The Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at Durham College provides services to students with all types of disabilities. We assist students who are blind or have low vision, who are deaf or hard of hearing and those with physical, medical, psychiatric and learning disabilities. Accommodations are organized in co-operation with the student on an individual basis. Faculty is encouraged to negotiate the options that best suit both faculty and student while meeting the student's needs.
Accommodations are based on review of the medical or psycho-educational documentation completed by the appropriate medical professional or psychologist familiar with the student's particular diagnosis.
Accommodations are organized following review of the documentation, discussion with the student and consideration of the essential requirements of the academic program. The student is responsible for self identifying and submitting documentation to the CSD.
Accommodations are specific to the student and may include extra time and/or use of technical supports for tests and exams, assistance in obtaining class notes, material in alternative format, sign language interpreters, classroom assistance and advocacy support. Assistive Technologists provide assessment and training for students with disabilities on disability related technologies. For those students with learning disabilities, support is available from learning strategists. Learning disability diagnostic screening is available as is psycho-educational assessment on a limited basis.
Forms are delivered to faculty by the student outlining approved accommodations. The CSD urges those students requiring accommodations which involve extended time for organization to contact our office as soon as Durham College attendance is confirmed. These include the need for sign language interpretation, reading material in alternative format and consideration of the physical demands of the academic program.
If faculty suspects that a student is having academic difficulties which may be related to a disability, we encourage referral to the CSD. If you are not comfortable with being this direct in the circumstances, CSD may be named along with the Health and Wellness Centre and the Learner Support Centre as options for the student to make a choice.
Faculty members are encouraged to communicate with CSD staff at any time we can be of assistance. For additional information, visit the Centre for Students with Disabilities Web site. Faculty can refer students to call CSD by phone at 905.721.3123 or drop in to the CSD at B297 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.