Academic Support Eligibility and Documentation

Services are offered to students with permanent (or persistent or prolonged) disabilities such as: 

• Chronic health disabilities
• Hearing disabilities
• Physical disabilities
• Mental health disabilities
• Neurological disabilities (including ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities)
• Visual disabilities 

Accessibility Services will also assess students who have a documented temporary disability and provide assistance and/or referral.

Students with disabilities requesting academic accommodations and support services must provide appropriate documentation. Documentation will be used to help determine reasonable academic accommodations. At the intake appointment we can help determine the specific documentation requirements and format you require.

• If you have current medical documentation, bring it with you to the intake appointment.
• If your documentation is outdated or does not meet criteria, consult the Accessibility Services Consultant at the intake.
• If you are unsure what documentation to get, consult the Accessibility Services Consultant before obtaining it.
• If you are a Grade 12 student with a Learning Disability/Specific Learning Disorder and your report is outdated, check with your school about your eligibility to obtain an updated psycho-educational assessment.

General Requirements

Documentation 

Written verification of the diagnosed disability(ies), symptoms, functional limitation(s)/impact  within the post-secondary environment for a student with a disability. Documentation must at minimum conform to Ministry requirements. The documentation must be current and must come from a Medical Professional.

• Depending on the nature of the student’s disability, Accessibility Services may determine that some additional, more specific information is required.

Currency 

Students must provide documentation that has been issued within the last three years with the exception of a learning disability where a full psycho-educational assessment must be less than five years old or completed at the age of 18 or older.

• New or updated documentation may be required when the student’s functional limitation(s) has shown an improvement or deterioration or when the student’s accommodation request has changed.
• Accessibility Services may request new or additional documentation from students who are returning after a break of three or more semesters.

Medical Professional 

A qualified (certified/licensed) medical assessor (e.g., audiologist, ophthalmologist, neuropsychologist, neurologist, nurse practitioner, physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist registered to practice in the Canadian province or territory where the assessment is undertaken), and who has expertise in the diagnosis of the condition(s) for which the accommodation(s) and/or service(s) are being requested. 

Acceptable Documentation Formats

Depending on the nature of the disability, documentation must be provided in one of the following formats:

• Verification of Disability (Permanent or Persistent/Prolonged) (Section 4) of the Student Aid BC Disability Programs Application Form (Appendix 8):
  • Appendix 8 for for Full-Time Students
  • Appendix 8 for Part-Time Students
  • Above forms are also available from Accessibility Services
• Neuropsychological report
• Audiogram and audiologist report
• Letter from the appropriate medical professional
• Psycho-educational (Learning Disability/Disorder) Assessment

Cost of Documentation

Students are responsible for any costs associated with diagnostic services and documentation. There may be funding available for eligible students pursuing psycho-educational or medical assessments.  An Accessibility Services Consultant can provide guidance on funding options.