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Preparing for Your Intake Appointment

The last step to registering with Accessible Learning is attending an intake appointment with your accommodation consultant.

Your intake appointment is an opportunity for you to share your academic experiences and how your disability impacts your learning. Together with your accommodation consultant, you will review your documentation and create an accommodation plan. The purpose of an accommodation plan is not to guarantee success but to provide access and remove barriers that allow equitable participation in a course. Accommodations cannot remove or modify essential course or program requirements.

We have created this resource so you know what to expect from your intake appointment and can prepare to participate.

Before your intake appointment

Review Your Documentation

Be prepared to give a brief summary of your disability as well as your strengths and challenges. 

  • Consider the accommodations you previously received and identify which ones did or did not work for you. The differences between high school and university mean that you may receive different accommodations than what you are used to. This is also true if you are coming from another postsecondary institution.
  • If you are in a co-op program or are completing courses with community service learning or other placement options, be sure to discuss those with your accommodation consultant.
  • If you are a grad student, consider needs related to independent research, thesis development and writing, fieldwork, placement, practicum, or any other requirements.

Understand your rights and responsibilities as well as the responsibilities of the University 

Laurier recognizes the importance of your student experience and acknowledges the impact disabilities can have on learning. If you are a student with a disability, it's important for you to be able to participate fully in determining the appropriate accommodations plan for you. 

During Your Intake Appointment 

The intake appointment typically lasts for 1-1.5 hours. During this appointment, your accommodation consultant will: 

  • Listen to your learning history and how your disability impacts your learning. 
  • Review your documentation. 
  • Discuss the types of accommodations that are appropriate for your specific needs.
  • Discuss practicum, placement or similar program requirements and determine appropriate accommodations to support your learning needs. 
  • Create an accommodation plan.
  • Make referrals to other departments, supports, or community services, as needed.

Your accommodation plan:

  • Details the services and supports that you receive based on the documentation you provide
  • Outlines your strengths/challenges
  • Outlines your examination, classroom, and/or placement accommodations

After your Intake Appointment 

You will receive a follow-up email and access to GOAL: A Golden Hawk's Orientation to Accessible Learning on My Learning Space. You will have access to this course for the academic year. 

GOAL comprises both synchronous and asynchronous segments. The content is delivered in 4 modules consisting of (short 2-5 min) video and quick check-ins. GOAL was designed to increase your awareness and understanding about Accessible Learning, as well as how to access your accommodations, build skills, and discover resources and services on campus available to you!