Application for Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility

Applying to be a client of the Fred Smithers Centre Your application cannot be processed until both the online application form and documentation are received.

Application Process

Students who wish to register for services with The Fred Smithers Centre are required to submit an application AND supporting documentation from a physician or psychologist. The following is a list of documentation accepted based on disability:

• Mental Illness: Psychologist; Physician; Psychiatrist
• Learning Disability: Psycho educational assessment; neuropsychological assessment; school Psychologist
• ADD/ADHD: Psychologist; Psychiatrist; Physician
• Hearing Impairment: Audiologist assessment
• Visual Impairment: Ophthalmologist
• Mobility Impairment: Physician; specialist
• Medical Condition: Physician
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Psychologist; Psychiatrist; Neurologist

Supports and Accommodations

The services offered by The Fred Smithers Centre include, but are not limited to:

• Academic Accommodations
• Access to grants, goods and services
• Adaptive technology and training
• Exam accommodations
• Note taking support via a volunteer program or transcription software
• Employment skills • Faculty presentations and workshops for students
• Referrals within the University and to community agencies

Process

There are three steps to complete the application process and become a client of the Fred Smithers Centre:

1. Complete the following online application form
2. Submit documentation (see above for requirements) – If you do not have current or detailed documentation as listed above, please complete the Fred Smithers Centre’s Disability Verification Form
3. Book an appointment with an Advisor via the link sent by email after your application is processed.

The deadlines for new applicants are as follows:
• Fall Semester - November 1st
• Winter Semester - March 1st
• Spring Session - May 15th
• Summer Session - July 15th

All documentation received by the Fred Smithers Centre will be stored securely for a period of 5 years after which it will be destroyed.

Students should also keep a copy of their documentation for future reference.

Application

Please complete all portions of the following application to become registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility. Your application will be processed based on the date received.

Please note that while we do use the term “disability” for documentation purposes, we acknowledge that self-identifying words vary from person to person. We welcome all students from the neurodiverse, Deaf and hard of hearing, and diverse ability community. We will always follow your lead on how you would like to be addressed.

When the application form and supporting documentation are received, you will be contacted by the Centre by email to schedule an Intake Meeting with an Accessibility Advisor. During this meeting, an advisor will walk you through the processes of obtaining accommodations within the classroom and for quizzes/tests/exams, as well as all other supports that are available to you.

First Name

A Number

Last Name

Preferred First Name

SMU Email Address

Preferred Pronoun

Are you an international student?

Phone Number

I consent to receive email notifications from the Fred Smithers Centre

Have you or do you plan to access any of the following supports through Student Affairs and Services?

The Fred Smithers Centre of Support for Students with Disabilities is a division of Student Affairs and Services

Information Sharing

I agree to the Fred Smithers Centre sharing my name, A number and other pertinent information with Admissions, the Service Centre, and other relevant departments (for example Academic Advising) at Saint Mary's University in order to best support my experience at SMU, as well as be considered for Scholarships & Awards.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY

The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility together with Saint Mary’s University are committed to protecting the privacy of people who work and study here, as well as people who have previously worked and studied here.

I understand that in submitting this application that my information provided on this form is collected by Saint Mary’s University and is used for the purposes of providing supports and services to students and for statistical purposes including internal annual reports and evaluation of our services. Any information collected will be protected and used in compliance with Nova Scotia’s Freedom of information and Protection of Privacy Act 1993, c5, s.1. For more information on privacy and confidentiality please visit https://www.smu.ca/privacy/privacyatsmufoipop/.

By applying for registration with the Fred Smithers Centre and by utilizing the services of the Centre, students consent to the collection of their personal information and its storage on Clockwork (a confidential electronic database for accommodation and student related information), paper file and digital files (OneDrive and outlook e-mail) for educational, administrative and statistical purposes. The information is needed to process their application and to confirm their enrolment and registration in academic programs; to provide faculty with information regarding specific academic accommodations without disclosure of a diagnosis; to provide the basis for awards and governmental funding and for related recordkeeping purposes. Students agree that all information on the application form and supporting documentation submitted to the Fred Smithers Centre becomes the property of the University.

Please upload your documentation here:

If you do not have documentation download this form and have it completed by a medical professional. Fred Smithers Centre’s Disability Verification Form

Application for Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility