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Accommodation documentation

We're committed to providing effective accommodations to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Documentation required

For us to provide appropriate accommodations and support, it's ideal to have:

  • Disability documentation from a Registered Health Care Professional (RHCP) that identifies:
    • the nature of the disability and
    • the potential impact of the disability within a college environment 

For a full list of acceptable documentation, view our documentation guide below.

Documentation should be current (completed within the last 5 years). Current documentation provides us with a clear understanding of your needs. It also allows us to make accurate accommodation recommendations.

In addition to the requirements outlined in the documentation guide below, we may accept a variety of documentation to determine eligibility for academic accommodations, such as:

  • Prudent observation – Accessibility Services staff may approve accommodations when it makes good sense to do so.
  • Outdated documentation – Some accommodations may be possible with older documentation, providing it was completed at the age of 18 or later.
  • Functional limitations – Accommodations can be approved with functional limitations listed by a RHCP in place of a diagnosis.

Note that NSCC Accessibility Services reserves the right to determine whether submitted documentation supports the need for reasonable accommodations.

Updating documentation

Student Services will provide guidance to students in updating their documentation as needed. Interim (temporary) accommodations are possible until appropriate documentation is received.

An Individual Program Plan (IPP) or adaptations form from high school is not considered adequate documentation of a disability for the purposes of post-secondary academic accommodations, but it may serve to support interim accommodations.

Confidentiality

Diagnosis information is confidential to the Accessibility Services office. Students are not required to share medical information with faculty in order to access accommodations. 

Accessing funding

Current documentation is required to access the Canada Study Grant (CSG) through the Nova Scotia Student Loan (NSSL) program. Students wishing to access the CSG will need to register with NSSL and submit their Medical Assessment form and/or other documentation as required.

Contact us

If you have questions or need guidance to meet documentation requirements, please contact

Documentation guide

Learning disability (diagnosed)

A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment, completed by a registered psychologist, which includes a diagnosis of a learning disability.

Assessment should include recommendations for accommodations and support.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment, completed by a registered psychologist.

OR

A letter or NSCC Disability Verification form completed by a physician, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist or psychologist that includes:

  1. Description of current level of functioning
  2. Description of the nature of current symptoms and their potential impact within a college setting
  3. Potential impact of medications on academic functioning
  4. Recommended accommodations and supports
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment, completed by a registered psychologist.

OR

A letter or NSCC Disability Verification form completed by a physician, psychiatrist or psychologist that includes:

  1. Description of current level of functioning
  2. Potential impact of the disability within a college setting
  3. Recommended accommodations and supports

A narrative supported by Autism Nova Scotia may be considered to complete the requirements of 1-3.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

A letter or NSCC Disability Verification form completed by a physician, neurologist, neuropsychologist or RHCP that includes:

  1. Potential impact of medications on academic functioning
  2. Potential impact of disability within a college setting
  3. A copy of most recent neuropsychological assessment, if applicable
  4. Recommended accommodations and support
Blind and Low Vision Disability

A letter or NSCC Disability Verification form completed by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or RHCP the includes:

  1. Potential impact of disability within a college environment
  2. Recommended accommodations and support including any adaptive technology needs
Deaf, Deafness, Hard of Hearing

The most recent audiology report; a letter or form completed by a physician or audiologist that includes:

  1. Potential impact of disability within a college setting
  2. Recommended accommodations and support including appropriate technical equipment (e.g., hearing aids, FM system)
Mental Health Disability

A letter or NSCC Disability Verification form completed by physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or psychological associate which includes:

  1. Description of the potential impacts of the disability within a college setting
  2. Potential impact of medications on academic functioning
  3. Recommended accommodations and support
Physical/Mobility Disability

A letter or NSCC Disability Verification form completed by a physician or RHCP that includes:

  1. Description of strengths and limitations
  2. Potential impact of disability within a college setting
  3. Any use of assistive devices or specialized equipment
  4. Environmental adaptations required
  5. Recommended accommodations and support
Temporary Condition

A letter or NSCC Disability Verification form completed by physician or RHCP which includes:

  1. Nature of illness
  2. If the condition is temporary or chronic
  3. Potential impact of condition within a college setting
  4. Potential impact of medications on academic functioning
  5. Recommended accommodations and support
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