Frequently Asked Questions
International Student FAQ
What is disability?
As defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code, disability is:
- Any physical disability due to injury (accident), birth defect or medical illness (including but not limited to diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, autism, brain injury, visual or hearing impairment)
- A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability
- Learning disability (including but not limited to ADHD, dyslexia)
- An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed by the insurance plan.
Disability can be TEMPORARY or PERMANENT
Who can access our services?
- Must be a current student at Mohawk College.
- International student with temporary or permanent disability which occurred before or during your stay in Canada.
- International student with special needs to fulfill academic requirements like larger font of notes, audio recording of the lecture, sign language interpreter, writer for the exams or wider desks to accommodate wheelchairs, etc.
What do I do if I don’t have documentation?
- You can still register if you don’t have documentation. When you meet with an Accessibility Counsellor, they can help to identify what documentation is needed and where you can obtain it
- Examples of documentation include: Doctors note, psycho-educational assessment, Accommodation Documentation Form and a Disability Verification Form (if you are accessing OSAP)
- Have questions? Call us at 905-575-2122, come to A105 or email als@mohawkcollege.ca
How does accessing Accessible Learning Services impact my visa and degree/diploma?
- Many students reduce the number of courses they are taking in one semester. You need to remain full time for your student visa, which means you want to maintain at least 66% course load or higher. Speak with your Student Success Advisor and International Coach for more information
- Accessing Accessible Learning Services is not reported to the government, does not show on your transcript, and is not noted on your diploma
How do you know if you can benefit from accessing Accessible Learning Services?
- Have your previous schools/colleges/ or universities provided you with additional resources, such as extra time on tests, note taking support or other accommodations/services/supports?
- Do you suspect you have a disability?
- Does it take longer than expect to read information, memorize passages for test, stay focused, experience pain or discomfort, depression or anxiety or perhaps there are other life experiences impacting your ability to succeed in your studies?
- Do you identify with an illness, injury or have received a diagnosis that is impacting your studies?
- Did you have a childhood condition and wonder if it could be affecting your learning experiences at College?
- Your program of study has a co-op, placement or Certification Exam and you would like to arrange supports/accommodations for those events?