Documentation Requirements
Jump to: Disability Documentation | Important Notes | Tips for Finding Documents
To register with the CAL, you need to provide documentation from a regulated health care professional that confirms a disability. This documentation will be used to provide appropriate accommodations and supports to meet your needs. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, it is not necessary to provide a specific diagnosis to access accommodations and support services. Disclosure of a diagnosis may be required for some government financial aid programs for students with disabilities.
Please review the information below. This information is also available in our Disability Documentation Guide.
Disability Documentation
To access CAL services, the following options can be used as disability documentation:
- A copy of the OSAP Disability Verification Form (on the OSAP Forms web page, search “disability” and select Disability Verification Form: Students at Ontario Public Postsecondary Institutions)
- Medical Information Request Form. Complete the PDF or Word document version.
- A letter or detailed medical report from the appropriate Regulated Health Care Professional (RHCP) — Doctor, physiotherapist, etc.
- A psychoeducational, psychological, or neuropsychological assessment from a Psychologist or Psychologist Associate.
NOTE: If you have OSAP funding, or you are considering applying for OSAP, it is recommended to use the OSAP Disability Verification Form as it can be used for OSAP and to access CAL services.
Attention Disability
Examples include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD).
A copy of the latest comprehensive psychoeducational assessment completed by a registered psychologist or psychological associate.
OR
A letter or form completed by a physician, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, psychologist or psychological associate that includes:
- Description of current level of functioning
- Relevant personal and academic histories
- Description of the nature of current symptoms and their potential impact within a college setting
- Potential impact of medications on academic functioning
- Recommended accommodations and supports
Autism Spectrum Disorder
A copy of your latest comprehensive psychoeducational assessment completed by a registered psychologist or psychological associate.
OR
A letter or form completed by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or psychological associate that includes:
- Description of current level of functioning
- Potential impact of the disability within a college setting
- Recommended accommodations and supports
Hearing Loss
Examples include Deaf, deafened, or Hard of Hearing.
The most recent Audiology Report or a letter or form completed by a physician or audiologist that includes:
- Potential impact of disability within a college setting
- Recommended accommodations and support including appropriate technical support (e.g., FM system)
Learning Disability
A copy of your latest comprehensive psychoeducational assessment, completed by a registered psychologist or psychological associate, which includes a diagnosis of a learning disability. An assessment completed within the last 5 years*, or at the age of 18 years or older, is preferred.
- The DSM-5 or The Learning Disability Association of Ontario (LDAO) definition of learning disability is to be used when making LD diagnosis (http://ldao.ca/)
- The psychoeducational assessment should include recommendations for accommodations and support
- *Some accommodations may be possible with older documentation
- CAL will work with students to update their psychoeducational assessment as required
Mental Health
A letter or form completed by Physician, Psychiatrist, Psychologist or Psychological Associate, which includes:
- Description of the potential impacts of the disability within a college setting
- Potential impact of medications on academic functioning
- Recommended accommodations and support
- Expected duration of impact
Physical Disability or Medical Condition
Includes: acquired brain injury, physical disabilities, and medical conditions.
A letter or form completed by a physician or RHCP that includes:
- Description of strengths and limitations
- Potential impact of disability within a college setting
- Any use of assistive devices or specialized equipment
- Environmental adaptations required
- Recommended accommodations and support
- Expected duration of impact
Visual Impairment
A letter or form completed by an Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, or RHCP that includes:
- Potential impact of disability within a college environment
- Recommended accommodations and support including any assistive technology needs
A copy of your CNIB card can also be accepted.
No Documentation or IEP Only
Students who have only an IEP or do not have documentation may qualify for temporary accommodations while working toward obtaining appropriate documentation. Students are encouraged to continue with the registration process and contact the Welcome Centre for more information. If you are a student at the Pembroke campus, please contact CAL Pembroke.
Important Notes
- Submit documents via email (scanned), fax, mail, or in-person.
- An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is not sufficient documentation of a disability for the purposes of post-secondary academic accommodations. However, interim (temporary) accommodations may be provided for students who are in the process of being assessed for a disability or accessing disability-related documentation. The IEP can be reviewed for background information. If your IEP shows past assessment reports, try to gather copies of that information.
- Interim (temporary) accommodations may be provided for students who are in the process of being assessed for a disability. Students who do not have disability documentation are encouraged to contact the Welcome Centre. If you are a student at the Pembroke campus please contact CAL Pembroke.
- If you are receiving or applying for OSAP funding: To confirm a disability for OSAP purposes, the OSAP Disability Verification form must be completed and submitted to OSAP or Financial Aid. The CAL cannot confirm a disability for OSAP purposes.
Tips for Finding Documents
Did you attend high school recently?
Most school boards will keep documentation for approximately 5 years. Contact your former high school or school board office and ask for copies of your IEP and related documentation such as assessment reports.
School board websites:
Did you receive disability-related services at another college or university?
Contact the disability services office at your former college/university and ask for copies of your records to be provided to you directly, and then forward your documentation to the Welcome Centre at Algonquin College. If you are a student at the Pembroke campus, please forward your documentation to calpembroke@algonquincollege.com.
Do you have copies of medical reports, or a medical professional who can provide copies?
Check at home for copies of medical reports that can provide information on how to best support you in college. You can also ask your doctor’s office to provide you with copies of reports or to complete the medical form best suited to your situation as described above. As a student at Algonquin College, you may choose to access medical services at Health Services and can consult a doctor or nurse.
Did you complete an OSAP Disability Verification form?
You may be able to use the information from your completed OSAP Disability Verification form to register with the CAL.
Need assistance? Contact or visit the Welcome Centre, located on the 3rd floor of the Student Commons (E Building).
Phone: 613.727.4723 ext. 7200
TTY: 1.866.620.3845
Email: welcomecentre@algonquincollege.com
If you are attending the Pembroke campus, please contact:
CAL Pembroke
Phone: 613-735-4700 ext. 2665
Email: calpembroke@algonquincollege.com