🎓 Simon Fraser University (SFU) Disability-Related Resources
Disability & Accessibility Supports
Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)
Facilitates disability-related accommodations to ensure a fair and equitable academic experience
Works with students, instructors, and campus units to remove disability-related barriers
🔗 https://www.sfu.ca/students/accessible-learning.html
Autism Mentorship Initiative (AMI)
Runs: September (Fall) – May (Spring)
Purpose: Enhance social connection & academic success
How it works:
• Matched with a trained SFU student mentor
• Meet weekly (1–2 hours)
• Flexible focus areas, including:
– Study skills & time structuring
– Communication skills (e.g., speaking with professors)
– Campus resources & involvement
– General connection & student life support
• Optional questionnaires for program development
🔗 https://www.sfu.ca/students/accessible-learning/programs-and-services/autism-mentorship-program.html
Disability and Neurodiversity Alliance (DNA)
Student-led network for students who identify as disabled, autistic, neurodivergent, Deaf, mad, and/or living with chronic illness, long-term conditions, or mental illness
Focuses on disability justice, anti-ableism, and community-building
🔗 https://linktr.ee/SFUDNA
SFSS & DNA Accessibility Centre
Located on the first floor of the SUB
Community space for students with disabilities
Contact: accessibility@sfss.ca
SFSS Accessibility Grant
Financial assistance to make SFSS events more accessible
SFSS Accessibility Committee
Works to improve accessibility within the student union and at SFU
Contact: ac@sfss.ca
SFU Library – Disability Services
Provides services specifically for students with disabilities
🔗 https://www.lib.sfu.ca
🏥 SFU Student Health & Counselling
Access doctors for assessments, documentation, or medical referrals
🔗 https://www.sfu.ca/students/health.html
Academic & Learning Supports
Student Learning Commons (SLC) – Learning & Study Support
Study strategies, tutoring, and learning resources
🔗 https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/branches-depts/slc/learning
Writing Consultations & Workshops (SLC)
• One-on-one writing feedback (all 3 campuses + online via WriteAway)
• Writing workshops
• Academic writing strategy videos (all stages of writing process)
🔗 https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/branches-depts/slc/writing
English Language (EAL) Support
Support for English language learners
🔗 https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/branches-depts/slc/eal
Assistive Technology & Accessible Materials
Assistive Technology BC
Provides assistive technology services for post-secondary students or employees with disabilities
Centre for Accessible Post-Secondary Education Resources (CAPER-BC)
Provides accessible learning and teaching materials for students who cannot use conventional print due to disabilities
Financial Supports & Grants
Provincial Grants & Bursaries
• Assistance Program for Students with Permanent Disabilities
• B.C. Access Grant
• B.C. Supplemental Bursary for Students with a Permanent Disability
• Learning Disability Assessment Bursary
• List of All B.C. Grants and Scholarships
Part-Time Students with a Permanent Disability
If studying part-time at a designated institution, you may access:
• Assistance Program for Students with Permanent Disabilities
• B.C. Supplemental Bursary
• Learning Disability Assessment Bursary
Loan Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with a Permanent Disability (RAP-PD)
Eligibility (Canada & B.C. RAP-PD):
• Canada-B.C. integrated student loan
• Canadian resident
• Permanent disability
• Meet income threshold
🔗 https://studentaidbc.ca
Disability-Related Grievances & Appeals
Grievances with CAL (SFU General Policy 26)
If dissatisfied with accommodations:
1️⃣ Meet with the Director of CAL
2️⃣ Appeal to the Executive Director, Student Affairs
3️⃣ External independent third-party review
4️⃣ If no agreement, referred to Vice-Provost & AVP Students & International
Disability-Related Grievances About Faculty/Department
Stage 1: Contact Disability Access Advisor (informal mediation) or University Ombudsperson
Stage 2: File written grievance with department chair/director
Stage 3: Appeal to Faculty Dean
Support available through Student Advocate, Ombuds, or CAL
Suggestions: studentadv.coord@sfss.ca