Universities often have ableist and saneist policies and procedures. Universities were not historically designed with disabled people in mind and unfortunately gatekeeping remains pervasive.

The University of Toronto offers a number of accessibility services; however, it can be challenging for some students depending on their disability to go through the process. For example, if someone is deep in a depressive episode or suffers from a chronic pain disorder, it might be challenging for them to get together the necessary documentation to "prove" their disability. It is always your choice if you want to go through accessibility services to get official accommodations and supports. There are many advantages to going though accessibility services. That being said, it is a bureaucratic process. Know that you can still ask for accommodations and supports from your professors even if you haven't navigated accessibility services. The difference, however, is that legally your instructors are not required to give you extensions or other accommodations. We support your autonomy in advocating for your access needs in a way that is good for you.

STEP 1: Obtain required documentation & get your UTORid

Get the necessary documentation from your health care provider: Certificate of Disability (PDF).

Depending on your disability you will need different documents

Acquired brain injury or concussion

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Chronic health, mental health, sensory disabilities (including D/deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing) and physical disabilities

Learning disabilities

Temporary physical disability

Not sure if you have a disability?

STEP 2: Complete our online Student Intake Form

Student Intake Form

If you require accommodations or assistance in completing the Student Intake Form, contact their front desk at accessibility.services@utoronto.ca or 416-978-8060.

STEP 3: Attend an intake appointment

After you submit a complete Student Intake Package, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment with an accessibility advisor. They will support in setting up necessary accommodations.

Here are common accommodations. If you go through accessibility services, your accommodations will be individualized to match your access needs.

Note Talking Services

Note-taking is one of the most common academic accommodations given to students registered with Accessibility Services. Volunteer note-taking is not meant to replace students attending class, instead it acts as a complementary service. Notes are used by students registered with our services whose disability affects their ability to take notes.

Adaptive Technology Services

An accessibility advisor can refer a student to the adaptive technologist for an assessment, where the student and the adaptive technologist work to identify ways technology can support the student with disability and health related challenges.

Disability Related Extensions

If your accessibility advisor has authorized you for accommodations for extensions on assignments on a case by case basis, we recommend asking your professor or instructor for an an extension and providing the Letter of Accommodation a week before the original due date. The letter will provide your professors and instructors with information needed to approve up to a one [1] week extension on assignments. See Considerations & Exceptions for extensions beyond one [1] week.

While students should aim to request an extension in advance, disability-related challenges may not always make this possible. In these circumstances, speak with your accessibility advisor to discuss next steps.

Financial Support

There may be a variety of financial aids (grants and bursaries) available for students with disabilities. Speak with your accessibility advisor about possible disability-related financial assistance.

Accommodated Testing Services

Accessibility Services works with Accommodated Testing Services (ATS) to administer and coordinate quizzes, term tests and exams for students registered with Accessibility Services.

Service Animal Registration

U of T offers an optional and voluntary registration process for service animals. Registering your service animal with the University minimizes the need to produce health documentation regarding your service animal and promotes seamless integration into campus life.

Looking beyond accessibility services, we advocate for a disability justice lens to education that foregrounds universal design and structural changes to institutions.

Here is a map that provides some information around ramps, wheelchair accessible washrooms, and other mobility concerns.