Meet with Us

Gather documentation from a licensed professional that explains how your disability or medical condition affects your current ability to function. If you have a stable condition, you may be able to provide documentation that is not recent.

Your documentation should include the following:

• a diagnosis
• a description of the barriers you face in an education setting
• recommendations for resources, accommodations and services that would mitigate the identified barriers for you

If you do not currently have documentation, please have your licensed professional complete the Documentation of Disability Form.

See the Documentation Requirements Chart for approved documentation providers.

If you are unsure if you have a disability or about details regarding the documentation requirements, we can advise you when we meet.

There are two ways to submit your medical documents:

1. Complete our Intake Form and upload your documentation securely within the form.
2. Use your MyMacEwan Gmail account to securely email your documents to myaccess@macewan.ca.

Note:

To keep your medical documents secure, send them only from your MyMacEwan Gmail account. If you’re concerned about emailing your documents, use the intake form to upload them safely instead.

After we receive the Initial Consultation Form and the Consent Form, we email your MacEwan email address to set up an appointment with one of our learning specialists. If you have questions, email us at myaccess@macewan.ca.

Before we meet, we encourage you to consider any accommodations that would mitigate your learning barriers. Read about potential accommodations on our Accommodations and Services page and review campus services available to students on our Resources page.

Your privacy is important to us. The information you share with us is confidential. When we meet with you, we explain how we manage and protect your personal information.

All ADR staff must sign a confidentiality agreement. The agreement applies in all cases except the following:

• You provide written, informed consent to the disclosure of information directly or through a third party such as legal counsel.
• We receive a warrant, subpoena or other legal order.
• You are considered a danger to yourself or others.
• Neglect or abuse of a child is suspected.

If you choose to share information, you can speak with your learning specialist about the options available to you.

At the meeting, you review your documentation with a learning specialist who asks clarifying questions and speaks to you about specific needs. Together, you and the specialist determine whether you require exam accommodations and in-class or out-of-classroom support to ensure fair and equitable access to your education. You and your learning specialist work collaboratively to create a plan that fits your needs.

A plan may include an accommodation letter, recommendations for campus resources, suggestions for community resources and other resources to support your learning.

We may recommend funding options or campus resources when we meet with you.

Funding

Resources

If your accommodation plan includes supports to help reduce disability- or medical-related barriers, you and your learning specialist create an accommodation letter together. You discuss what it means and how to use it.

You are responsible for emailing your accommodation letter to your instructors at the start of the term. Here are our recommendations for positive communication about the plan:

• At the beginning of the term, introduce yourself and let the instructor know which class you are in.
• Ask your instructor if they have any questions.
• If you have any accommodations that need to be negotiated with your instructor, take the time to discuss your needs with them early in the term.
• Maintain an open dialogue with your instructor throughout the term so that any issues can be addressed as soon as they arise. Discuss your concerns with your instructor during their office hours if possible.

You and your learning specialist may have decided on some resources for you to access as part of your supports.

If assistive technology is recommended for you, your learning specialist sends an email referral for you to meet with one of our assistive technologists. You can book an appointment with an assistive technologist to learn about the recommended software and technology supports.

Explore our assistive technology process

You may also have been recommended an accessibility assistant (AA) as part of your accommodations. If so, an AA sends you an email before the first day of classes or as soon as possible for requests made during the semester. You can book an appointment with your AA to talk about next steps and support.

Book an appointment with an AA

To request updates or changes to your accommodations, contact your learning specialist. If you have questions or concerns, reach out as soon as possible—we’re here to support you throughout your time at MacEwan.

If you or your instructors have questions about accommodations, let us know. We’re happy to help with any concerns or to support you in using accommodations in a specific course.