Accessibility Services

At College of the Rockies, we are committed to maximizing success and reducing barriers so that students with disabilities have equal opportunities and equal access to information. We provide a variety of support services and accommodations for students with learning disabilities, physical or psychological challenges, as well as those with temporary disabilities.

We support students on all campuses, and there is no charge for any of the services provided. Please note: Students who require accessibility services encouraged to contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator at least three months prior to commencing studies.

We provide:

• A variety of support services and accommodations to students with learning disabilities, physical or psychological challenges. 
• Assistance to eligible students to access funding for equipment, adaptive software and other programs and services.
• Assistance for students with temporary disabilities (i.e. broken bones, surgery, etc.)
• All College of the Rockies campuses are wheelchair accessible and offer preferred parking. (Should you require a location close to the College, a permit will be issued which allows parking in spots with a disability designation)
• The Cranbrook Campus has automatic doors, elevators, stair lifts, and adapted washrooms. The automatic doors are located at the main and East entrances.

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Eligibility

Services and accommodations are offered to students with permanent disabilities such as:

• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/HD)
• Learning Disabilities
• Mobility impairments
• Deafness or Hard of Hearing
• Head injuries or other neurological disabilities
• Mental Health Conditions
• Visual Impairments
• Chronic Health Problems

We also provide support and assistance for students who suspect they may have, but have not yet been diagnosed with a disability, including learning disabilities. All information obtained by the Accessibility Services Coordinator will be treated as confidential.

If you require books in alternate format, sign language interpreters, or Typewell services, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator at least three months prior to commencing studies.

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Support Services

Supports offered may include:

• Referral to our Learning Specialist for a Learning Skills Assessment
• Study/learning strategies
• Career planning
• Assistance with course selection and registration
• Instructor liaison
• Assistance with applying for grants
• General advocacy

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Accommodations

Accommodations are adaptations made to the academic environment that help create equal educational opportunities and provide equal access to information. They are implemented to reduce barriers caused by the disability.

Students seeking accommodations are required to provide current documentation (within the last 5 years) of their medical condition/disability from their physician or medical specialist.

Examples of accommodations:

• Note takers in the classroom
• Course materials in alternate formats
• Exam accommodations
• One-to-one tutors
• Recording of lectures
• Textbooks in alternate formats such as digital audio
• Reduced course load

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Adaptive Technologies

Accessibility Services will advise students on available adaptive technology and procedures to obtain it. Most adaptive technology software/hardware is obtained through Assistive Technology BC (AT-BC) or through a Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities.

Students who require adaptive technology are encouraged to contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator at least three months prior to commencing studies.

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Available Funding for Students with Disabilities

Several grants are available depending on whether you’re a full-time or part-time student and meet eligibility requirements.

• Assistance program for students with permanent disabilities
• Canada Student Grant for Persons with Permanent Disabilities is a non-repayable grant of up to $2,000 per program year for full or part time studies.
• Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities is a non-repayable grant of up to $8,000 per program year available to purchase adaptive equipment and/or support services to assist in your studies.
• BC Supplemental Bursary for Students with Disabilities is a non-repayable grant of $800 per program year for full-time or $400 for part-time study.
• BC Access Grant for Students with a Permanent Disability is a non-repayable grant of up to $1,000 to reduce BC student loan debt for full-time students.
• For more information, visit the Student Aid BC website: https://studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships