Steps for Persons with Disabilities who are Interested in Pursuing Post- Secondary Education 1) It is important for persons with disabilities to begin planning their Post-Secondary path well before graduating high school. Prospective students should visit the campuses they are interested in attending, especially their disability support centres. This will help the student identify the supports and accommodations that they will need and which campuses can best provide them. It is also a good idea for prospective students to assess whether a full time or part time class schedule would be most conducive to their success.
2) Once the student is accepted to his/her chosen institution, it is imperative that they get connected with the Disability Resource facilitator (see page 2). This individual can assist with any grant applications and with finding any additional accommodations to ensure the student’s smooth transition to the post-secondary environment.
3) Apply for a Canada/Nova Scotia Student Loan and identify on the application that the student has disability. If it is the first time a student is applying for a student loan, it is necessary for him/her to provide proof of their disability. If the student needs assistance completing the application, they can contact the disability resource facility at their chosen campus.
4) If the student is accepted for even $1 of Student Assistance they can apply for the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Disabilities. This grant will provide the student with up to $8,000 to cover covers academic accommodations such as tutoring, note taking, adaptive software, attendant care, ASL interpreting services, etc.
5) Half way through each year of study, the student can fill out a pre-study report. Student’s report their income earned during the pre-study period for that year, depending on their amount of earnings they could be eligible for the Provincial Access Grant. This grant is up to $2000 and while does not go directly to the student, it goes towards paying down the student’s loan.
6) If the student is ineligible for any Student Loan dollars they can go through the Department of Labour and Advanced Education to apply for the Nova Scotia Goods Access Program Grant. This grant can be used to provide equipment, such as computers and assistive technology.
Disability Resource Facilitators Contact Information
Acadia University: Kingstec Campus (Kentville)
Phone: (902)-679-7408 Phone: 902-585-1823 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Lunenburg (Bridgewater) and Shelburne Cape Breton University: Campuses
Phone: (902)-543-4664 Phone: (902) 563-1121 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Marconi Campus (Sydney) Dalhousie University: Phone: (902)-563-2680
Email: [email protected] Phone: (902) 494-2836
Email: [email protected] Pictou Campus (Stellerton)
Phone: (902)-752-2373 Mount Saint Vincent University: Email: [email protected]
Phone: (902)-457-6719 Strait Area Campus (Port Hawkesbury) Email: [email protected] Phone: (902)-625-7162
Email: [email protected] Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University:
Truro Campus Phone: (902) 494 8313 Phone: (902)-893-5882 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Nova Scotia Community College Waterfront Campus (Dartmouth)
Phone: 902-491-1790 Akerley Campus Email: [email protected] Phone: (902)-491-4953
Email: [email protected] Saint Mary’s University
Annapolis Valley Campus Phone: (902)-491-8617 Phone: (902)-584-2116 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Saint Francis Xavier University Burridge Campus (Yarmouth)
Phone: (902)-749-2403 Phone: (902) 867-5349 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Cumberland Campus (Springhill) Université Sainte-Anne Phone: (902)-597-4400
Email: [email protected] Phone: 902-769-2114 # 7332 Email: [email protected] Institute of Technology Campus (Halifax) Phone: (902)-491-3587 Email: [email protected] http://psds.ednet.ns.ca/contact-us