For many students, the realization that they need academic support often arrives when the pressure of exam season is already mounting, or deadlines have quietly slipped out of reach. This YU Blog will help you navigate the application process for academic accommodations and supports through Student Accessibility Services (SAS) – from required documents to timelines to registration steps.
Whether you have a long-standing diagnosis or are simply wondering if you qualify for support, the most important thing to remember is that the timing of your application is essential.
Consider SAS to get tailored support for your unique journey
Far from a one-size-fits-all office, SAS recognizes that every students’ lived experience is distinct.
SAS provides support for a vast spectrum of needs, including diagnosed learning disabilities, mental health conditions (such as anxiety or depression), chronic illnesses, physical disabilities and sensory impairments.
The core mission of SAS is to translate your medical or psychological needs into an individualized plan. This culminates in a Letter of Accommodation (LOA), which is a formal document that communicates your specific requirements to your instructors without disclosing your diagnosis.
Whether you require extended time on exams, a distraction-free testing space or note-taking assistance, your plan is crafted to ensure you can compete on a level playing field.
The power of the proactivity
A frequent hurdle students encounter is waiting until a challenge arises to seek help.
To remain eligible, SAS recommends sending your LOA to your professors and requesting your test accommodations the first week of classes.
The best way to ensure your academic accommodations are available when you need them is to register the moment you accept your offer of admission and before the start of each term. Registration timelines are available on the Student Accessibility Services website.
By the time the mid-term scramble begins in week six, your support system should already be locked in, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies rather than paperwork.
Your SAS registration roadmap
Follow the steps below to set up your accommodations.
1. Gather your documents
Specific documents are required for your application:
- For learning disabilities: A recent psychoeducational assessment.
- For other conditions: The official SAS Medical Form completed by a registered health care professional.
Note: All documentation must be in English or French.
2. Submit your documents online
Once your papers are in order, upload them via the Registration Questionnaire on the SAS online portal. You’ll need an active Passport York account to access this.
3. Consult with an accessibility counsellor
Within five business days of your upload, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from sasreg@yorku.ca. This will lead to a meeting with an accessibility counsellor. Together, you will build your formal accommodations and support plan.
4. Keep your accommodations up to date
Every semester, you must use the SAS portal to share your LOA with your current instructors. This ensures your needs are met in every course.
If you are still hesitant, the SAS website offers a digital flowchart to help you determine your eligibility with zero pressure. For specific questions regarding documentation, a quick email to sasreg@yorku.ca can clarify your requirements before you even start.
Start early, settle your plan and your future self will thank you!