Learning Strategies and Skills
Choose from a lineup of workshops led by an Accessibility Services Learning Strategist, and designed to empower you with practical tools and strategies for a successful learning experience.
Register for sessions through the Folio links within each workshop description.
All U of T students who self-identify as having a disability are eligible.
With the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, students are navigating new opportunities and challenges in learning environments. In this workshop, explore how AI can be used thoughtfully to support learning, especially for students who experience disability-related impacts. This workshop will help students:
- Better understand how AI and large language models (LLMs) work, including their limitations and ethical considerations.
- Evaluate how and when to use AI responsibly in academic settings.
- Discover how AI tools can support executive functioning and personalized learning for students with disabilities.
This session will include practical examples, tools, and resources to help you use AI effectively and ethically in your academic journey.
Upcoming workshops
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
In this workshop, learn strategies that aim to enhance an open mind for tackling the mental processing and cognitive function required for university. You will also learn tips to improve mindfulness and resilience, while recognizing signs of stress and impaired concentration. Topics covered in this workshop include:
- Explore the science behind growth mindset and visualizing our brain’s plasticity.
- Learn about positive coping mechanisms to build mental strength.
- Discover multimodal learning strategies and how this can enhance your overall learning experience.
Upcoming workshops
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
How can you make the most of readings to supplement your learning? With limited time and so many obligations, taking the time to do readings for class can be overwhelming. In this workshop, an Accessibility Services Learning Strategist will cover strategies for effective reading. This session will cover topics such as:
- Strategies you can use before reading and during your reading.
- Note-taking tips.
- What you can do if you don’t have enough time to do all the readings or feel the need to do all the readings in depth.
Upcoming workshops
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
Group Learning Strategy Sessions – Winter 2026
These online group sessions foster community while offering strategies and tips to help you navigate common challenge areas.
Each session is led by a learning strategist and limited to a maximum of six participants.
Topics and descriptions are as follows:
Perfectionism: Moving Towards Progress: Perfectionism can enter at life’s key moments. Understand the ‘why’ behind perfectionism, and how to manage challenges and perfectionistic tendencies. Practice reflection on current projects, the cultivation of self-awareness, and learn strategies that can be applied to perceived challenges. Done is better than perfect!
Overcoming Procrastination and Building Motivation: Procrastination is often misinterpreted as a challenge in managing time, but it actually serves as a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult emotions and negative moods. It is common for us to prioritize immediate needs over long-term ones. Learn strategies to build momentum and motivation through self-encouragement, goal setting, and task initiation.
Realistic Time Management: Are you experiencing challenges with creating a time management system that is tailored to your needs? Connect with peers and learn practical strategies to identify what is realistic, establish a routine, and navigate situations when things don’t go as planned.
January
- Friday, January 9 at 11 AM: Realistic Time Management
- Wednesday, January 14 at 2 PM: Perfectionism: Moving Towards Progress
- Friday, January 23 at 11 AM: Overcoming Procrastination and Building Motivation
- Wednesday, January 28 at 2 PM: Realistic Time Management
February
- Friday, February 6 at 11 AM: Perfectionism: Moving Towards Progress
- Wednesday, February 11 at 2 PM: Overcoming Procrastination and Building Motivation
- Friday, February 20 at 11 AM: Realistic Time Management
- Wednesday, February 25 at 2 PM: Perfectionism: Moving Towards Progress
March
- Friday, March 6 at 11 AM: Overcoming Procrastination and Building Motivation
- Wednesday, March 11 at 2 PM: Realistic Time Management
- Friday, March 20 at 11 AM: Perfectionism: Moving Towards Progress
- Wednesday, March 25 at 2 PM: Overcoming Procrastination and Building Motivation
April
- Wednesday, April 8 at 2 PM: Realistic Time Management
- Friday, April 17 at 11 AM: Perfectionism: Moving Towards Progress
- Wednesday, April 22 at 2 PM: Overcoming Procrastination and Building Motivation
Registration
Register in advance on Folio to secure your spot:
- Perfectionism: Moving Towards Progress
- Overcoming Procrastination and Building Motivation
- Realistic Time Management
Email us at as.learning@utoronto.ca if you need to cancel.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
Are you interested in adding gamification to your current study toolbox? Games, badges and points can introduce motivation and consistency to learning in a new way. Whether you’ve always enjoyed trivia night, memory games or video games, learn some gamification methods to change up habits and add novelty to your study routine.
- Explore game elements suitable for online and in person courses.
- Learn about different habit trackers and game-based learning for increased motivation and engagement.
- Discover creative ways to personalize games for breaking down problem sets and essays.
Upcoming workshops
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
Learn memory-related strategies for tests and exams, including chunking, dual coding and the memory palace. You will also learn how you can integrate these strategies as part of your studying for upcoming assessments. Topics covered in this workshop include:
- Executive Functioning and Working Memory
- Memory Strategies
- Putting the Strategies into Practice
Upcoming workshops
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
Graduate school brings exciting opportunities, but it can also present new challenges, especially for students with accessibility needs. This workshop will be facilitated by experts who understand the unique landscape of grad school and will offer practical strategies to address two of the most common issues graduate students face: Navigating disability disclosure and managing the self-paced nature of graduate work.
Upcoming workshops
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
There’s nothing on the schedule right now, but check back soon to see what’s coming up.
In the meantime, visit Folio for similar events or explore our website to discover other programs and opportunities.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
Our Navigating Life and Learning with a New Diagnosis Series was created to support students like you who are adjusting to new diagnoses and accommodations.
Across three interactive sessions, you’ll explore how your diagnosis impacts learning, discover tools to manage time and executive functioning, and build the skills to advocate for yourself through formal requests. You can register to attend any of the workshops in this series. You are welcome to attend all three or just one workshop. Please find the full list of workshops and dates below.
Navigating Your Diagnosis and Academic Success
University life brings unique challenges, and navigating a new diagnosis (whether it’s anxiety, ADHD, depression, ASD, or another condition) can sometimes make your university experience even more complex. Navigating Your Diagnosis and Academic Success is an interactive workshop designed to help you understand the impact of your diagnosis on learning styles, productivity, and energy levels, while equipping you with practical strategies for academic success.
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
Time Management and Executive Functioning Strategies
Time Management & Executive Functioning Strategies is designed to support students who are learning how their new diagnosis might impact focus, productivity, and emotional regulation. This workshop offers practical tools to help you build confidence, manage academic demands, and create sustainable routines.
When exploring your new diagnosis, it can be tough to know how to balance your strengths with the challenges you may face. This workshop provides a supportive space to explore strategies that align with your needs, build self-awareness, and connect with peers who understand the journey.
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
Self-Advocacy and Writing Formal Requests
Receiving a new diagnosis can be a turning point in your academic journey. Suddenly, you may need to communicate with professors, advisors, or campus services in ways you haven’t before. When you’re newly diagnosed, asking for accommodations or support can feel intimidating. This workshop provides a safe space to learn how to advocate for yourself, express your needs confidently, and use writing as a powerful tool to ensure your voice is heard.
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
In this workshop, learn strategies for tackling in-person tests and exams, including multiple choice, short answer, and essay exams. You will also learn how to create an inventory of material covered on your upcoming assessments. Topics covered in this workshop include:
- Identifying what to study, how to study, and when to study.
- Recognizing your strengths and discover how to use them to your advantage.
- Managing your time and staying calm and focused during your tests and assessments.
Upcoming workshops
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
Speaking in public can be a daunting experience for most of us. It’s completely natural to feel anxious at the thought of giving a seminar or presentation, even if you’re generally comfortable speaking in front of a group. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to enhance both the quality of your presentation skills and your overall confidence. You’ll gain a valuable toolbox filled with useful tips, techniques and strategies.
- Apply techniques to effectively manage presentation anxiety.
- Learn to develop interpersonal skills and increase confidence.
- Learn performance and communication strategies.
- Practice skills in an inclusive, safer space.
This workshop is for anyone who:
- Feels uncomfortable or avoids speaking in front of groups.
- Struggles with perfectionism or imposter syndrome.
- Wishes to strengthen their presentation skills and control their nervousness.
Each workshop is 90 minutes (50 minutes of learning strategy instruction, 10-minute break, optional 30-minute practice component) and available virtually and in person.
Upcoming workshops
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
Are you interested in learning about a variety of effective methods to take notes during class? In this 60-minute workshop, connect with an Accessibility Services Learning Strategist to learn new skills, ask questions and discuss your current strategies for note-taking. Discover active studying strategies that will help with taking notes during online and in-person classes.
- Learn strategies to take notes by hand or on your computer for online or in-person courses.
- Discover ways to incorporate active review into your weekly schedule.
- Discover strategies to get the most out of your courses, through annotating digital slides, taking digital notes, reviewing supplemental or copied notes.
Upcoming workshops
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
When you’re behind on your work or feeling overwhelmed, how can you use Reading Week to catch up? With assignments, essays, and exams on the horizon, the middle of the semester can be overwhelming. In this workshop, learn how to create an inventory of upcoming assessments and make a realistic plan to use reading week effectively.
- Learn to prioritize your urgent and important tasks
- Break down your work into smaller academic tasks
- Create a schedule to complete your work
Upcoming workshops
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
Virtual Accountability Check-ins offer the opportunity to connect with Accessibility Services staff and your peers two times a week. These check-ins help you stay on track, increase accountability and allow you to celebrate your weekly successes!
Eligibility
All U of T students who are registered with Accessibility Services.
Schedule
Join us on Mondays from 12 – 12:30 p.m. to set goals and create a weekly schedule and on Fridays from 12 – 12:30 p.m. to reflect on the week and celebrate successes.
Check-ins Format
On Mondays, join a learning strategist and peer facilitator to review your week ahead. Come back on Fridays to review how your week went and what you achieved. Each check-in will include a learning strategy and helpful tips to make the most of your productivity.
Registration
Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.
There’s nothing on the schedule right now, but check back soon to see what’s coming up.
In the meantime, visit Folio for similar events or explore our website to discover other programs and opportunities.
*The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Learning Strategies and Skills program. This program is open to University of Toronto students who self-identify as having a disability.
Workshops Format
Each learning skills workshop is led by a learning strategist. Students will learn different learning strategies about a specific academic skill (e.g. time-management). You will also have opportunities to ask questions about learning strategies and listen in on discussions.
Participation
In online workshops, being on camera, using your mic, or participating in the chat are all optional. We welcome you to participate in a way that works for you. You are welcome to ask your own questions or simply observe these sessions to learn from ongoing discussions.
Materials
You are not required to bring any materials to these sessions, but we encourage you to come prepared with questions. Recordings of these sessions will not be provided to encourage the participation of all student attendees.
Platform access information
Online sessions will be delivered using MS Teams. Information on how to access live captions, and all other accessibility information for MS Teams, can be found on this MS Teams accessibility page.
Questions
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at as.learning@utoronto.ca.
