Funding Opportunities

Students may be eligible for the BSWD if they receive: 

• at least $1 of OSAP funding; or 
• an Ontario Part-time Grant; or  
• an institutional funded special bursary

To be considered for the BSWD, Laurier students must follow these steps:

1. Confirm that they submitted a completed Disability Verification Form to OSAP. 
2. Meet with their Accessible Learning Accommodation Consultant to discuss their need for disability-related services or equipment.* 
3. Complete the BSWD application with their Accommodation Consultant. 
4. Retain and submit all receipts following the processes outlined by Laurier Financial Aid. 

*All requests for disability-related services or equipment must be assessed by an Accommodation Consultant to ensure they meet requirements set out by the Ministry.   

Once Accessible Learning submits the completed BSWD application, Laurier Financial Aid determines the student’s eligibility. Financial Aid will communicate their decision about eligibility directly to the student. 

There are two expenses that if incurred before the student begins their university studies may be eligible for BSWD funding once classes start:

• Disability documentation like psychoeducational, neuropsychological, and psychological assessments, and disability verification forms if completed within 6 months before the first day of classes;
• Computer equipment and assistive software - if purchased within 60 days before the first day of classes.

These exceptions enable students to obtain new or updated disability documentation and/or familiarize themselves with new technology before starting their university studies.  

In all cases, students are strongly advised to consult with Accessible Learning in advance for any equipment or services for which they seek BSWD funding. Students are not guaranteed BSWD funding for any equipment or service they purchased before consulting with Accessible Learning and having their application assessed by Financial Aid.

Accessible Learning supports BSWD applications for students where there is a clear and direct link between the requested service/equipment, the student’s disability-related functional limitations, and their access/accommodation needs.

The BSWD does not cover disability-related expenses a student would incur even if they were not attending university. For example, a student who uses hearing aids would typically require them in daily life outside of school; therefore, hearing aids are not an eligible expense. 

The BSWD does not cover costs that all students incur because of participation in university studies, such as textbooks, phone, or living expenses. See the "Computer" tab below for additional information about computer-related BSWD applications.

All students attending university must have access to a basic computer (laptop or desktop). A basic computer can perform most functions a student requires, including:

• Access the internet.
• Use a web-based learning management system (e.g., MyLS).
• Run desktop or web-based email, word processing, and presentation programs.
• Access and read electronic textbooks and other course materials.
• Search library and other source materials.

Computers with these capabilities are also sufficient to run frequently-recommended assistive programs like speech-to-text, text-to-speech, notetaking, and organizational software.

Accessible Learning will not support BSWD applications for the cost of a basic computer described above. For all students, including students with disabilities, acquiring a basic computer is a regular, typical educational expense like textbooks or supplies.

In some cases, the assistive technologist may determine that a student needs a computer with capabilities or specifications above those found in a basic computer. In these cases, Accessible Learning will support BSWD applications for the price difference between a basic computer and the more expensive one required to meet the student's access needs.

Every year, the Ministry determines funding caps for BSWD-eligible services and equipment.  Accessible Learning must approve BSWD applications in accordance with these caps.  For example, the funding cap for speech-to-text software like Dragon in 2023-2024 was $1,000.   

Students may use their own funds to cover the difference between the equipment recommended by Accessible Learning and the actual price of the eligible equipment or service. 

Accessible Learning determines that a student’s access needs can be met by a set of noise cancelling headphones costing $350. The student wants to purchase a pair of high end brand name headphones costing $850. The student would receive BSWD funding for $350 and would be required to pay the $500 difference.