide in terms of documentation?
Physical Disability:
Provide a recent letter or report from your physician, preferably a specialist, which provides the diagnosis of your disability. The letter/report should be recent, on letterhead, dated, and signed. The letter/report must describe how your disability is likely to affect you in an academic setting. Medications and treatments should be listed along with complications or side effects, which may affect you in an academic setting. If you require special assistance or equipment, the letter/report should identify your needs and explain the reasons for those needs.
Learning Disability:
Provide a psychoeducational report completed within the last three years. The report should include the following components:
- A summary of the scaled scores of an intelligence test and standardized achievement test scores in reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics (as applicable to the learning disability)
- A clear statement of the diagnosis of a learning disability
- Recommendations for accommodations, assistive services, and technology
- If you are a recent high school graduate, it would be helpful to provide a letter from your resource/special education teacher listing accommodations, assistive services, and/or technology used in high school
- If you are a transfer student, provide a letter from the previous institution’s disability office. The letter should state the accommodations and services you received. Documentation of the learning disability (see above) is still necessary.
Psychiatric Disability:
Provide a letter or report from a psychologist or psychiatrist. The letter/report should be recent, on letterhead, dated, and signed. The letter/report must describe how your disability is likely to affect you in an academic setting. Medications and treatments should be listed along with complications or side effects, which may affect you in an academic setting. If you require special assistance or equipment, the letter/report should identify your needs and explain the reasons for those needs.
What do I need to know about exam accommodations?
Exam accommodations are provided through the Disabilities Resource Centre. Students pick up exam authorization forms from the Disabilities Resource Centre, which they present to the professor to fill out and sign. The student returns the exam authorization form to the Disabilities Resource Centre at least two weeks prior to the exam. The Disabilities Resource Centre cannot guarantee exam accommodations unless this timeline is met.
What do I need to know about funding?
Contact Alberta Human Resources and Employment in your area to access information about funding for students with disabilities. The Scholarships and Student Finance office at the University of Lethbridge is also a source of funding information and student loan packages.
If you are a resident of another province, funding applications must be submitted to the relevant government agency in your home province.
All funding applications should be completed as early as possible to ensure that funding is in place for the beginning of the term. Find a list of provincial student loan websites at the following link: student loans.
What is the procedure regarding handicapped parking on campus?
The Security Office (L911) provides forms for a Special Parking Permit which are filled out and signed by a doctor. Once the student returns the form, the Security Office considers the application. If the application is approved, the student will be notified where they may park.
What do I do if I have more questions?
Please contact the Disabilities Resource Centre at 403-329-2766 or at disability.inquiries@uleth.ca.