Accessibility Services

Our team assists in navigating disability-related barriers to your academic success at U of T for your on-going or temporary disability. We provide services and supports for learning, problem solving and inclusion.

Photo: Michelle Gibson

Why Connect With Us

Accessibility remote/online learning updates for students and faculty.
5 KEY things to get you started & updated student handbooks.
Program, practicum, lab & course accommodations.
Adaptive software & equipment.
Learning strategies.
Peer support; learning & social.
Plus a list of popular accessibility related topics.

Programs

Moving Forward Summer Transition Program
A summer transition program specifically designed for new, incoming students living with disabilities who are entering any level of post-secondary education at any institution Learn more about Moving Forward Summer Transition Program

Accessibility Dialogues
Discussions in an informal but private virtual setting, focused on topics relevant to students registered with Accessibility Services Learn more about Accessibility Dialogues

Group Learning Strategy Sessions
Online group sessions foster community and offer offer strategies to help students navigate common challenge areas Learn more about Group Learning Strategy Sessions

Peer Advisor Drop-in Sessions
Drop-in sessions designed for students registered with Accessibility Services to chat with their peers and learn more about using accommodations Learn more about Peer Advisor Drop-in Sessions

ASD Peer Connections for Women & Trans Students
ASD Peer Connections for Women & Trans Students provides women and trans students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) an informal space to connect and discuss topics relevant to their disability and identity. Learn more about ASD Peer Connections for Women & Trans Students

Learning Skills Workshops
Online sessions to help you develop the academic skills needed to succeed in a remote learning environment Learn more about Learning Skills Workshops

Virtual Accountability Check-ins
Virtual Accountability Check-ins offer the opportunity to connect with Accessibility Services staff and your peers twice a week. Learn more about Virtual Accountability Check-ins

Access Us Peer Mentorship Program
Pair with an Access Us peer mentor and be part of a supportive community. Learn more about Access Us Peer Mentorship Program

Volunteer Note-taking
Become a volunteer note-taker through our Volunteer Note-taking program. Note-taking is one of the most common academic accommodations given to students registered with Accessibility Services. Learn more about Volunteer Note-taking

Accessibility Grad Chats
Learn how Accessibility Services can support you during your studies, hear from other graduate students who navigate disabilities, and connect with Accessibility Services staff who work directly with graduate students. Learn more about Accessibility Grad Chats

Social Association for Students with ASD
Provides students with ASD a chance to connect, contribute and develop new friendships Learn more about Social Association for Students with ASD

ADHD Group
The ADHD Group is a five-session facilitated learning community for students with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) registered with Accessibility Services. Learn more about ADHD Group

ADHD Peer Connections
An online space to connect with other students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Learn more about ADHD Peer Connections

Drop-in Learning Strategy Appointments
Connect with a learning strategist and fellow students during these group drop-in sessions to ask questions, discuss your current strategies and learn new skills. Drop-in Learning Strategy Appointments will return in fall 2021. Learn more about Drop-in Learning Strategy Appointments

Transition Day
An annual opportunity to learn about starting university for students with disabilities Learn more about Transition Day

Peer Mentor Drop-in Sessions
These drop-in sessions are designed for students registered with Accessibility Services to chat with our peer mentors. Learn more about Peer Mentor Drop-in Sessions

FACULTY & STAFF: Seizure Educational Modules
These online modules provide education for staff and faculty who may be working with a student or colleague who has seizures/epilepsy. Learn more about FACULTY & STAFF: Seizure Educational Modules
Services

Accessibility Services registration & documentation requirements
Accessibility Services supports students who experience difficulties affecting their learning in lectures, labs and/or tutorials through academic and practicum accommodations. Learn more about Accessibility Services registration & documentation requirements

Face mask accommodations
We expect students to follow the current guideline regarding wearing of non-medical masks when on campus. Students who meet eligibility criteria may apply for a mask accommodation due to an identified medical or disability-related barrier(s). Learn more about Face mask accommodations

Accessibility Services Indigenous liaison
Meet with Accessibility Services Indigenous Liaison, Erin Martin, for support in navigating the Accessibility Services registration process. Learn more about Accessibility Services Indigenous liaison

Service animal registration
U of T offers a voluntary and optional registration process for service animals. Learn more about Service animal registration

Residence accommodations
Students requiring residence accommodations are encouraged to register with Accessibility Services as soon as possible. Learn more about Residence accommodations

Accommodations renewal
Starting April 30, students currently registered with our office will receive an email from Accessibility Services outlining the process of reactivation that is available to them for the upcoming academic year. Learn more about Accommodations renewal

Accessibility advisor support
You and your accessibility advisor will work together to develop your academic accommodations. Learn more about Accessibility advisor support

Accommodated Testing Services
Accessibility Services works with Accommodated Testing Services (ATS) to administer and coordinate quizzes, term tests and exams for students registered with Accessibility Services. Learn more about Accommodated Testing Services

Outreach programming & workshops
Accessibility Services offers outreach programming and workshops. Learn more about Outreach programming & workshops

Letter of Accommodation
Your Letter of Accommodation is developed in collaboration with your accessibility advisor and is used to begin a discussion with course and program staff about your accommodation needs. Learn more about Letter of Accommodation

Disability-related extensions
The impact of a disability may mean you need additional time to complete assignments. Learn more about Disability-related extensions

Note-taking support
Our accommodations administrator can help you with questions about accessing class notes through our Volunteer Note-taking program. Note-taking is one of the most common academic accommodations given to students registered with Accessibility Services. Learn more about Note-taking support

Adaptive technologist support
An adaptive technologist works with students registered with Accessibility Services to identify accommodations that involve technology. Learn more about Adaptive technologist support

Learning strategist support
A learning strategist can help you identify your strengths and develop personalized learning strategies to meet the challenges of academic life. Learn more about Learning strategist support

Financial support
There may be a variety of financial aids (grants and bursaries) available for students with disabilities. Learn more about Financial support

Accessibility Services resource library
The Accessibility Services resource library holds links to resources and documents related to registration, accommodations, online learning and guidance for faculty. Learn more about Accessibility Services resource library
News

Accessibility Services in the news
Updated December 6, 2021 Read the latest reporting about Accessibility Services and accessibility on U of T campuses from U… Read more of this News Article

My journey into Accessibility Services
This article was originally written by Alyson on the Life@UofT blog. I’m a blogger for Accessibility Services, except I’m not… Read more of this News Article

COVID-19: A message from Accessibility Services
Reported March 16, 2020 Our office remains available to you, although we ask that you limit your communication to phone… Read more of this News Article

A closer look at Accessibility Services
The Accessibility Services team helps students with disabilities reach their full potential at U of T. But what does “living… Read more of this News Article

Myth-busting Accessibility Services
Every student has unique strengths and needs for succeeding at U of T. Some students may live with disabilities or… Read more of this News Article

U of T Accessibility Services supports students during COVID-19
Posted: 8 June 2020 When in-person classes ended in mid-March, accessibility services staff at the University of Toronto’s three campuses… Read more of this News Article

Accessibility Year in Review 2019-2020: You called, we answered
Updated July 13, 2021 By Kirsty Clarke Download infographic: Accessibility Services Year in Review 2019 and 2020 (PDF) The Accessibility… Read more of this News Article

Transfer your accessibility accommodations to UTM or UTSC
Posted January 17, 2022 If you’re taking courses offered by the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) or the University of… Read more of this News Article
Contacts
Our team

The staff at Accessibility Services can help you navigate U of T and get you the support you need.

Once you submit a complete registration package, you will be scheduled for an intake appointment with an accessibility advisor. You may be referred to an additional resource in our office, such as a learning strategist or adaptive technologist. You might also be interested in attending a group or participating in our peer programming.

Our staff are located both in our central office and on location in faculties and colleges across campus.

Contact information for accessibility professionals is listed below.

For questions related to university-wide or procedural concerns, email the Director, Michael Nicholson at michael.nicholson@utoronto.ca.

If you are a staff or faculty member who would like to request Accessibility Services’ participation in a workshop or event, email accessibility.services@utoronto.ca.
Accessibility Services Reception

455 Spadina Avenue, 4th floor, Suite 400 Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2G8

416-978-8060
accessibility.services@utoronto.ca

Fax: 416-978-5729

Hours of operation:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. Phone lines close at 4:30 p.m.
- Extended hours on Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST. Phone lines close at 5:30 p.m.
Last updated: December 16, 2021
Note: In-person appointments and visits are not available until further notice.

Accessibility Services is open by appointment only during COVID-19.

Appointments are available primarily via Microsoft Teams audio/video conferencing or by phone. For the safety of students and staff, in-person visits to Accessibility Services must be requested in advance and are subject to availability. Drop-ins are canceled until further notice.

Please call Accessibility Services Reception at 416-978-8060 to book an appointment.

We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Upcoming office closures

Accessibility Services will be closed:
- Thursdays, 9 a.m – 10 a.m. for scheduled staff meetings
- Tuesday, February 22, 2022, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Requirements to visit campus

All students, employees and visitors are required to complete UCheck before coming to campus. If you are permitted to access campus, you will receive a green screen. If you receive a red screen, please follow the instructions below. To protect medical confidentiality, information on red statuses due to potential or confirmed COVID-19 cases should not be shared unless guidance has been provided by the Occupational Health Nurse, Ontario Health Network (OHN). Based on the contact tracing process, the guidance provided will include who should receive any notification and the language for the notification.
- If a student receives a red status from UCheck or after completing the offline or paper-based self-assessment log, they are instructed to contact their Campus Health and Wellness or Counselling Centre who will assess and determine whether the OHN needs to be contacted.
  
  UTSG Health & Wellness Centre: 416-978-8030
  
  UTSC Health & Wellness Centre: 416 287-7065
  
  UTM Health & Counselling Centre: 905-828-5255
- If an employee receives a red status from UCheck or after completing the offline or paper-based self-assessment log, they are instructed to stay home and immediately contact their manager, supervisor, Dean, Chair, or Academic Director who will instruct them to contact the occupational health nurse (OHN) at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca immediately.
Please follow the procedures for individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Read the University’s case management process.
Accessibility Advisors: Central & On Location

Alexa Kirkland

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-8219
  alexa.kirkland@utoronto.ca

Victoria College; Emanuel College (TST)

On-location at Victoria College, 73 Queen’s Park Crescent East, Northrop Frye Hall – Room NF 103A

Annicka Stabenow

Accessibility Advisor

   416-946-3970
  annicka.stabenow@utoronto.ca

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and Faculty of Law

On-location at
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering: Galbraith Building, 35 St. George Street, GB 138 and
Faculty of Law: FL 411, Flavelle House, 78 Queens Park

Bismah Khalid

Accessibility Advisor

   416-926-7278
  bismah.khalid@utoronto.ca

St. Michael’s College, Faculty of Theology College (TST), Regis College (TST), and St. Augustine’s Seminary (TST)

On-location at St. Michael’s College, 81 St. Mary Street, Rm. BR167 Brennan Hall

Brittany Van Beilen

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-1533
  brittany.vanbeilen@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Gretel Silvestre

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-1534
  gretel.silvestre@utoronto.ca

Innis College & University College

Hannah Jackson

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-7759
  hannahw.jackson@utoronto.ca

Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) & Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW)

On-location at Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, 246 Bloor Street West, Rm. 108

Irene Sullivan

Accessibility Advisor and Team Lead

   416-978-8062
  irene.sullivan@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Jennifer Kirk

Accessibility Advisor

   416-864-8077
  j.kirk@utoronto.ca

University College, Knox College (TST)

On-location at University College, 15 King’s College Circle, UC 045

NOTE: The wheelchair-accessible entrance is out of service during the UC Revitalization Project construction. Contact marley.rosen@utoronto.ca, in advance, to arrange for an escort through the construction zone.

Jeta Haxhimaka

Accessibility Advisor

   416-946-7228
  jeta.haxhimanka@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Lisa van der Laan

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-0173
  lisa.vanderlaan@utoronto.ca

Professional Faculties South

On-location at Rehabilitation Sciences Building, 500 University Avenue, Room 1026

Mary Damianakis

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-7699
  mary.damianakis@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Maryam Masood

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-8246
  maryamm.masood@utoronto.ca

On-location at 455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Meccana Ali

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-0843
  meccana.ali@utoronto.ca

Woodsworth College & Transitional Year Program (TYP)

On-location at Woodsworth College Residence, 321 Bloor Street West – Room 181B.

Michael Mercer

Accessibility Advisor

   416-946-5556
  michael.mercer@utoronto.ca

Trinity College and Professional Faculties Central.

Michelle Morgani

Accessibility Advisor and Team Lead

   416-978-4334
  m.morgani@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Dr. Pearl Levey

Accommodations Specialist for Practicums/Placements/Laboratories

   416-978-1724
  pearl.levey@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Reshma Dhrodia

On-Location Team Lead

   416-978-4132
  reshma.dhrodia@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Samahra Zatzman

Accessibility Advisor

   416-946-0526
  samahra.zatzman@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Sandra Hohener

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-7704
  sandra.hohener@utoronto.ca

School of Graduate Studies

On-location at School of Graduate Studies, 63 St. George Street, GS 110

Sara Abura

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-5171
  sara.abura@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Sarah Goodfield Weinstein

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-5305
  sarah.goodfield@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Sezgi Ozel

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-7916
  sezgi.ozel@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Shayna Goldberg

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-7499
  shayna.goldberg@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Simon Nnaakirya

Accessibility Advisor

   416-978-7451
  s.nnaakirya@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Suzette McLarty

Accessibility Advisor and Team Lead

   416-946-8026
  suzette.mclarty@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Vivian Zhang

Accessibility Advisor

   416-946-5365
  vivianf.zhang@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Student Learning Team

Sarah Kloke

Accessible and Inclusive Learning Strategies Team Lead

   416-946-8586
  sarah.kloke@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Joanne Cerdan

Peer Program and Transition Coordinator

   416-978-1497
  joanne.cerdan@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Reginald Oey

Learning Strategist, Accessibility Services

   416-978-1902
  reginald.oey@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Dr. Erin McCurdy

Learning Strategist, Accessibility Services

   416-978-0325
  erin.mccurdy@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Adaptive Technologist

Lake Porter

Adaptive Technologist

   416-978-0356
  lake.porter@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Ann Thomas

Adaptive Technologist

   416-978-1564
  atann.thomas@utoronto.ca

455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400

Accessibility Services Leadership

Mike Nicholson

Director, Accessibility Services

   416-946-7928
  michael.nicholson@utoronto.ca

Natalie Roach

Interim Assistant Director, Accessibility Services

    416-978-1496
  nc.roach@utoronto.ca

Adina Burden (on mat leave)

Assistant Director, Accessibility Services

  adina.burden@utoronto.ca

Heather Kelly

Executive Director, Student Life Programs & Services

  heather.kelly@utoronto.ca

Intake & Triage

Jennifer Stewart

Intake Coordinator & Team Lead, Accessibility Services

   416-978-8060 (main line)
  accessibility.services@utoronto.ca

Administration

Rozmin Dhira

Business Officer, Accessibility Services

   416-978-8394
  rozmin.dhira@utoronto.ca

Mira Ali

Office Manager, Accessibility Services

   416-978-1488
  mira.ali@utoronto.ca

Mayur Ubhe

Records and Support Services Assistant

   416-978-6988
  accessibility.services@utoronto.ca

Erin Martin

Indigenous Liaison & Administrative Assistant

   416-978-0774
  indigenous.accessibility@utoronto.ca

Amreen Fatima

Administrative Assistant

   416-978-8060 (main line)
  accessibility.services@utoronto.ca

Accommodation Administration

Sara Lerner

Accommodations Administrator

   416-946-5555
  accommodations.admin@utoronto.ca

Morghan Brett

Accommodations Administrator

   416-978-6186
  morghan.brett@utoronto.ca