Post Secondary Resources
Applying to College or University in Ontario?
College
- For Ontario College key dates please visit
University
For Ontario University key dates please visit
Helpful Documents
The following documents are meant to assist students in preparing for their transition to various post-secondary destinations.
Financial Aid & Budgeting Assistance
Most students will apply for financial aid to help with the costs of post-secondary school. Check out the sites below to learn more about financial aid and budgeting
Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD): https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/PRDR019233.html
Other Scholarships and Awards: https://www.disabilityawards.ca/ontario/
Canada Apprentice Loan: https://www.pca-cal.ca/en/Home
Ways to Save - Mohawk College: https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/mo-money-financial-literacy-resources/ways-to-save
Student Loans vs Bank Loans - Humber College: https://humber.ca/admissions/financial-aid/osap-student-loans/student-loans-vs.-bank-loans.html
Practical Money Skills: https://www.practicalmoneyskills.ca/
Student Budget Calculator: https://uwaterloo.ca/student-awards-financial-aid/uw_studentbudget_calculator
Webinar Recording: The Road Ahead
Presenter: Sarah Terreberry, Ph.D., course instructor Brock University
Students with learning disabilities (LDs) are attending higher education settings at increasing rates. As one of the most prevalent types of disabilities among youth, it is estimated that approximately 5% of any given post-secondary student population is impacted by LD (Tsagris & Muirhead, 2012).
This webinar will provide insight into the undergraduate learning experience in university settings for students with LDs. Specifically, this presentation will explore student perspectives of the successes and challenges that students with LDs may experience when choosing to attend higher education. Information from this webinar is based on a recent research project that investigated how the needs of students with LD are currently being met at the postsecondary level in Canada by identifying potential barriers of access to support and accommodation.
https://www.ldatschool.ca/webinar-undergraduate-learning-experience/
Transition Guide for Students with Disabilities
What do you need to know before you head off to college or university? The Transition Resource Guide For Students with Disabilities website gives you the knowledge and information you need to make a successful transition to college or university. https://www.transitionresourceguide.ca/
OSAP
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program that can help you pay for college or university. https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program
Seneca's Academic Upgrading Program
The two- to three-semester Academic Upgrading program is for those who are missing requirements for a college certificate or diploma program. Upon completion, you may be ready to apply to a college-level program or enter into an apprenticeship.
The program offers you daytime or evening classes. You will work in single or multilevel courses, and benefit from the career counselling and assistance with college applications that you receive.
Upgrading courses are available for the 12U English and 12U math prerequisites required for Seneca Degree programs.
Sheridan's Academic Upgrading Program
Academic Upgrading is a tuition-free program that provides you with the admission requirements needed to apply to a college program, certificate program or workplace skills needed for employment. The program is recognized by all colleges in Ontario and is tailored to meet your specific educational needs.
https://www.sheridancollege.ca/admissions/pathways-and-transfers/academic-upgrading
Humber's Academic Upgrading Program
The Academic Upgrading (AU) is a tuition-free, non-postsecondary program offered at the Humber North Campus with classes usually scheduled Monday to Friday from 8:55 am to 3:15 pm. The AU program is an Employment Ontario program funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training & Skills Development.
To be eligible for the program, you must be:
19 years of age or older by the first day of classes
legally entitled to work in Canada (Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person with a Decision Document)
a resident of Ontario (show government-issued photo ID)
https://liberalarts.humber.ca/current-students/departments/academic-upgrading.html
University & College Joint Programs
This page is a summary of the joint programs that Ontario universities will offer in collaboration with Ontario colleges for the 2022 cycle.
https://www.ouac.on.ca/guide/collaborative-university-college-programs/
Transition Programs for Students with Disabilities
Queen's University is offering an on-line course for students with learning disabilities to help ease their transition from high school to university.
On-Line to Success (OLTS) and Successful Transition Online and Mentoring Program (STOMP) are two transition programs run by RARC. The programs are for students going from secondary to post-secondary school, and take place from March-June. OLTS is for students in Grades 11 and 12 with learning disabilities, ADHD and/or Autism Spectrum Disorders. STOMP is for students in Grades 11 and 12 with mental health disorders, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and OCD.
https://www.queensu.ca/rarc/transition-programs-and-services/olts-stomp
Apprenticeships
Like attending a college and university, an apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary education. The big difference is that the majority of an apprenticeship is spent on the job, learning practical skills, and earning money. Apprenticeships offer a bridge between education and work and can lead to rewarding and high-paying careers because you’re already out there working and have the hands-on skills employers are looking for.
For additional information, please visit Humberview's Student Services website https://sites.google.com/pdsb.net/humberviewss-studentservices/post-secondary-resources/apprenticeships
Special Needs Programs in Caledon
White Birch
Located in the town of Palgrave on a one acre property, White Birch offers a unique setting for all adults with special needs. This is a Special Needs day program with three classroom spaces. walking trails and a soon to be fully accessible park.
GOALS
Located in Bolton, GOALS strives to support individuals in areas that most respite programs cannot reach. They offer services to those 19+. They offer day programs, respite servies and overnight respite services.
BCCL
WIth a location in Bolton and Brampton, Brampton Caledon Community Living offers a range and variety of activities, experiences, and opportunities for adults with a developmental disability.
https://bramptoncaledoncl.ca/en/support-services/community-participation-supports/
Post - Secondary Certificate Programs
Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE)
Humber’s Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) certificate program is designed to provide adults with intellectual disabilities (also known as developmental disabilities) the opportunity to experience college life, develop enhanced independence and connect with like-minded individuals. It is the first college program of its kind in Ontario and is a leader in building collaborative, inclusive communities that support and promote experiential and transformative learning.
https://healthsciences.humber.ca/programs/cice-ontario-college-certificate.html
College Vocational Program
George Brown College's Vocational program is an individualized, supportive program that helps bridge the gap for students who have graduated from high school with workplace credits or an Ontario Secondary School Certificate and who are having difficulty finding appropriate and meaningful work. It offers extensive assessment through the use of several vocational tools. In addition, students participate in career planning, communication and life skills training, and a work experience placement.
https://www.georgebrown.ca/programs/college-vocational-program-a101
Christian Horizons/Humber College Culinary Certificate Students Graduate
This Humber College program is a culinary certificate designed for special needs students who wish to learn basic culinary skills for the purposes of obtaining employment in the hospitality industry. Due to the pandemic, this current cohort completed the first half of the program online, while entering our culinary labs during the summer months to complete practical training with Chef Michael Cortese-Turk. This program is a great introduction to the culinary world, and our students go on to obtain gainful employment upon graduation. We are very proud of our DSW students, and look forward to welcoming a new cohort in January!
Developmental Skills for Career Success
This program is designed for students with diverse learning challenges who require academic accommodations and modifications. Students enhance their academic and vocational knowledge and skills in both core and integrated courses and practice this learning on field placements. Learning Facilitators modify integrated courses to students’ specific strengths and abilities, and provide accommodations, tutor and support sessions to ensure the work is challenging and achievable. Students prepare for success in entry-level work, and build independence and self-advocacy skills for adult life.
https://www.georgiancollege.ca/academics/programs/community-integration-co-operative-education/
Important Resources to Consider
Ontario Identification Card
The Ontario Photo Card is a wallet-sized card that provides government-issued identification to those Ontarians who do not have a driver’s licence, making it easier for them to do things such as open a bank account and any other activities that require official identification.
Ontario Photo Cards can be used for day-to-day business transactions or as proof of identity for domestic travel.
You can apply for an Ontario Photo Card in person at a Service Ontario Centre.
Vulnerable Persons Registry
This voluntary registry will provide the Police Services with emergency contact information, detailed physical descriptions, known routines, and special needs of this individual. This information will assist officers in communicating with, attending a residence of, or dealing with an emergency involving this individual.
Those eligible to participate are people who because of a medical (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, brain injury, etc.), mental health, or physical condition may pose a danger to themselves and/or others.
The most common types of people who sign up for this registry include but are not limited to the following:
Elderly who have a tendency to wander.
Those with an inability to communicate because of mental health or other illness.
Those with strong fascinations or attractions (water, construction sites, etc.).
Those with poor social responses (fear of strangers, aggression).
https://www.peelpolice.ca/en/services/vulnerable-persons-registry.aspx#