Information for Students

We are here to help. You are welcome to contact an Advisor at any time if you have questions.

Academic accommodations for students with disabilities

Academic accommodations help students with a disability or ongoing medical condition overcome challenges that may affect their academic success.

UBC’s Disability Resource Centre determines a student’s eligibility for accommodations in accordance with the university’s Policy LR7: Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.

The types of conditions supported by the Disability Resource Centre include but are not limited to:

• Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder
• Neurological disabilities such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, learning disabilities, head injuries and Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Chronic health conditions, including ongoing medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease or migraines
• Physical or sensory disabilities such as visual impairment, hearing loss, or mobility impairments

Academic accommodations are not determined by your instructor; however, your instructor may consult with the Disability Resource Centre should the accommodation affect the essential learning outcomes of a course.

DRC Forms

Commonly used forms to access DRC services for students affiliated with the DRC have moved to the Student Portal. Other commonly used forms are found here.

• New to the DRC: To register with the DRC, log into the Student Portal and click on the ‘Intake’ module. Complete that form and upload your documentation. The Verification of Disability form below can be completed by the appropriate medical practitioner.
• Already affiliated: To request services that are approved as academic accommodations log into the Student Portal and enter the ‘Online Forms’ module. These include alternate format, closed captioning, ASL interpreting, academic concession for disability related reasons.
• Considering UBCO and concerned about Admission due to disability: To request special consideration for undergraduate admission for disability related reasons complete the form below and submit all required documents. The Verification of Disability form below can be used for this process.
• ASL interpreting or captioning for events: To request these services for an event, faculty/staff should complete the Captioning & Interpreting for Events Request Form or contact accommodations.drc@ubc.ca.  NOTE: For courses, students should submit ASL interpreting or captioning requests through the Student Portal.

Getting started

If you have not previously accessed services with the Disability Resource Centre, please follow the these steps:

Step one: Log into the Student Portal and enter the ‘Intake Module’.

The information you provide will give your Accessibility Advisor some background information that will help them prepare for your first meeting:

• The Intake form gives you the opportunity to tell us more about the challenges you experience related to your studies. To register with the DRC, log into the Student Portal and click on the ‘Intake’ module. Complete that form and upload your documentation.
• The Verification of Disability Form(pdf) can be completed by a qualified assessor to give us more information about barriers related to your condition. You can find more information about the medical documentation requirements here.

If you require some assistance in completing the information package or you have questions about this process, contact an advisor.

Step two: Meet with an Accessibility Advisor

Once you have submitted your information and medical documentation you will be contacted to set up your first meeting with an Accessibility Advisor. This initial meeting for first-time registrants typically takes about 45 minutes.

Depending on the time of year, it could take up to four weeks to have the first appointment with an accessibility advisor. Academic accommodations cannot be put in place without going through the full intake process which includes the initial appointment. Your advisor will work with you throughout your studies at UBC Okanagan.

Initial meeting with an Accessibility Advisor

Your first meeting with your Advisor will take 45 minutes. The purpose of the first meeting is for you and your advisor to get to know each other and to develop a plan to assist you in your studies. Together you will review the information you submitted and discuss the barriers you experience related to your studies and/or your full inclusion in campus activities. Your advisor will also provide you with information about support services that are available on campus, specialized services that may be appropriate to assist you, and funding options.

Housing consideration

To request housing or specific room assignment for medical or disability-related reasons, you must apply through UBC Housing and complete a DRC intake process.