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.
Admission
The Admissions Committee, in its evaluation of applications for admission, will follow the requirements as outlined in the current Nipissing University academic calendar. However, it may modify admission requirements for candidates who, in its opinion, deserve special consideration. In all cases, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to impose special conditions on such candidates, both in the interest of the student, and for the protection of the University’s academic standards. Candidates requesting modification of admission requirements may be asked to present their cases before the committee, in writing, and produce documentary evidence of their eligibility for special consideration.
Self-Identification Procedures
It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Disability Services Office to identify individual disability-related educational needs. This can be done by either filling out the Disability Services Self-Identification Form available at registration, or by making an appointment with an appropriate Learning Strategist.
Students are encouraged to identify themselves as early as possible to assist in planning for the provision of services when classes begin.
It is important to note that appropriate documentation of a disability is required before services can be provided. Any information shared will be held in confidence and only be released with the student’s written consent.
Click here for Self-Identification forms.
Location
Services are provided through the Office of Student Development & Services (room A201). Our Learning Strategists are available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to discuss appropriate services and/or accommodations to meet individual needs.
Learning Disabilities
Every effort is made to provide students with learning disabilties the academic support consistent with their psycho-educational assessment profile.
These may include:
- Accommodations for tests and exams;
- Tutorial support;
- Microcomputer usage;
- Planning appropriate courses and course load;
- Academic skills support
Documentation of the learning disability, which includes a recent psycho-educational assessment and reports from high school guidance counsellors or previously involved post-secondary Disability Services is required.
The Enhanced Services Program (ESP) is the result of four years of research at Nipissing University. We worked directly with students with learning disabilities to discover which services and supports benefited them the most during their post-secondary studies. The ESP represents the best of what we learned from our students and offers programming and support in the following areas:
- Transition, Admissions and Orientation;
- LD Screening, Referral and Assessment;
- Individual Education and Transition Planning;
- Learning Strategy Support/Training;
- Adaptive Technology, Training and Support
Hard of Hearing/Deaf
The following services and devices are available to the hard of hearing or deaf student:
- Computerized notetaking, notesharer and photocopy service;
- Personal FM systems for classroom and lecture usage;
- Two-piece, carbonless, 8.5” x 11” NCR paper is available for notetaker services;
- A TTY is available and answered directly by staff in the Disability Services Office
Physically/Mobility Impaired
Nipissing University is an accessible building to the physically disabled and mobility impaired. Specifically designed features and services include:
- Electronically operated doors near the gymnasium and at the main entrances;
- Designated parking spaces for the physically/mobility impaired (see Security in Room B203 for parking fees and regulations);
- A wheelchair route featuring magnetic doorstops allowing free passage by a wheelchair through the University;
- All floors can be accessed by elevator;
- Accessible washrooms;
- Classroom and seating modifications may be made on an individual request basis;
- Notesharing and photocopying services can be arranged upon request;
- Specially designed and furnished residences.
Visually Impaired/Blind
Services available to a visually impaired or blind student may include:
- Specially arranged campus tours;
- Transcribing textbooks to tape, large print or Braille or digital format (requests for this service must be made no later than the April preceding September enrolment);
- Accessible computer software;
- Closed circuit television (CCTV) for print enhancement;
- Arrangements may be made to use tape recorders in the classroom;
- Enlarged text for tests and examinations;
- Zoom text available for the Library’s computerized catalogue of holdings;
- Optical scanner
Alternate Format Materials
For those student that will be using alternate format materials, please review the following document which explains your rights and responsibilities in regards to obtaining and using alternate format maaterial from Diability Services.
Other Disabilities
It is recognized that certain medical conditions or any physical or mental illness may interfere with or hinder a student's academic performance.
Students with any disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Services Office to discuss their individual needs. Every effort will be made to identify appropriate support services or make accommodations to meet the student’s individual needs.
Bursary for Students with Disabilities
Students with a disability who are OSAP eligible may apply for this bursary which provides additional funding to cover the cost of disability-related education expenses. Applications are available from either the Financial Aid Office or the Disability Services Office.
Residence
Nipissing University has four rooms in residence which are accessible to physically or mobility impaired students. These accessible residences feature architecturally modified living, sleeping and washroom facilities.
Transportation Services
5-0 Cab
107 Greenwood Ave
North Bay, Ontario P1B 5E8
(705) 476-5050
Union Taxi
113 Main Street East, North Bay, Ontario P1B 4P5
(705) 474-2700
U-Need-A-Cab
Full Service Fleet, 17 Commerce Court
North Bay, Ontario, P1B 8G4
(705) 497-7777
Para-Bus Service ($2.00 per trip)
280 Oakwood Ave., North Bay, Ontario P1B 9G2
(705) 476-5530 24-hour advance booking required
Hours of Service:
Monday to Friday - 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday - 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Community Services and Agencies
The following services and agencies are available in the North Bay community for your assistance:
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
183 First Avenue West, North Bay, Ontario P1B 3B8
(705) 472-2710 FAX (705) 472-7269
northbay@east.cnib.ca
Canadian Hearing Society
Suite 432-101 Worthington Street, North Bay, Ontario P1B 1G5
(705) 474-8090 FAX (705) 474-6075
TTY: (705) 494-8487
fmorabito@northbay.chs.ca
North Bay & Area Disabled Adult and Youth Centre
239 Main Street East, Box 137, North Bay, Ontario
P1B 8G8
(705) 474-3851 FAX (705) 495-6554
For more information contact any of the following Disability Services staff:
Diane Sheldon - Secretary, Counselling & Disability Services
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4362
dianes@nipissingu.ca
Daralynn D'Angelo - Learning Strategist
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4235 TTY (705) 474-8797
daralynd@nipissingu.ca
Mike Walker - Learning Strategist
(705) 474-3450 ext.4333
mikew@nipissingu.ca
Dan Pletzer - Manager of Counselling and Disability Services
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4493
danp@nipissingu.ca
Mark Giddens - Adaptive Technology Technician
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4401
markg@nipissingu.ca
Katelyn Ott - Disability Services Officer
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4331
