Nick Mann

Are you a new or existing student on campus with a disability?

If so the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) would like to welcome you to campus. The CSD recognizes many areas of disability including learning, hearing, vision, ADD/ADHD; medical, physical, acquired brain injury, psychological/emotional, and temporary disabilities. This resource provides equal opportunities for students with disabilities to succeed while at Guelph and they are funded directly by the ministry of education and training.

“The CSD is here to provide services for any student with a disability, whether it is a permanent or temporary disability. The student must provide documentation and accommodations are then provided according to documentation,“ said Barry Weeler, one of eight Advisors for Students with Disabilities on campus. “There are eight advisors here who work in particular areas and each student is assigned to a specific advisor.”

These advisors along with the other CSD staff can make sure that a student with a disability has access to resources available on campus. These other employees include a learning disability specialist, a learning strategist, a writing consultant, and exam coordinator, a note taking coordinator and the administrative support staff. 

“We all want to provide equal opportunity for students here,” said Weeler. “Since 85 per cent of our students have invisible disabilities, it is important for students to know we are here for all kinds of disabilities.”

The CSD also has an area in the library. It is a center for student to work in and it has all kinds of adaptive technology to accommodate student’s needs. There are many support services that can assist with every thing from housing, note taking, writing, assistive listening, and sited guides. There are also opportunities for students with disabilities to get involved in recreation activities through the CSD. There are recreation programs that can help students set up activity schedules and work with them in getting and staying active.

For students looking for disability support there is a mandatory welcome and orientation event on Tuesday, Sept. 7 2010. This event is located on the 4^th Floor of the University Center in room 442. This session will be an chance for students to meet other CSD students, book appointments with advisors, meet other CSC staff, get there CSD registration packages, and more. 

There is also a pre–orientation program for students with Physical and Psychological disabilities. This program will run from September 1 to 3, 2010. This three-day program is designed to help students make a smooth and successful transition into the University of Guelph lifestyle. This program includes a chance for students to tour the city of Guelph and get familiar with restaurants, banks, and grocery stores, move into residence rooms three days early, opportunities to navigate the University environment before the Fall semester begins, and meet with their program counselors. Registration is available online starting June 1 2010.

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