Important Updates regarding COVID-19

Starting in Fall 2021 AccessAbility Services will be open on campus for pre-booked appoinments or front desk supports.  You can contact our office to book an appointment: 

1. In person, during office hours.  Please visit the UTogether website for on-site information and protocols, and ensure you complete the UCheck self-screening before coming to campus.
2. by PHONE, through our main office line at: 416-287-7560. Front desk staff are available to answer your calls and help you arrange appointments. If you reach our voicemail, please leave your full name and phone number to contact you at.
3. by EMAIL at: ability.utsc@utoronto.ca

Students can meet with their Disability Consultant and Assistive Technology Consultant on the phone, through MS Teams and can communicate via email.

Consultants will be available for pre-booked appointments in person, by phone, or online through TEAMS. You can also reach out to your Consultant by email.  Please call 416-287-7560 or email ability.utsc@utoronto.ca to book an appointment.

Microsoft Teams is a chat-based collaborative space that brings together people, content and conversations. It is available free to students, staff and faculty at the University of Toronto.

Students can go to the UTSC TEAMS site to review generic materials on
-    Accessing and installing MS teams on their device
-    Joining a MS TEAMS meeting

TIP: Students should use the browser to access MS Teams

If you need assistance to download MS TEAMS you can contact the student helpdesk at 416.287.4357 (HELP) or helpdesk@utsc.utoronto.ca
In the event of any technical difficulties, at the beginning of your meeting the Disability Consultant or Assistive Technology Consultant will ask you what number or email they can call you at.

Accommodated Test and Exams is still operational and providing accommodated testing support to students on request for online tests and exams.

• Students should continue to register to receive accommodations for their test/exams via myAIMS.  
• The deadline for students to register with Accommodated Tests and Exams, has passed but the Late Request Module on myAIMS is currently active.
• Accommodated Tests and Exams are currently reaching out to professors to determine if each test has been cancelled, or moved online.    
• If your professor informs us that your test has been cancelled, we will cancel your booking in myAIMS and inform you via email.  
• If your professor informs us that your test has been moved online, we will provide them with your extra time and break time accommodations to ensure that they can be added to your online test per your accommodations.
• Please do not cancel your tests/exam bookings on myAIMS if your Professor has announced that the tests/exams will be moving to an on-line delivery format. We require the information to inform your Professor that you would like to receive accommodation for their on-line tests

Students who are writing online with accommodations should note that this time, including breaks, is being added into your total test writing time. Students are strongly encouraged to use their break time as intended. Quercus will not shut down or "time out" if you step away from your computer during the allotted time for your testing.

For more detailed steps, please see our Taking a Timed Exam on Quercus instruction document (MS Word)

As long as you register with the Accommodated Tests and Exams office through myAIMS, as per the usual procedure, then your extra time will be facilitated by that office. You do not need to reach out to your instructor, but again, it is very important that you register for any online exams as quickly as possible to ensure this is arranged on your behalf.

In Quercus Open the course. In Course Navigation, click the "Quizzes" link.

Find you Final Exam, and  you should be able to see the day the exam opens and the due date of the exam. Click the exam to see its duration and the exact date/time it will open.

For detailed step-by-step instructions please view Taking a Timed Exam in Quercus instructions (MS Word)

Note: Students who are writing online with accommodations will have this time, including scheduled break time, added into the total test writing time. Students are strongly encouraged to use the break time as intended. Quercus will not shut down or "time out" if students step away from their computer during the allotted time for testing.

No, you should still register for your tests/exams via the myAIMS Test and Exams module. The Accommodated Tests and Exams Office in the Office of the Registrar will work with your instructor to ensure that your test and exam accommodations are applied in the online environment.

A take-home exam is a timed assignment that has replaced a final exam. Please find additional FAQs related to take-home exams below. An assignment is typically course work to be completed by a specific due date during the term.  In the case of an assignment, where a student has had weeks or months to prepare, then a student can request the usual extension accommodation of up to one week from the due date, if this is listed on the letter of accommodation. If you have questions related to additional time or extensions, please contact us.

Please monitor communication from your instructor, who will inform you how to submit your take-home exam. For example, if the take home exam is being administered on Quercus students may be asked to upload the exam in Quercus by a specific date and time. Whereas some faculty may request that students email them the completed take-home exam.

Please review the step-by-step instructions on how to submit take-home exams to Quercus [MS Word]

Please review the step-by-step instructions on submitting and exam in Quercus using Turnitin [MS Word]

See below for tips for using Assistive Technology in Quercus

Firefox is recommended for most features and accessibility.
 

Jaws Screen Reader

Recommended browser is Firefox.  This includes using JAWS with refreshable Braille display.
For BB collaborate:

• complete the audio set up with screen reader, JAWS recommended
• view all accessibility features and keyboard commands
• JAWS Screen Reader | Blackboard Help

NVDA screen reader

Recommended browser is Firefox

VoiceOver screen reader (Macintosh OS)

Recommended browser is Safari
For BB collaborate:

• complete the audio set up with screen reader
• view all accessibility features and keyboard commands

Kurzweil 3000 Read the Web text to speech 

Recommended browser is Chrome
Read the Web is also available for Firefox

Dragon speech recognition

Recommended browser is Firefox
Download and install Dragon extension for Firefox
Use Firefox keyboard commands as needed
Use Dragon Web commands

Tip: When selecting radio buttons while doing a quiz/test/exam it is important to say “click radio buttons” at which point all the radio buttons will be numbers.  Then say “choose *number*” in order to select the desired radio button.

ZoomText screen enhancement 

Recommended browser is Firefox
 

Windows OS accessibility options 

Compatible with Quercus
 

Macintosh OS accessibility options 

Compatible with Quercus

General Accessibility Resources

• Microsoft Teams Microsoft Accessibility and keyboard shortcuts for MS Teams
• Google Drive with screen readers and keyboard shortcuts for Google Docs
• Windows accessibility features
• Macintosh accessibility features

Please refer to the Office of the Registrar’s COVID-19 Information and Updates regarding your academic options.  UTSC students can go to the Office of the Registrar’s website for more information.

You can discuss your disability-related petition with your Disability Consultant by booking an appointment.  Petitions are submitted through the Office of the Registrar.  See documentation requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please review the Office of the Registrar website on COVID-19 Absence Declaration

You will still have access to your accommodations if your courses are being offered online. Based on your specific accommodations, you are encouraged to connect with your Disability Consultant, should you have specific questions about how your accommodations will translate to an online learning environment.  If you require support please contact our office.

As always, accessing your accommodations is your choice. Should you no longer require in-class accommodations, no action is needed on your end with a few exceptions. You are encouraged to log on to online classes as outlined by your professor/faculty.

You will still receive this accommodation. If your full-time status changed because of this transition, please connect with your Disability Consultant.  If you receive OSAP, we recommend you speak with a Financial Aid Advisor in the Office of the Registrar and an Academic Advisor to discuss degree and program planning.

Should you require these services for online lectures, if you have not done so, reach out to notetaking.utsc@utoronto.ca immediately to discuss next steps. There are many alternative options for you to access lecture content, but it is to request these accommodations as early as possible.

Yes, our amazing volunteer notetakers have been asked to continue taking notes and uploading them to the notetaking portal on myAIMS as usual.

In order to recruit volunteer note takers for online classes, we have included a message in the Letters of Accommodation that are provided to course instructors after students complete the Self-Renewal Module. The Letters of Accommodation include a link with instructions on how to recruit note takers, as well as a suggested script and posting to embed into course pages (e.g. Quercus).

Students may also download the note taking package and download the announcement script, and email it to course instructors directly. This is the first step in recruiting peer note takers for classes. If you have seen note taking announcement messages on your course pages and/or in your lectures, but are still experiencing an issue finding a note taker match in myAIMS, please inform us as soon as possible.

If you have a questions about the volunteer notetaking program, or require assistance with any steps, please contact notetaking.utsc@utoronto.ca or call us at 416-287-7560

If you have concerns, your consultant can discuss strategies and accommodations with you.

COVID-19 is a disabling medical condition, which you may be eligible to receive accommodations for.  Please contact 416-287-7560 or ability.utsc@utoronto.ca to schedule an appointment to talk with a Disability Consultant.

Multiple healthcare providers are now offering virtual appointments. Please connect with your current healthcare provider regarding this.

If you are seeing a healthcare provider at Health & Wellness within the University of Toronto, you will still be able to connect with them over the phone. Find more information about Health & Wellness appointments.

We recommend you schedule a phone or virtual appointment as we also consider your lived experience for accommodation planning. The service may be able to extend your accommodations until you are able to get the documentation. When you are able to submit your medical documentation, we will review your accommodation plan.  Students will be required to submit medical documentation to the service, upon request.  

Multiple healthcare providers are now offering virtual appointments. Please connect with your current healthcare provider regarding this.

If you are seeing a healthcare provider at Health & Wellness within the University of Toronto, you will still be able to connect with them over the phone. Find more information about Health & Wellness appointments.

Students will be required to submit medical documentation to the service, upon request.  If you are having difficulty obtaining medical documentation due to COVID-19 restrictions please speak with you Disability Consultant or contact our front desk at ability.utsc@utoronto.ca or 416-287-7560

BSWD receipts can be submitted by email to bswd.grants@utoronto.ca or by dropping the receipts in the drop box, located outside Enrolment Services, 172 St. George Street. Please ensure your name and student number are located on the receipts, as well as a standard cover sheet.  

A standard cover sheet to accompany your receipts is available from the Enrolment Services website.

Receipts will also be accepted as PDF from your University of Toronto email, please keep copies of your receipts for your records.

Any unused bursary funds must be repaid by a money order, certified cheque or bank draft payable to the University of Toronto.

A copy of the money order, certified cheque or bank draft can be emailed to bswd.grants@utoronto.ca or drop off the money order, certified cheque or bank draft in the drop box located outside Enrolment Services. Please ensure your name and student number is located on the cheque/money order or bank draft.

Photocopies of your cheque/money order or bank draft will be accepted as PDF from your University of Toronto email, please keep copies for your records.
If you have recently submitted a BSWD application (and are waiting for confirmation of approval), you are encouraged to contact your accessibility advisor directly with any questions you may have. If you are currently receiving BSWD funding for in-course supports/or other services, please connect with your accessibility advisor and Enrolment Services should you have any further questions about your BSWD funding. Please note that the on-campus transportation funding will no longer be available. Please communicate with your accessibility advisor if you have further questions regarding this

Are you having trouble getting started on your written assignment?  Are you struggling with organizing your thoughts to paper?  Do you need to talk through your written ideas to get started on your written work?

Supportive writing services are available through an online format.  If you would like to attend a session please follow these steps.

Please visit the Writing Support tutoring website to book a one-on-one appointment for writing support. 

Our office remains committed to helping you complete your term with as little disruption as possible. Download our new resource, Accessibility Resources for Students in Online Learning. This document discusses the transition from classroom to online learning for our students and provides tips, referral pathways and next steps.

Download the COVID-19 Response: Take Home Tests and Online Exams. This document discusses the transition from classroom to online testing for our students and provides tips, referral pathways and next steps.

Students should review COVID-19 Absence Declaration in ACORN  for the process to declare illness.  For more health and travel-related information and resources go to the University of Toronto Frequently Asked Questions.
 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic we continue to find creative ways to connect with students via online platforms and alternative formats.  Please visit the Office of Student Experience & Wellbeing list of online programming available to students.

In a recent Op-ed in the Globe & Mail, Margaret Eaton, the CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association, highlights “The implication of the phrase “social distancing” is that we should be putting space between us socially – but we only need to be distancing ourselves physically. In other words, we should be social and participating in the community at large – just so long as it doesn’t require physical proximity.
Indeed, what people need most right now is social connection, because real connection is essential to our mental health. Studies have shown that social networks – which provide emotional support, companionship and opportunities for meaningful social engagement – have a beneficial effect on mental-health outcomes, stress reactions, psychological well-being and self-esteem.”
You can maintain social connections while being physically distance through a range of activities including:

• UofT activities
• Set up a ‘buddy system’ with someone to check in on you and socialize
• Stay virtually connected through
  • Group Boardgames/ Games nights. Some games you may be interested are:
    • Words with Friends app
    • Tabletop Simulator
  • Virtual cooking classes/ Dinner Parties such as those provided by Milk Street (free till the end of April)
• Host a Netflix party
• Virtual Museum/ Science Centre Tours 
• Virtual Book Clubs (Can join one of these or you can start one with friends!)  

Resources

Health & Wellness Centre
Same-day mental health counselling by phone can be booked by calling or emailing:

• UTSC Health & Wellness at (416) 287-7065 or health-services@utsc.utoronto.ca

My Student Support Program (MySSP)
For students who want to talk to a counsellor by phone or chat who understands the stresses of post-secondary students. This services is confidential and available 24/7/365 from anywhere in the world, in multiple languages                 

Good2Talk 
This helpline allows students to talk to a counsellor on the phone who understands the stresses of post-secondary students and is available 24/7/365. Call 1-866-925-5454

Disability Communities

Ability Online 
An safe online community for friendship, support and skill development opportunities for youth and young adults with disabilities/chronic illness, their friends and family.
Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
Clients of SPIO can connect with peers with spinal cord injury in a safe and supportive online environment
CNIB Foundation   Tech It Out: Fun & Games (National) 
For Clients of CNIB April 8 – Fun & Games: Take a look at some of the free accessible games and apps available on ios and android devices, from dice world, audio game hub and more. Registration required

Other Resources

Big White Wall
I want an online safe and anonymous peer support community that is accessible anytime anywhere.      

CAMH Coping with Sress