Access Services
Northern Lights College recognize and affirm the right of persons with disabilities to gain equal access to post-secondary education.
- About Access Services
- Accommodations
- Documentation
- Access Forms
For assistance or further information contact the Access Services Coordinator
Phone: 250-784-7502
Toll Free: 1-866-463-6652
Fax: 250-782-5233
Email: accessservices@nlc.bc.ca
The Access Services Coordinator is available at these times:
Dawson Creek: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - 8:30am–4:30pm - Room 2311A
Fort St. John: Monday and Wednesday - 10am–3pm, 11am–2:30pm - Room 176
Chetwynd: third Wednesday of the month - 10am–3pm, 11am–2:30pm - Room 107
Fort Nelson and Tumbler Ridge as necessary
Days scheduled for each campus are subject to change, please call ahead.
About Access Services
- Acknowledge NLC’s legal responsibility in providing reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities without causing “undue hardship” to the institution.
- Promote equitable access to NLC programs for students with disabilities by arranging reasonable accommodations.
- Advocate for inclusion or Universal Design for Learning and Teaching by raising awareness among NLC staff and faculty on the importance of providing accommodation to students with disabilities.
- Collaborate with different community service providers supporting persons with disabilities.
Detailed information on NLC’s policy for students with disabilities can be found under Education Policy: Access
Reasonable Accommodations
Following are examples of reasonable accommodations we provide:
- Exams accommodation (readers/scribes, extended time, access to quiet room, etc.)
- Books and materials in alternate formats (e-text, large print, Braille, etc.)
- Note taking
- Peer tutoring
- Access to interpreting services
- Access to adaptive equipment
- Assistance with disability-related financial aid, if eligible
- Referral to community resources
- Liaison with community-based disability service agencies
Reasonable accommodations are based on functional impact of the disability. Provisions of reasonable accommodation will be determined by Access Services Coordinator in accordance with NLC’s Access Services Policy based from appropriate diagnosis provided by the students.
Documentation
Criteria for documentation
Documentation must be obtained from a professional who has specific training, expertise and who is experienced in the diagnosis of the condition for which the accommodations are being requested.
- All professionals submitting documentation must be appropriately certified and/or licensed to practice
- Documentation should include a diagnosis, symptoms and their severity, and a prognosis for the disability
- Documents should be dated, printed on official letterhead and typed (for purposes of legibility)
- Documentation should include the professional's name, title, registration number, phone/fax, mailing and email address and signature
Examples of documentation
- Psycho-educational assessment (not older than five years) from a registered psychologist
- Audiology report and audiogram
- Ophthalmological report
- Clinical assessment report from psychologist/psychiatrist
- Neuro-psychological assessment report
- Occupational therapy report
Eligibility
Self-disclosure regarding specific disability is the students’ responsibility. If a student believes he/she needs additional services and support, this could be expressed by checking the appropriate statement on the NLC registration form or by informing the Admission’s Officer.
Referrals for Access Services can also be made by other college staff, health professionals or community agencies.
Types of disabilities we provide services for may include, but are not limited to:
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Physical disabilities
- Learning disabilities
- Mental health
- Neurological disabilities
- Chronic health
- Temporary disabling conditions
Access Services Forms
Following are examples of Access Forms which can be downloaded in a fillable format:
- Access Services Intake Form
- Consent to Release Information (Internal)
- Accommodation Plan
- Request for Permanent Disability Status
- Mask exemption
- ATBC Equipment Loaning for Students
If you need assistance in completing any of the forms, please contact your Access Services Coordinator.