FAQs for Parents & Supporters
We know you may have many questions about navigating life at Western with a disability. We are currently working on developing frequently asked questions and answers that are most commonly asked by students, and in the meantime have prepared the following information based on common questions received by parents and supporters.
If there is content you think should be included on this page, please email us at aew@uwo.ca.
As your student transitions to university, your role may evolve, but your support and guidance remain essential. In high school, you may have been more involved in guiding your student's academic and personal decisions. However, in university, your role shifts more towards providing support and encouragement as your student navigates greater independence. Your student will take on the responsibility of advocating for themselves. Your role may involve providing emotional support and being a source of encouragement as your student faces the academic and personal challenges that come with starting university.
Help your student understand the nature and impact of their disability on their studies. Go through the resources on the Acessible Education website and help your student understand that their accommodations may look different in university compared to high school. Your student may need your help obtaining a copy of their IEP and other supporting documentation. Speak with your student about whether or not they would like you to attend and respect their decision if they would like to attend the appointment alone. If you do attend the intake appointment with your student, it’s helpful if you see your role as providing emotional support and facilitating communication if the need arises. Let your student take the lead in the appointment to help them build confidence in their ability to discuss their needs.
Up-to-date documentation ensures that the accommodation plan put in place is relevant to your student’s current situation. Information about documentation requirements can be found here. In, high school accommodations are often based on teacher recommendations or generalized accommodations based on having an IEP. Course requirements can be modified in high school by the teacher or the guidance counsellor. In university, accommodations are based on functional limitations defined in documentation from health professionals. Essential course requirements cannot be modified or removed.
It's crucial to respect their decision while providing support. Have an open and supportive conversation with your student to understand their reasons for choosing not to use accommodations. Check in with them regularly to see how they are adjusting to university life. If your student finds that they need accommodations later on, be ready to revisit the topic and assist them in accessing the necessary support. **Please keep in mind that there is a deadline for students requesting accommodations for December and April exams. More information about this deadline can be found on the Accommodated Exams website Once your student meets with an Accessible Education Facilitator, they will receive a follow-up email with instructions on how to sign up for exams and the deadlines for doing so. Remind your student to look at this email once they have attended their first classes in September and January. Help your student set reminders on their phone or in their room that will help them be proactive in setting up their accommodations for their exams.
Encouraging your student to advocate for themselves will assist them in addressing concerns effectively while acknowledging their autonomy and privacy. Let your student know that you're there to support them. Familiarize yourself with the resources available on campus so you can point your student in the right direction. The Student Experience website is a good starting place: studentexperience.uwo.ca
