How did you apply for your FM system for university / college?

First, I had a “Post-Secondary Transition Planning” form filled out by my itinerant teacher, who recommended accommodations that I would need in university, including the FM system. I brought this form, along with my Individual Education Plan (IEP) to the university’s student accessibility services and was guided through the whole process with their help. 

At McMaster University, I believe that you buy your own FM system but can be reimbursed once the application for the OSAP Bursary for Students With Disabilities (BSWD) is approved. I strongly recommend that you visit the office as early as possible, as they usually get very busy two weeks before the first day of school and especially for the month of September. Make sure you get all of your accommodations set and ready to use before school begins. I found the accommodations to be really useful.

About a month before starting college, I emailed Accessibility Services, and explained that I have a hearing loss and needed accommodations during my time there. Through this, I got an appointment set up and was told to bring my IEP. I highly suggest making this appointment and getting to sit down to talk with Accessibility Services because I got so many accommodations that I did not know I was eligible for. For example: private study room, computerized note-taking, extended time on assignments, and a lot more. 

As for the FM system, you have to buy your own but can be reimbursed through the OSAP Bursary for Students With Disabilities (BSWD). Applying for this bursary is really helpful because you can use it for getting an FM system or anything else you think you might need. 

Applying for an FM system in University: 

1. Contact accessibility services in advance of the school year/term, to register with them

2. Follow procedures for the specific university. For me, I had to contact the Adaptive Educational Technologist and sign out an FM system. 

Keep in mind that the earlier you request the FM system, the better. Being proactive is important because there are sometimes a limited number of devices available. But don't stress, as  solutions can always be found! 

Applying for an FM system instructions:

1. Once you know what university/college you are attending, contact the accessibility office as soon as possible

2. Set up a meeting with the accessibility office to discuss your accommodations and learn more about what the university/ college can do to make your education experience 110% better

3. Print a copy of your IEP and audiogram for the accessibility meeting

 Like Sana and Sara mentioned, when you go to post-secondary education you own the FM system. So applying for OSAP will be super helpful!

Since everyone already gave very helpful advice, I want to add an important form which is called the OSAP Disability Verification Form.  It has two parts that are very easy.  Part A is basic student information.  Part B needs to be filled out by your audiologist, or you can email it to your audiologist and ask him/ her to send you a scanned copy after they have filled it out. Once you have done this, you can bring the form to your post-secondary accessibility office.  Here are the steps below just in case.

Step 1: Print OSAP Disability Vertification Form from this website.

Step 2: Fill out Part A Student Information

Step 3: Reach out to your audiologist for contact information for Part B

Step 4: Get a copy of your audiogram to be attached to your OSAP Vertification Form and bring all of this to the meeting. It is also a good idea to have a copy of your audiogram for yourself.

Good luck on your application to your post-secondary school and I'm sending positive vibes to you!