Transition to Postsecondary

Students with learning disabilities who are going from secondary to postsecondary education can benefit greatly from attending summer transition programs funded through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. Some colleges and universities in Ontario run programs for their own incoming students, and there are at least a couple of programs that are open to students attending other postsecondary institutions. See: Postsecondary Summer Transition Programs 2016

The Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) has created a practical resource document for students with disabilities who are going on to postsecondary education. The Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities can be found at www.transitionresourceguide.ca/. There are a number of different sections on the website which contain important information for students to consider as they prepare for future studies. Of particular interest is the Chart of Differences between High School and College/University (PDF – 208 KB). The website also has a listing of colleges and universities in Ontario, including what they offer for students with disabilities.

To understand how getting accommodations at the postsecondary level is different from at the secondary level, students and parents can read LDAO’s Accommodating Students with LDs in Postsecondary Studies.