The University of Prince Edward Island encourages the full participation of all students, including students with disabilities, as members of the University community. We strive to ensure fair and consistent treatment for all, and provide equal access to University services, programs, and facilities.

ABOUT THE ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES ENVIRONMENT

Accessibility Services takes great pride in providing the students with a welcoming, relaxed, and positive atmosphere. We are aware that some students are somewhat hesitant when first approaching Accessibility Services. However, it is our observation that students soon become very comfortable and drop in or use the services either on a daily or weekly basis. Our sense of pride comes with each student’s success, and in helping students accomplish their goals in the academic community. Click here to read what some of our students have said about Accessibility Services.

We realize that each student has different needs and/or learning styles. We strive to meet every student’s needs. Our goal is to make UPEI accessible for all students.

Accommodations and services can include:

•    Confidential consultations
•    Individualized program planning for academic accommodations
•    Arranging for identification of learning disabilities
•    Test and exam accommodation
•    Advice on funding
•    Access to specialized technology
•    Note taking, tutoring and mentoring
•    Learning strategy support
•    Campus accessibility
•    Assistance with self-advocacy
•    Transition planning with high schools and families

The Accessibility Services Program  defines a disability as a functional limitation caused by a long term or recurring physical, sensory, mental, psychiatric or learning impairment that restricts the ability of a person to perform the daily activities necessary to participate in learning or daily living at UPEI.

Disabilities can include:

Acquired Brain Injury
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Asperger’s Syndrome
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Chronic Health Disability
Hearing Loss or Disability
Learning Disability
Mental Health Disorder
Mobility Impairment
Physical Disability
Speech Disability
Visual Impairment


DO YOU HAVE A PHYSICAL DISABILITY?

UPEI is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive community for learning. Over the past few years there have been many positive changes on the UPEI campus with regard to new construction and improved accessibility to learning and buildings. However, in certain programs, some physical accommodations may be required to ensure that you have a successful learning experience. If you intend to study at UPEI and think that you will require accommodations, please inform Accessibility Services as early as possible. With your information we can do our best to provide you with an environment that will allow you to get the most out of your educational experience.
 

DO YOU HAVE A LEARNING DISABILITY?

Do any of the following sound like you?

• You know that you are intelligent, but you have trouble keeping up with your schoolwork.
• You have succeeded in other areas, but still cannot spell.
• You know what you want to say, but cannot get the words out.
• You are excellent with mechanical things, but have trouble reading and writing.
• You read and write well enough, but cannot remember basic math functions.
• You can speak well about many topics, but cannot express your thoughts on paper.
• You learn well when someone demonstrates, but cannot follow written directions.
• You understand almost everything you read, but have difficulty listening, or vice versa.
• You put in twice the effort, but still obtain lower grades than your peers.
   

Any of these characteristics can be true for anyone. But if you say “That’s me” to a few of them, or if any of them significantly interferes with your ability to learn at university, you may have a learning disability.

Increasing numbers of adults with learning disabilities are pursuing post-secondary education. A marked difference between areas of expertise and areas of difficulty is a signal that a learning disability may exist. One student may demonstrate problems in only one specific area, while another may have difficulty in several.