Support Services for Students with Disabilities

Effective Date:  September 16, 2022 
Supersedes: * 
Approval Authority: Graduate Education Council 



1. Commitment to Barrier-Free Accessibility

Western is committed to achieving barrier-free accessibility for all its members (including graduate students) who have ongoing or temporary conditions that may include but not limited to:

  • Chronic illnesses (for example, fibromyalgia, migraines);
  • Chronic pain;
  • Attention deficit disorders;
  • Learning disabilities;
  • Mental health conditions (for example, anxiety, depression);
  • Acquired brain injuries and concussions;
  • Vision, hearing impairments;
  • Mobility impairments, and
  • Injury related to an accident.

This applies to all persons with disabilities studying, visiting and working at Western. 

As part of this commitment, there are a variety of services on campus devoted to promoting accessibility and to ensure that individuals have equitable access to meet graduate and undergraduate program requirements and to access services and facilities.  

 

2. Accessible Education

Accessible Education (AE) is a confidential service to support graduate and undergraduate students through their academic program. 

AE plays a central role in Western’s efforts to ensure that its graduate and undergraduate academic programs are accessible. AE works with graduate students and their programs, normally their graduate chair, to ensure that appropriate academic accommodations to program requirements are arranged. 

AE services include individual counselling, alternative formatted literature, accessible campus transportation, learning strategy instruction, and assistive technology instruction. 

AE can also assist students in identifying services that may be of assistance. For more information, please visit Academic Support & Engagement – Accessible Education.