Accessibility Services: A Primer

Ah, Accessibility Services. What would U of T do without you? Be a heck of a lot less accessible, that’s what. It is one of the most important services available to registered U of T students, who identify as having a temporary or permanent disability. Accessibility Services looks to provide you with the tools you need to help you succeed in your academics, social life, and leadership development. I like to think of Accessibility Services as your personal fairy godmother, all they want is to work with you to make your time here easier and help you get to the ball (or Con Hall) on time. For me, academics have always been a little tricky. When you’re registered with Accessibility Services, you may have access to accommodations such as note-taking services, extensions, and tutor lists. The incredibly helpful advisors do their best to support you with your unique situation. Personally, I have benefitted from the Access Us Peer Mentoring Program, which is a great way to have upper-year students teach you the ropes. It may sound like I’m advertising Accessibility Services, and that’s because I am. Accessibility is a vital concern for U of T, because everyone should have equal opportunity to a beneficial education, regardless of their circumstances. Accessibility Services is at the forefront of supporting our diverse student population. Other than actively receiving accommodations, the most important thing is educating yourself, and learning about what accessibility is and why it’s necessary. We don’t all come to U of T with the same advantages, and Accessibility Services works to make sure that the cards you’ve been dealt don’t get in the way of you stacking your house. If you’re still unsure if Accessibility Services is for you, visit their website: accessibility.utoronto.ca or drop by the office to speak to one of their friendly front-desk staff. If you know this is the right service for you, I recommend that you start the registration process as early as possible, so you have accommodations in place for the Fall term. Regular Hours: Monday - 9 a.m. to  5 p.m. Tuesday - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday - 9.a.m. to  5 p.m. Thursday - 9.a.m. to  5 p.m. Friday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer Hours (July 1 - Sept 3, 2018):  Monday - Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 455 Spadina Avenue, 4th Floor, Suite 400 Phone: 416-978-8060 Email: accessibility.services@utoronto.ca As this year’s Accessibility blogger, I’m looking forward to engaging with you about accessibility and disability related issues. It’s nice to meet you, and I wish you a happy first month of summer!