Accessibility Transition Program

Accessibility Transition Program Page Header

Our accessibility transition program (ATP) consists of 2 FREE programs which are designed to introduce students registering with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to available services and supports, skill development workshops, and the opportunity to get a jump start on connecting with peers and the SAS Team. Students can register in one or both programs.

Not registered with SAS?

Please complete the Self Identification form and someone from SAS will be in touch with you.

ATP: LAUNCH REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Please click here to access the registration form.
 

DESCRIPTIONS OF EVENTS 

NOTE: All events and meals are FREE to attend and will be live-streamed and/or recorded to allow for participation remotely and access to content later.

Tuesday, August 23

Residence Move-In 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Your new home awaits!  Residence and SAS staff will be ready to greet you and your supporters at your assigned residence.


Opening Lunch for Students and Supporters 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

A246 (Small Cafeteria)

Join us for a catered lunch and meet the SAS team.


Q & A for Supporters 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

A246 (Small Cafeteria)


Q & A for Students 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. 

A257

Whatever questions you may have (or not even know to ask), we have the answers!  This is also an opportunity for attendees to share some concerns or helpful information with the group.


Pizza Social and Game Night 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Governors House-Main Lounge

This is a casual evening meant to help our participants relax and get to know each other.

Wednesday, August 24

Breakfast and Learn (Advocacy) 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

A257

Grab a bite as you learn about the importance of advocating for yourself.  Sarah Walker, an upper-year SAS student will share their experience and advice for knowing what you need and building relationships with those who can best support you. 


Welcome to University Life and Learning 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  

A257 

The transition to university can come with some unexpected challenges, especially if you have just completed high school.  That said, even if you have attended post-secondary in the past or returning to Nipissing University as an upper-year student, there are things you should know about the full Laker experience. 

The “Welcome to University Life and Learning” workshop is designed to help prepare you for that transition and includes information and activities to help you plan ahead when it comes to your academic journey and beyond. 


Student Support Tour 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.  

Nipissing U Campus

Let’s be honest.  There are times when we all need to find people with whom we can personally connect and feel supported.  Nipissing University is committed to promoting and providing an inclusive, safe environment for everyone. 

The Student Support Tour is meant to introduce our students to a few of these special groups and departments.   


Dinner and Keynote Speaker 4:30 p.m. – 

NUSU Student Centre

We are very proud to showcase the newly built NUSU Student Centre by hosting a dinner and presentation by Andrew Gustafson, an upper-year SAS registered student who will share their unique experience as a disabled person.

Thursday, August 25

Breakfast and Bingo 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

A257

An easy and fun way start to the day!


How WE Learn 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

A257

When you understand the way people learn, it helps you understand yourself and others better.  Yet, most students are not taught the basics of how information is processed and stored in our memory.

The “How We Learn” workshop will be led by Mike Walker and includes a presentation, activities, and videos to help you understand the learning process and how memory functions.


How YOU Learn 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

A257

The “How You Learn” workshop focuses on learning and personality styles and will help you identify how these apply to you.  Once you know what works for you, and why, you will have the tools to enhance and better support your learning in the future.


Scavenger Hunt/Find Your Classes 2.30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Nipissing U Campus

Get to know the beautiful Nipissing campus and some of the key landmarks all Lakers need to know about.

For those who would find it helpful, the SAS team will be available to guide students in finding their classes before the start of semester.


Off-Campus Dinner 4:30 p.m. – TBD

Downtown North Bay


Sunset at the Waterfront 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

North Bay Waterfront

Lake Nipissing offers some of the world’s most spectacular sunsets and the best way to experience them is from the North Bay Waterfront. Join us for dinner downtown and a walk to the pier, maybe grab a cone and watch the sun sink into the lake.

Friday, August 26

Breakfast and Learn (Understanding Accommodations) 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

A257

So, you have accommodations?  SAS will go through everything you need to know about accessing accommodations for testing, note taking, and adaptive technology. This will be an interactive session where students will go through the steps for a hands-on experience.


Attitude is Everything 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

A257

“Attitude is Everything” explores how your beliefs and attitude about life and learning plays a part in achieving your goals.  You will learn about how to stay positive and flexible in your approach and reach your full potential.


Manitou Islands Scenic Cruise & BBQ 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Lake Nipissing

The Manitou Islands can be seen floating on the waters of Lake Nipissing and their unique history is the stuff of legends.

Learn about the islands’ Indigenous connections and the mysteries that surround them.  On this cruise, you will be surrounded by all that nature has to offer with over 40 species of fish that swim in Lake Nipissing and the 50+ species of birds found on the shores of the islands.

An open-air BBQ lunch will be provided.

Claire from Nipissing University Accessibility Services

Claire, Accessibility Consultant

Specializes in Physical, Mobility, Sensory, and Temporary Disabilities. Responsible for the confidentiality of any disability-related documentation. Assess the need for academic accommodations based on the disability-related documentation. Develop individualized accommodation plans that provide essential services, technology, and/or supports. A little about me… Nipissing Alumna, Class of 2012. After circling the globe for two years, I hung up my backpack and planted some roots in North Bay. When I'm not behind the reception desk, I love eating exotic cuisines, getting lost in a good book, and researching my next great adventure.

Mike from Student Accessibility Services at Nipissing University

Mike, Accessibility Consultant

Specializes in assisting students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and ASD. Responsible for the confidentiality of any disability-related documentation. Assess the need for academic accommodations based on the disability-related documentation. Develop individualized accommodation plans that provide essential services, technology, and/or supports. A little about me… I am a proud Nipissing alum, graduating in 1990 with a BA and BEd. I began teaching at Canadore College in 1991 but also worked in the areas of program and curriculum development and disability services. I moved over to Nipissing in 1998 as a learning strategist in a province-wide research project which focused on developing best practices for the support of students with learning disabilities in post-secondary education. I also continued to teach a student success course at Nipissing on a part-time basis. I found my passion while working with learners through Student Accessibility Services, and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to make this my life's work.

Angela from Student Accessibility Services

Angela, Accessibility Consultant

Specializes in assisting students with Mental Health and ADHD. Responsible for the confidentiality of any disability-related documentation. Assess the need for academic accommodations based on the disability-related documentation. Develop individualized accommodation plans that provide essential services, technology, and/or supports. A little about me… Dancing my way through life, while raising my family in my hometown. I love to garden, camp, ski, golf and travel with my family. I am a teacher, an advocate and a supporter of equal access for all.

Lori from Student Accessibility Services

Lori, Secretary

Responsible for appointment bookings, general emails, gathering statistics, administrative work. A little about me.... I am a proud Nipissing alum, Class of 1995 Growing up in North Bay I have developed a fondness for Northern Ontario, and all the beauty it brings to us. I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy gardening, spending time outdoors, listening to music, and travelling. The best part of working at Nipissing University is interacting with the students and working with a great team. I look forward to seeing you come through the doors here at SAS and welcoming you to campus!

Lynn, Student Accessibility Officer

Responsible for the administration, implementation, and quality control of disability-related accommodations, including Testing and Notetaking Services. A little about me… I come to North Bay via Kapuskasing with stops in Waterloo for university and Toronto for work. My partner and I have experienced life in other communities but returned to North Bay to raise our family. Through travelling, I have come to appreciate different parts of the world and I am proud to see the world coming to us here at Nipissing where we can share our beautiful campus, dedicated faculty and nationally top-ranked Student Development Services. As an SAO, I have the privilege of being part of our students’ academic and personal journeys. I love being part of the SAS team! Welcome to Nipissing. Welcome to the family.

Patti from Student Accessibility Services

Patti, Student Accessibility Officer

Responsible for the administration, implementation, and quality control of disability-related accommodations, including Testing and Notetaking Services. A little about me… Raised in North Bay and a proud Nipissing BEd Alum, I am happy to be able to work in a town I really call home! I imagine one day travelling to New Zealand to hike within the National Parks, but until then I will enjoy the nature and ski hills North Bay has to offer. Coming to work at Nipissing after years of teaching has been a great transition. It has allowed me to work in an environment where I feel I can contribute to a student's positive and successful Nipissing University career and enjoy each day in the SAO office! See you soon!

Paul from Student Accessibility Services

Paul, Adaptive Technology Technician

Provides access and training on assistive technology and is responsible for the provision of alternate format textbooks. A little about me… I was a Geographer and GIS Specialist who gravitated toward learning and teaching new technology for our projects. The opportunity to learn and teach University students new technologies was too good to pass up. I enjoy camping and being active. I play hockey, run, X & A ski, and canoe with and without my 3 awesome kids and loving wife. I came to North Bay from Cochrane, ON and am a proud Nipissing Alum.

Introduction to SAS

Learn what services Student Accessibility Services has to offer and how they can help you succeed during university. 

Advocacy Training

Learn how to apply both self-awareness and communication skills to help you succeed and address situations. 

Put your self-advocacy skill to the test with different ‘what if’ scenarios. Answers included. 

Stress Management 

Stress affects us all. Read further to find a toolbox full of personal learning skills, including some routines and relaxation techniques, to help you through your Nipissing University journey.  

Time Management

Prepare for a university-level course load and work by reviewing and learning time management skills. 

On and Off Campus Resources

Access to many on and off campus resources that you may find useful during your time studying at Nipissing.  

 

Creating Positive Workspaces

Regardless of how you access your education now, creating a positive workspace will always be important.