Graduate Transition Information
Fall - Research and Resources
Created by the Government of Ontario and Queens University, this site is designed to help students with an IEP transition their supports to any Ontario College or University. The site includes information on:
The Pros and Cons of disclosure
What supports are available and the responsibility to accommodate
Documents required
Where to find information and who to contact at each school
Financial information and considerations
Be sure to check out our Post-Secondary IEP & Accommodation Transition Session!
Post-Secondary IEP & Accommodation Transition - Fall Planning
Grade 12 Transition Presentation Fall 2023.mp4
Be sure to use your YRDSB GAPPS Student account to access the document. Families, please have your child log in so you can view.
Please check out this list of most Frequently Asked Questions of BCSS SERTs regarding IEPs, document requirements, student supports and more.
For students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, this YRDSB site provides a source of information to help with the transition of supports to post-secondary institutes in Ontario.
Information Sessions
Student Accessibility Services provides individualized academic accommodation planning and support to students with learning disabilities/disorders, chronic health and mental health conditions, neurodiversity (ADD, ADHD, autism), traumatic brain injuries, physical or mobility disabilities, and/or sensory disabilities.
Attend this session to learn about the supports and services offered through Student Accessibility Services at York University and how to register with us. Sessions will take place virtually (via Zoom). Students and parents or support persons are welcome to attend!
Dates:
May 28th 5:30pm -6:30pm-To participate, please complete this online Registration form.
June 25th 5:30pm -6:30pm- To participate, please complete this online Registration form.
Any of your York University bound students with academic accommodations and their families are encouraged to attend this workshop and register with our office over the summer (preferably May, June and July) to avoid delays and to ensure that their academic accommodations are in place for the first day of classes. To find out more about registering with Student Accessibility Services at York University, please visit our New to Our Office page.
Save the date for Ability Empowerment Day, taking place at Brock University on May 14, 2024. Virtual options for attending the event are available if needed.
Ability Empowerment Day invites all high school students experiencing disability to discover opportunities in post-secondary education. Together let’s learn about services, exchange ideas, learn advocacy skills and imagine an inclusive world where all people are treated equitably in education.
For more information, click the poster link here.
You must register in advance of these free webinars REGISTER HERE
Focused on students with a Learning Disability and/or Autism diagnosis.
Saturday, October 21 || 10:00-12:00
Getting ready for the transition to post-secondary
Saturday, November 18 || 10:00-12:00
Setting up supports for post-secondary
Saturday, December 9 || 10:00-12:00
Advocacy and independence skills
This session is taking place on Thursday, October 26th, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. CLICK HERE to see the flyer.
A link to this virtual session will be sent out via email a few days before the event. REGISTER ONLINE to attend the virtual information night.
Deadline to apply for Grade 12s this year is November 10, 2023. Speak to guidance or co-op teacher for more information.
Winter/Spring - Receiving Offers & Next Steps
Step 1: Considering Offers
As many of you begin to receive offers, one of the key considerations and pieces of research you should conduct before finalizing your choice is what support services the school offers. Not all schools or programs will offer the same level of supports. It is important that you pick a destination that not only has the program you want, but will also offer you the customized accommodations necessary for you to be successful and make the most of the experience. Visit the Ontario Transition Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities - Colleges/University tabs to navigate to the resources for your schools.
Step 2: Booking Transition Meetings and Documentation
Your post-secondary institute does not know that you have an IEP. BCSS/YRDSB will not disclose this information to your school next year, nor will we directly send any information pertaining to your IEP and identification.
Accommodation supports are available to you next year. It is up to the student to declare their identification if they want supports to continue next year. Unsure as to whether or not you should declare? Read more about it on the Ontario Transition Resource Guide - Advocacy and Disclosure section.
As soon as you accept an offer, connect with the Student Accessibility Services department of your school. This should be done as soon as possible to ensure your accommodations are in place for September. The process can take several weeks and you will not be entitled to supports until it is complete.
When connecting, here are some suggested questions:
I have an IEP and identification, how do I disclose this?
How/when do I book a meeting to discuss my supports and accommodations next year?
What documentation is required? When/how will that be submitted?
Where can you find more information on the full spectrum of support services offered and how/where you access them?
When can you have a more detailed conversation about the support services you are interested in seeking more information about?
If you are missing a document from your records, please contact your SERT and we can help you get a copy. We will also provide an additional copy of your IEP in your diploma envelope at graduation.
Step 3: Grants and Scholarships for Identified Students
OSAP Grants for Students with Disabilities
Up to $22,000 is available for students with an identification who qualify for any amount of student loans through OSAP
This money can be used to pay for services such as:
Updated psych assessments
New assistive technology
Note takers and tutors
All services being claimed through these grants must first be pre-approved through your schools Student Services and OSAP offices. Once pre-approved and you have paid for the service, you can be reimbursed
Be sure to complete your OSAP loans and then speak to your Student Services department to inquire
Other Scholarship Opportunities
See the Financial Information section below
Financial Information
Applications Close: May 31, 2024
Funding of up to $10,000 per year (up to a maximum of $40,000) is available for youth with disabilities, who are under the age of 30 years as of the application deadline (May 31, 2024), looking to complete a 1- to 4-year post-secondary program at a publicly funded institution in Canada
Visit www.rickhansen.com/Scholarship for more information
Applications Close: December 11, 2023
The Ignite Graduation Award is given to students with SEA equipment who have demonstrated leadership and success in their personal and educational careers.
Award is only open to students currently in Grade 12 with SEA technology AND whose anticipated graduation is June 2024.
$1000 in discretionary funds will be awarded in May/June 2023 and will be put towards the purchase of personal technology to assist the graduating student in their post-secondary goals
Given to graduating students who have demonstrated leadership and success while using SEA technology throughout their educational careers
Visit www.yrdsb.ca/ignite for more information
This website was created to help post-secondary students search hundreds of scholarships available across Canada specifically for students with disabilities. Please note that we are continually adding and updating content, if you see a scholarship with a deadline from a previous year, use the links provided to check the source for the most up-to-date information and deadlines.
*Please note that this is information for the 2023-2024 School Year. OSAP will update their site closer to Spring 2023
If you qualify for OSAP support, there are 2 supplemental applications available only for identified students. These are:
Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) - Up to $2000
Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE) - Up to $20,000
The most up-to-date BCSS hub for new scholarships. Please check regularly as new scholarships are continuously being added and application dates close throughout the year. Awards found here include:
Community partner awards
Academic achievement awards
Cultural awards
For more information, please connect with your guidance or the institution directly.