Managing Accommodations
Activating your Accommodations
At the beginning of the semester, log into the AAS Student Portal to activate your accommodation plan by sending it to your instructors.
Accessing peer notes and booking tests/exams can only be done once your accommodation plan has been activated.
Please contact us for accessible format of this guide.
Using your In-Class Accommodations
Some accommodations address how you receive course materials and how you participate in your classes. The way your accommodations are implemented may be different from one course to another: engage in a short conversation or email discussion with your instructor at the beginning of the semester to help clarify expectations.
The impact of your disability may mean you need additional time to complete assignments.
Accommodation requests for extensions on assignments require approval from your instructor in advance of the due date, notwithstanding extenuating circumstances. Instructors benefit from enough time to consider and respond to requests.
In your extension request email:
Include the details of the course (course code, section) and the title of the assignment.
Remind your instructor that you have an accommodation for extensions.
Clearly ask for the extension and propose an extended due date.
The length of extension will vary depending on the nature of the assignment and course structure. If the new due date you request is not accepted, work with your instructor to find a reasonable deadline.
At the beginning of the semester, ask your instructors what you should do to catch up on missed material and remain on schedule if you are absent from class. If you’ve missed a class due to disability-related reasons, communicate with your instructor as soon as you can.
In your message:
Include the details of the missed class (course code, section).
Remind your instructor that you have an accommodation for absences.
Ask if there are any other learning activities you can do to make up the missed class, if needed.
This accommodation does not apply to tests or exams. If you need to miss a test or exam, please submit an Academic Consideration Request (ACR).
This accommodation is meant to address occasional absences from class; if absences are regular or prolonged, you may wish to explore a medical leave of absence, short-term withdrawal, or follow-up with your facilitator.
If you are feeling behind and struggling to catch up, speak with one of our Learning and Assistive Technology Strategists.
Prior to audio-recording during your courses, email your instructors in order to receive permission.
In your message:
Include the details of the class (course code, section).
Ask for permission to record, reminding your instructor you have an accommodation for audio recording.
Explain that you have signed an audio recording agreement with AAS, acknowledging that the recording is for your own exclusive academic use and will be deleted after the course ends.
Include your Student Accommodation Facilitator on the email if you like.
Peer Note-Taking is an enhanced service provided by AAS. If it is on your accommodation plan, you are encouraged to access it for courses in which you may find peer notes a positive reinforcement of your learning. Peer notes are generally offered for traditional, lecture-style courses only. They are not usually provided for discussion based tutorials, experiential courses, maker/studio classes, labs, or online learning.
- Access the AAS Student Portal and select "Peer Note-Taking".
- Follow the prompts to request notes for relevant lecture courses.
- Provide 7-10 days for a note-taker to begin uploading notes.
- Download notes weekly, from the Peer Note-Taking platform on the AAS Student Portal.
- Report any issues with notes to peernotes@torontomu.ca
Peer Note-Taking adheres to strict timelines and procedures.
If you have an interpreter, or if you require other communication assistance (eg. professional note-taker) as part of your accommodation plan, email aasbookings@torontomu.ca. Please include the names of any preferred interpreters or note-takers in your email, so that we can do our best to secure them for your semester.
Accessible format services are available for AAS-registered students through the university's Library Accessibility Services.
If you have accessible formatting as part of your accommodation plan, academic materials such as textbooks and course readings can be converted into an accessible format for you. Types of accessible format include: readable PDF, Word (for screen readers), large print, MP3, and Braille.
Contact
Email Sonya Panangaden (sonya.panangaden@torontomu.ca), the library’s Accessible Formats Technician, as soon as possible with your course codes. If you know your readings, please complete the Accessible Formats Request Form.
Using your Test Accommodations
Some accommodations address how you demonstrate your learning. At the beginning of the semester, a short conversation or email discussion with your instructor can help clarify the expectations for using each of your accommodations.
Learn more about using your test accommodations by visiting the Accommodated Test Centre (ATC) webpage, and the information below.
Booking Accommodated Tests
To receive your test and exam accommodations, you must book your accommodated tests using the AAS Student Portal by the appropriate deadline.
Check out the step-by-step guide on how to book accommodated tests/exams.
Writing Accommodated Tests
Not sure what to expect when writing an accommodated test?
Check out the Writing Your Test webpage!
Test Centre FAQs
Missed the booking deadline? Made a booking mistake? Instructor changed your test date?
Visit the Accommodated Test Centre (ATC) FAQ page for answers to these questions and more!
Placement Accommodations
Do you have a placement or practicum as part of your program? Do you think you may require accommodations?
Most students need a separate placement accommodation plan to meet their needs. This additional plan may require new documentation and can take some time to organize. Even if your placement details aren’t worked out yet, be in touch with your Student Accommodation Facilitator at least one semester before your placement to start working out a plan.
Once your placement accommodation plan has been created, you can share it with your program and/or your program’s placement office. Then, they can help ensure that you are matched with a site where your accommodation needs can be met.
Keep in mind: Placement is not the same as a co-op opportunity. Accommodations for co-op experiences are generally arranged by the student and/or program, in collaboration with the workplace. Contact your Student Accommodation Facilitator for more information.
Questions about the details of your accommodation plan?