Join us for an informative session where you’ll learn about available supports, how to get started, and what to expect throughout the process. This session is a great opportunity to gain clarity, ask questions, and feel more confident about accessing the resources designed to support your success.

Access and Inclusion Services provides academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities, including mobility/sensory/learning and mental health, as well as for protected grounds within Human Rights legislation. This workshop will provide an introduction to accessing accommodations at Mount Royal and the process.

Below you’ll find helpful information shared during previous information sessions.

This session (video & presentation) explains how to access academic accommodations at MRU, including the registration process, required documentation, and available supports. It also highlights resources and tools designed to support success throughout the university.

AIS video (1) (3).mp4

View video transcript HERE

MRU PREP - 2026.pdf

Next Steps for Access and Inclusion

To get any type of accommodation at MRU, please fill out a Public Accommodation Request. This should be done as soon as possible, so an Access Advisor can meet with you and determine what accommodation or support you need before the start of the Fall semester.

Residence

There were some questions about Residence, and it is important to know that they also have reasonable accommodations for students living with disabilities. You can contact the residence team here.

Academic Advising

Students asked about advising, course load and registration. The best option is to talk to your Academic Advisor directly. This is different from your Access Advisor, we have lots of advising support here :) Once you are registered with Access and Inclusion, your course load may be different as part of your accommodations, so it is important that you have the right information from your Academic Advisor as well as your Access Advisor.

Questions About Access and Inclusion Services

During the workshop, students asked many thoughtful and informative questions. These questions along with their corresponding answers are outlined below.

Where are the Access and Inclusion offices?

The offices are located in room W321 & W325. The Accommodated Exam Centre is located in Y201 close to the West Gate entrance. You can find a map of the university here.

To meet accommodation requirements, what referral is needed?

You need to provide documentation of your disability from your doctor or a qualified medical professional in a specialized area. A full assessment from a psychologist must be provided for all learning disabilities.

Could accommodations be removed if a student does not use them during the semester?

You have the ability to identify which accommodations each instructor sees, as you are in control of what is shared and with whom. There is no reason to remove your accommodations, they are there if you need them. Use them when you need them, and they sit in reserve when you don't. As an adult, you have the responsibility to advocate for what you need.

Does a student need to be accepted and committed to apply for accommodation?

You need an MRU student identification number to complete Access and Inclusion Services' public request form. It is recommended you register as soon as possible due to the high volume of students requesting accommodations to ensure that you will have your accommodations in place for Fall 2025.

Do you support documentation from a family practitioner for a learning disability or psychiatric disorder, or is it required that you speak to a specialist specifically?

Family practitioners can diagnose ADHD and other mental illnesses, but they are not qualified to diagnose a learning disability (such as for reading, writing, or math).

If you have an ongoing disability that you were accommodated for previously, this information will not be automatically forwarded to Access and Inclusion Services. You can send Access and Inclusion Services your Learning Support Plan (LSP) or Individualized Program Plan (IPP) forms to begin the accommodation process and receive interim accommodations until you can get documentation from your doctor, psychologist, or medical specialist.

For ongoing accommodations, Access and Inclusion Services requires you to submit medical documentation indicating the impact of your disability on your academics, specifically your functional limitations and disability related barriers you experience. Please contact accessibility@mtroyal.ca for more information regarding accommodation documentation.

Does Access and Inclusion Services have a specific form we can print out and bring to our doctor?

The form your doctor can complete is the Disability Verification Form for Students with Permanent or Persistent or Prolonged Disabilities. This form is an Alberta Student Aid form. It includes all the information required by Access and Inclusion Services. You may use this form even if you are not applying for student aid.

Your doctor may charge you for filling out this report. MRU cannot reimburse you for that payment.

Do we need to submit both our IPP and psychoeducational assessment?

No, you do not need to provide your ISP or IPP if you have documentation from a medical professional or a psychoeducational assessment. Access and Inclusion Services should have as much information as possible, so please provide any documentation related to your disability(ies) if you have it. Your ISP or IPP is only needed to begin the accommodation process if you do not have documentation from your doctor.

Can Access and Inclusion Services assist with getting and implementing supports?

Yes, your Access Advisor will assist you in accessing the support you need. Access and Inclusion Services also provides Assistive Technology Advisors, Academic Strategists, and an Access Support Coordinator to help you with assistive technology, strategies to help reduce/remove your barriers, and access other services to accommodate you.

Can my accommodations change during my time at university?

Yes, accommodations can change throughout your time at MRU. Accommodations are a living document which is created to support you in your academic journey. If your barriers change, your accommodations may change to support your needs.

Do you require different materials from international or non-credit students to get accommodations?

International students go through the same process as domestic students when registering with Access and Inclusion Services, just make sure your documentation is in English. This process is also the same for credit and non-credit students.

What grants are available? Does your family income impact your accessibility resources and grants?

Alberta Student Aid currently provides a Disability Grant for $2,800. To receive this grant, you have to complete the Alberta Student Aid application, though you do not need to apply for a loan to apply for the grant. If you want to apply for the Disability Grant but do not want or need loans, you can:

Complete the loan application, which will ask for information about your disability and accommodations.
Show that your costs are more than your income, so you can qualify for a student loan.
Identify one dollar in the amount requested section.

There is also a technology grant you can apply for, however, the technology you are applying for must relate to the barriers you experience as a result of your disability.

If you are declined for Alberta Student Aid services or grants, you can appeal the decision. Contact Access and Inclusion Services and speak to the Access Support Coordinator for more information. You can also check the Alberta Student Aid website for more information.

Do sources of income include RESPs?

Yes, RESPs are considered a source of income and they can affect your eligibility for disability grants. Be sure to only include the RESPs you use for the current school year you are in, not the total amount you will be using for your entire schooling. For example, If you have 10,000 in RESPs to be used over 4 years, you should put 2,500 per year.

When is the best time to start the application for a disability grant?

The application for the grants is usually posted in June or early July and this would also be the best time to apply. The sooner that you can submit your application the better.

“It's not the student that has the barrier, it is the environment that creates it” ~ Janet Arnold

Access and Inclusion Services

Eligibility and Registration

Student Counselling Services

Alberta Student Aid

Disability Verification Form for Students with Permanent or Persistent or Prolonged Disabilities

Page updated

Report abuse