Accessibility Services is located in the Webster Teaching and Learning Centre, Robertson Library Annex, Room 218. The Adaptive Technology Lab is in Room 214.

Accomplishments:

Plan for Inclusion

We are excited with the growing list of Accessibility Accomplishments over the past few years!

• Accessibility of computer labs on campus improved
• Ramps for Dalton and Memorial Hall.
• Changed key door knobs to leaver knobs
• New elevator in Duffy 
• New audio system includes hearing impaired in lecture hall in Duffy
• Washrooms made totally accessible in Duffy 
• Enhanced accessibility in washrooms on first floor Main
• Installed visual stair strips in Main and Memorial Buildings and on Main stairwell
• Upgrading elevators (Braille and audio) in 2 buildings
• Put new Walkways and lighting in quad/central UPEI campus area
• Putting new signage around campus (larger and increased contrast)
• New signage will indicate accessible entrances
• developed 12 new accessible parking spa

About our services:  

The University of Prince Edward Island encourages the full participation of all students, including students with disabilities, as members of the University community. We strive to ensure fair and consistent treatment for all, and provide equal access to University services, programs, and facilities.

Do you have a physical disability?

UPEI is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive community for learning. Over the past few years there have been many positive changes on the UPEI campus with regard to new construction and improved accessibility to learning and buildings. However, in certain programs, some physical accommodations may be required to ensure that you have a successful learning experience. If you intend to study at UPEI and think that you will require accommodations, please inform Accessibility Services as early as possible. With your information we can do our best to provide you with an environment that will allow you to get the most out of your educational experience. Please take a look at this website, and/or contact Margot Maddison-MadFadyen by phone at (902) 628-4364 or via e-mail.

Learning Disabilities and You

Do any of the following sound like you?

• You know that you are intelligent, but you have trouble keeping up with your schoolwork.
• You have succeeded in other areas, but still cannot spell.
• You know what you want to say, but cannot get the words out.
• You are excellent with mechanical things, but have trouble reading and writing.
• You read and write well enough, but cannot remember basic math functions.
• You can speak well about many topics, but cannot express your thoughts on paper.
• You learn well when someone demonstrates, but cannot follow written directions.
• You understand almost everything you read, but have difficulty listening, or vice versa.
• You put in twice the effort, but still obtain lower grades than your peers.

Any of these characteristics can be true for anyone. But if you say “That’s me” to a few of them, or if any of them significantly interferes with your ability to learn at university, you may have a learning disability.

Increasing numbers of adults with learning disabilities are pursuing post-secondary education. A marked difference between areas of expertise and areas of difficulty is a signal that a learning disability may exist. One student may demonstrate problems in only one specific area, while another may have difficulty in several.

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Services Offered

Adults with disabilities can compensate for their disabilities by seeking help through services offered on campus. Some of the supports provided are:

• individual consultations
• mentoring
• arranging for identification of the learning disability
• individual program planning for academic accommodations
• arranging for assistance with learning
• assistance with self-advocacy
• access to specialized technology
• educational and professional information
• assistive technology
• alternative test and exam arrangements
• note-taking
• learning strategies support
• liaison with university departments and off-campus agencies
• advising on funding for services
• tutoring
• ensuring accessible classrooms
• career information and assessments
• personal counselling
• parking information
• residence information

Student Responsibility

It is the responsibility of students to make themselves known to us in a timely manner. The Accessibility staff offers accommodations that will assist in the support of the student and point him or her in the direction of success.

It is up to the student to use the services provided, and it is suggested that the more you make an effort to come in and take advantage of the services, the more likely you are to succeed.

Representation within the Student Union

There is a Disabilities Representative on the Student Union who ensures that students who have disabilities have their wishes, comments, and concerns heard. By having a Disabilities Representative on the Student Union, any concerns brought to the council may have a greater impact within the campus community. The Student Union is a great means for improvement and positive change. This position is an elected position and the candidates are voted on by secret ballot by students who have disabilities. Anyone with a disability can run for the position of Disabilities Representative, and the position allows for the opportunity to get involved in school politics and become an important part of the Accessibility Services team.

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About the Accessibility Services Environment

Accessibility Services takes great pride in providing the students with a welcoming, relaxed, and positive atmosphere. We are aware that some students are somewhat hesitant when first approaching Accessibility Services. However, it is our observation that students soon become very comfortable and drop in or use the services either on a daily or weekly basis. Our sense of pride comes with each student’s success, and in helping students accomplish their goals in the academic community. Click here to read what some of our students have said about Accessibility Services.

We realize that each student has different needs and/or learning styles. We strive to meet every student’s needs. Our goal is to make UPEI accessible for all students.

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