Disabled Students' University Experience At Msnitobs

The University of Manitoba is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive community for all students, including those with disabilities. The university offers a range of support services to ensure that disabled students can succeed in their academic pursuits. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is a key resource, providing academic accommodations, assistive technologies, and other resources to foster future academic success. The university also prioritizes accessibility in its built environment, transportation services, and student wellness initiatives, ensuring that all members of the community have equal access to participate, learn, and seek opportunities.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

The University of Manitoba is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive community for all its students. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is a vital resource for students with disabilities, offering support and resources to foster their academic success.

Registration and Intake Appointment

To register with SAS, students must first collect the necessary documentation, including a Disability Assessment Form filled out by a registered health professional and the Student Accessibility Services Confidentiality and Exchange of Information Consent Form. Students with learning disabilities are required to provide their most recent psycho-educational assessment. If a student is unable to fill out the form, they can instead submit relevant medical documentation to SAS.

Once the required documents are gathered, students can book an intake appointment by filling out the online intake form or contacting SAS via phone, email, or in-person during office hours. Prospective students without a UM student email can book a consultation appointment to learn more about SAS and its services.

Accessibility Coordinator

After registering, each student is assigned an Accessibility Coordinator to help arrange their accommodations. The coordinator will discuss the accommodations to be provided, explaining why, when, and how they will be provided, as well as who is responsible for providing them. The coordinator will also explain how the student's information is protected.

Activating Accommodations

Upon completing registration and returning the signed Confidentiality and Exchange of Information form, students can activate their accommodations for each term via the Student Portal. A letter of accommodation is then sent to the student's instructors, sharing only their name, student number, and the list of accommodations. All medical documentation and personal health information are kept confidential within the SAS office.

Additional Support

SAS also provides a range of additional support services. The Exam Centre, for example, is equipped with assistive technologies, ergonomic seating, and other devices. Students can also access the volunteer note-taking program, which connects them with classmates who voluntarily share their notes.

Furthermore, SAS provides assistive technology solutions, such as text-to-speech programs, computer voice-control software, and screen readers for low or no vision.

Transportation Services

The University operates an accessible van to transport students with disabilities between facilities at the Fort Garry campus. This service is free and organised through SAS.

Career Search Assistance

SAS, in collaboration with Career Services, provides career search assistance to students with disabilities. They guide students through the job search process, helping them identify their needs, accommodations, and potential workplace accommodations.

Student Accessibility Services at the University of Manitoba offers a comprehensive range of services to support students with disabilities, ensuring their academic success and a positive, inclusive university experience.

Transportation services

The University of Manitoba is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive community for all students, faculty and staff, and a welcoming environment for visitors to its campuses. The University offers a range of transportation services to ensure that everyone can access its facilities.

Winnipeg Transit Routes

Winnipeg Transit operates 13 routes to the Fort Garry campus, 10 to Bannatyne campus and 4 to William Norrie campus. There are a number of rapid transit and express route options, including an express service between the two main campuses via the No. 36 Northwest Super Express route.

U-Pass

The U-Pass is a universal transit pass available to full-time students at the University of Manitoba.

Accessible Van

The University operates an accessible van to transport people with disabilities between facilities at the Fort Garry campus. This service is free and organised through the Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Shuttle Bus

The University also provides a free, fully accessible shuttle bus service for students, staff and visitors to travel across the Fort Garry campus. The shuttle bus runs weekdays from 7:30 am to 5 pm throughout the academic year and completes its loop approximately every 15 minutes.

Funding opportunities

The University of Manitoba provides a range of funding opportunities for students with disabilities. These include:

Canada Student Grant (CSG) Programs

To be eligible for the CSG, you must be eligible for Student Aid and submit a Student Aid application. The CSG has two parts: the Canada Student Grant for Persons with Disabilities (CSG-PD) and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-DSE). To apply for the CSG-PD, you must have a doctor fill out a disability verification form. The grant money can be used to cover tuition and other expenses while you are in school. The CSG-DSE provides funds for specific services and equipment, which must be requested each term by filling out a form with your accessibility coordinator.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University of Manitoba offers scholarships and bursaries to students based on academic achievement and financial need. The university provides over $40 million to students each year in the form of scholarships and bursaries. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and bursaries through UM Financial Aid and Awards. The Student Accessibility Services (SAS) newsletter often includes information about specific awards available to SAS students.

Manitoba Student Aid

If you have a Manitoba Student Aid-verified permanent disability, you are eligible for the same loans and grants as other full-time and part-time students, as well as grants that take your disability into account.

Career search assistance

The University of Manitoba's Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides support for students with disabilities and fosters future academic success.

SAS and Career Services can provide assistance in your career search. As you begin your job search, ask yourself: as a future employee, and a person with a disability, what do you want and need in a workplace? This should help guide your job search.

The biggest consideration to make is whether or not you require an accommodation to perform the job successfully. If yes, you will need to disclose your disability to request that accommodation. If no, you are not required to disclose your disability as long as your disability will not pose a danger at work to you or others.

There are other reasons to consider disclosing your disability besides requesting a workplace accommodation. Some disability types are more visible than others, and some may lead to "forced" disclosure due to flares and the need for time off, so disclosing earlier can be helpful. How much your disability factors into your personal identity can also be a consideration – if disclosing makes you feel like your more authentic self, there is value in sharing that information.

There are several times during the hiring process when you can disclose your disability:

• When the interview is scheduled, if you require any accommodations for the interview itself
• During the interview
• When the job is offered

When disclosing your disability, you don’t need to specify a diagnosis or share medical details. The employer can ask about the impact of your disability on the job regarding safety, efficiency, and reliability, as well as your self-management skills and how you would handle the duties of the job.

Best practices for disclosure:

• Focus the conversation on the barrier rather than on your disability
• Stay positive and keep the focus on your skills and strengths. Consider the skills you have gained from managing a disability
• Prepare a disclosure script in advance and practice the conversation with a friend, family member, or your SAS Coordinator

Example workplace accommodations include:

• Scheduling Accommodations (e.g. modified shifts or hybrid/remote work)
• Organizational Accommodations (e.g. advanced notice of deadlines, breaking large projects into smaller tasks)
• Environmental Accommodations (e.g. parking spaces close to entrances, clear pathways)
• Technological Accommodations (e.g. assistive devices or software, noise-cancelling headphones)

If you are requesting workplace accommodations, you should:

• Know your needs and be able to describe the types of accommodations you would require on the job
• Be prepared to provide the sources and approximate costs of these accommodations

Employers have a duty to provide reasonable accommodations for potential and current employees, as defined by the Accessibility for Manitobans Act. Disability is a protected characteristic under the Manitoba Human Rights Code. Discrimination based on disability, or any other protected characteristic under the Code, is prohibited. If you feel you have experienced discrimination by a potential or current employer, contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

Assistive technology

The University of Manitoba provides assistive technology and other resources for students with disabilities. The university's Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides support for students with disabilities and fosters future academic success.

Students requiring assistive technologies have access and support through SAS. The team includes an Assistive Technologist who provides training and guidance to help students select the right technology solution.

The technologies supported by the university include:

• Kurzweil 3000: A text-to-speech program that reads documents while highlighting each word, similar to karaoke. Students registered with SAS can use Kurzweil free of charge.
• Dragon (PC): A computer voice-control program that allows users to complete keyboard and mouse tasks with voice commands.
• JAWS and NVDA: Screen readers for students with low or no vision, allowing them to navigate their computers using only the keyboard.
• Zoomtext Magnifier: A screen magnification program, generally used by those with low vision.

In addition to assistive technology, SAS also coordinates American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters on campus as an academic accommodation for registered students. This service is available for lectures, meetings, or other events, ensuring that students with hearing impairments can fully participate in the university community.

Frequently asked questions