Laurier alumna reflects on lifelong impact of Laurier’s Accessible Learning Centre

Years after graduating, the compassionate and collaborative support Laurier alumna Allyson Massiah (BA ’11) received from Laurier’s Accessible Learning Centre (ALC) as a student continues to inspire her successful career in social work.

Prior to attending Laurier, Massiah felt daunted by curriculum and workload expectations at the university level, but the ALC supported her in her transition to university and throughout her four years at Laurier.

“There are so many students with varying disabilities out there pursuing postsecondary education and this type of support really makes a difference,” says Massiah. “It helps students complete their education and gain valuable skills that they can carry into their future.

“Postsecondary education is a journey that can be very confusing to navigate. One thing you shouldn’t have to struggle to navigate is your disability.”

Laurier’s ALC, with offices on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, facilitates access to the learning environment for students living with disabilities, including through academic accommodations and services to remove barriers and enable equitable access and participation.

As a student, Massiah was impressed by how collaborative the process was. She started by sitting down with an ALC consultant, who asked her about her previous academic experience and the supports she had received, as well as what had worked for her and what had not. From there, they worked together to design an accommodation and support plan to best meet her needs.

The consultant listened and considered Massiah’s preferences and learning style to ensure everything was tailored to her needs, including considering the types of technology available to her. The ALC introduced Massiah to programs and software that could assist her during her learning. The programs were so beneficial that Massiah still recommends them to people she meets today.

Later, the ALC connected her with a learning strategist, who designed an individualized learning plan to help her improve her study, note-taking, exam preparation and time management skills.

Today, Massiah offers others some of the same support, advice and care she received during her time at Laurier. She’ll also lean on some of the academic skills she gained at Laurier when she returns to school this fall to pursue her master’s in social work.

“The support I received from the ALC changed how I use technology to help my learning and my overall skill level,” says Massiah. “I have gained the study skills needed to continue my education because of the seeds that Laurier planted.”