Disability Services Staff
Click on any name to learn more about them:
Dan Pletzer
Manager of Counselling and Disability Services
Email: danp@nipissingu.ca
Daralynn D'Angelo
Learning Strategist
Email: daralynd@nipissingu.ca
Mike Walker
Learning Strategist
Email: mikew@nipissingu.ca
Mark Giddens
Adaptive Technology Technician
Email: markg@nipissingu.ca
Diane Sheldon
Secretary, Counselling & Disability Services
Email: dianes@nipissingu.ca
Disability Services Officer
Email: katelyno@nipissingu.ca
Dan Pletzer:
I am the Manager of Counselling and Disability Services. Nipissing University welcomes students with disabilities to participate in an accessible, barrier-free learning environment. Our staff will be pleased to discuss programs and support services available to make your university education a productive and rewarding experience.
I meet regularly with all of the Disability Services resource persons at Nipissing University to assist in the planning and delivery of the various project components. You can find me in the Office of Student Development & Services (room A201) or reach me at (705) 474-3461 ext. 4493.
As the learning strategist for students with disabilities, other than learning disabilities, I determine if a student is eligibile as a student with a disability based on the medical, psychological and other professional documentation that is submitted by the student. If a student is eligible to be registered with disability services I review, with the student, their strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, we discuss any physical barriers and we establish what the student has used in the past for academic accommodations. Once this holistic review is complete the student and myself will develop an accommodation plan to support the individual needs of the student. Some of the accommodations that are used are the following: notetakers, notesharers, extra time on exams, distraction reduced room for exams, study strategies, and technology. And, finally, as a representative for Disability Services, I will campaign to increase the understanding and support of students with a disability at the University.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 474-3450 ext 4235 or at daralynd@nipissingu.ca, or please drop by the office.
Mike Walker:
I am the Learning Strategist for the Enhanced Services Program. When you first meet with me, we will spend two to three hours completing a comprehensive interview. During that interview we will discuss your educational history and explore your learning style, cognitive preferences and study strategies. I will also go over your psycho-educational assessments and determine your eligibility for our program and/or if further testing needs to be done.
Once we have determined your learning strengths and weaknesses, I will work with you and other members of our ESP resource team to implement the adaptations, accommodations, and strategies best suited for your success. These will become the basis for your Individual Educational/Transitional Plan.
We will continue to meet at regular times throughout the school year to monitor your progress and modify your IETP as required. You can find me in room A201 or call me at (705) 474-3461 ext. 4333
Mark Giddens:
I am the Adaptive Technology Technician for Disability Services. Upon referral from Mike or Daralynn I will demonstrate technology which can assist in your learning, based upon your learning style. I can also advise you on what computer system you need depending on the software you will be using. We have several laptops with all of the technology loaded on them which we lend out for trial of the software. Once we have determined what software and hardware you need, we can work through bursaries to provide you with what you need to be successful at Nipissing University.
My office is in the Office of Student Development & Services, room A201. You can also contact me at (705)474-3450 ext. 4401 or by email at markg@nipissingu.ca
Diane Sheldon:
I am the secretary for Disability Services. I will help you schedule appointments to meet with Mike Walker and Daralynn D'Angelo in Disability Services, and Dan Pletzer, the Manager of Counselling and Disability Services.
You can find me in Nipissing University's Office of Student Development & Services in room A201 or call me at (705) 474-3461 ext. 4362.
I am the Disability Services Officer for Disability Services. I coordinate exam and note-taking services for students who are registered with Disability Services and who are eligible for these accommodations. I will schedule your tests and exams and hire note-takers for your classes.
You can find me in Nipissing University’s Office of Student Development and Services in room A201. You can call me at (705) 474-3450 ext. 4331 or contact me for test and exam related questions at disability@nipissingu.ca, for note-taking services at notetaking@nipissingu.ca and for all other questions or concerns at katelyno@nipissingu.ca
