Student Accessibility Services

• Individualized academic accommodation planning for students with disabilities or medical conditions
• Advice on obtaining appropriate, up-to-date documentation required to support accommodated needs
• Learning strategy sessions focused on skill development and use of student strengths to engage in course work
• Support to develop self-advocacy skills in the promotion of autonomy and independence
• Assistance navigating the university environment including connecting to on and off-campus resources
• Consultation to students, faculty and staff on disability, accessibility, inclusion and accommodation matters 

• Students with permanent, prolonged or persistent and temporary disabilities
• Students enrolled in full-time or part-time studies
• Undergraduate and graduate students
• International and domestic students 

Step One: Review disability documentation requirements

Students seeking academic accommodation for reasons related to disability are required to submit documentation to support their request.  

Disability documentation supports academic accommodation planning by: 

• Confirming the presence of a disability
• Describing the functional impacts and disability-related needs within the academic environment 

To receive academic accommodation, students need to have the functional impacts of the disability assessed and verified by a licensed healthcare professional who is qualified to diagnose and assess the disability within their scope of practice. 

Accepted forms of Disability Documentation

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment
• Neuropsychological (NEURO) Assessment
• Psychoeducational Assessment (PEA)
• Trent Disability Documentation Form (DDF) 

Other Forms of Documentation

Students who do not have disability documentation may be eligible for interim accommodations and support while seeking to obtain documentation.  

While lacking some of the details we typically require, the following sources of information provide a starting point for establishing a basic accommodation plan. In many cases, this documentation will be considered appropriate on a temporary basis, ranging from one to three semesters. 

• OSAP Disability Verification Form
• Accommodation letter from another college or university
• Psychoeducational, Neuropsychological or Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment completed in childhood
• Housing – Accessibility and Unique Needs Request Form 
   

Step Two: Complete our Pre-Intake Questionnaire

You will need approximately 10 minutes to complete this. We encourage you to provide as many details as you feel comfortable sharing, with the understanding that this information will assist our Accessibility Advisors in creating a meaningful accommodation plan with you. Be sure to upload your most recent documentation before submitting the questionnaire. Once the questionnaire is completed you will be contacted to schedule an intake appointment.

Complete the Questionnaire

Step Three: Attend an intake appointment

Attend an intake appointment where you will meet with an Accessibility Advisor to collaboratively develop an academic accommodation plan based on your strengths and documented areas of need. With your consent, the accommodation plan, only noting your academic accommodations and not any disability information, will be shared with your professors. At this point, you will be fully registered with SAS. 

Do you have questions about the registration process? Email durhamsas@trentu.ca

I’m not sure if I have a disability. What can I do?

We can work with you if you suspect you have a disability or are in the process of completing an assessment to obtain documentation. We do not provide services to assess and diagnose, though we can review the difficulties you are experiencing and, where appropriate, suggest and assist with referrals for assessment.  

We will provide interim accommodations for a period of 1-3 semesters while you pursue current medical or psychological documentation. Complete our Pre-Intake Questionnaire as your next step.

I have an IEP. Does this transfer to the university setting? 

Individual Education plans (IEPs) from previous years of learning are helpful tools in accommodation planning. However, they are not considered adequate for outlining disability-related needs within a post-secondary academic setting. In some cases, an IEP may help with guiding the process of getting updated documentation. Complete our Pre-Intake Questionnaire and one of our Accessibility Advisors will discuss possible next steps with you. 

I had a psychoeducational assessment done when I was a child. Does this meet the documentation requirements? 

A current psychoeducational assessment report completed by a Registered Psychologist within the last five years or with adult norms (i.e., you were at least 18 years old when you completed the assessment) is the industry standard. However, we will accept outdated assessments as a place to start from in your registration with SAS and will establish interim accommodations while you work on obtaining an updated assessment. Complete our pre-intake questionnaire and upload the older assessment.  

I have a service animal. What do I need to do? 

At Trent University, we are devoted to maintaining an inclusive, accessible, and safe environment for all members of our community, including those with service animals.

1. Review our processes for Service Animals on Campus
2. Have your regulated health care practitioner complete the Service Animal Recommendation Form (SARF)
3. Complete Pre-Intake Questionnaire and upload the SARF  

Adjusting to the university environment can be a significant one, though we are here to help! We have support available to assist you in developing new skills and navigating this transition smoothly.

EYES on PSE

(Equipping Yourself for Educational Success in Ontario’s Post-Secondary Education) 

An online course offered in partnership with the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC). Six self-paced, easy-to-navigate modules designed to help first-year students feel more prepared and informed for university. 

Durham SAS University Readiness Program

We are excited to announce that the University Readiness Program for incoming Fall 2026 students will take place on August 25, 2026. 

Thanks to everyone who joined us for 2025 program! While this session has now concluded, the skill-building and connection doesn't need to. If you're interested in exploring learning strategies further, or have questions about what was covered, we'd love to connect with you again. Reach out to durhamsas@trentu.ca to book a learning strategy session - we're here to support your learning journey. 

We provide individualized and group sessions focused on learning strategies and study skills development specifically designed for students who are registered with SAS. 

Our sessions cover a variety of topics, including: 

• Managing time through prioritization and scheduling
• Developing effective lecture note taking and reading strategies
• Understanding study techniques and different approaches for exam writing
• Building presentation skills and coping with discomfort
• Exploring digital applications to support your learning style and needs 

Contact your Accessibility Advisor or email us at durhamsas@trentu.ca to learn more.

We’ve collected commonly asked for resources in one spot to assist you in your time at Trent!  

• Digital Tools
• Scholarship Opportunities for Students with Disabilities