Accommodations & Technology

Leveling the Field: Student Accommodations

A disability can make university challenging in ways many may not consider. At Cape Breton University, we never want a disability to stand in the way of learning. We want our students to achieve success.

If you are a student with a disability, we can help you find ways of achieving the same academic outcomes as your peers through accommodations appropriate to your disability.

How We Can Help

Our friendly staff at CBU’s Jennifer Keeping Centre coordinate a wide range of services and accommodations that make for a more equitable academic experience.

Class Accommodations

Note-takers:  If you have a disability that makes it difficult to take notes, the Jennifer Keeping Centre will help connect you to note-takers in your course (subject to availability). Students are responsible for paying the note taker $250/3 credit course however this may be covered by your province’s funding, depending on financial need.

Alternate format texts: If you need a digital textbook and it is not available for purchase in that format, the Jennifer Keeping Centre will request a copy from the publisher.

Note-taking Software: May be used in class if it is part of needed accommodations. A JKC Audio Recording Agreement must be signed and on file, and your instructor will be notified.

Accessible seating: We can arrange for you to sit in the front in class if it helps you see the board or screen better, provide a wheelchair accessible desk, or other seating arrangements related to your disability.

Test and Exam Accommodations

Proctor services : Depending on your disability, we may be able to provide you with exam supervision separate from your regular class.

Alternate format tests and exams: We can have your tests and exams printed in large font or on a computer, depending on your needs.

Extra testing time:  If you have a disability that causes you to take longer to write tests and exams, you may be eligible for additional test or exam time.

Use of technology and other aids: If you’re a student with a disability, use of a computer might be needed to accommodate reading or writing technology or to display your exam with an increased font size.

Readers: If you need someone to read your test or exam to you due to your vision or a learning disability, we can arrange for that.

Scribes: If you have a disability that makes writing or typing answers for your tests or exams difficult, we can arrange for a scribe to assist you.

Other Accommodations

Reduced course load: If you’re a domestic student with a disability, two courses per term is the minimum course load to maintain full-time status. This is important when applying for financial assistance.

Canadian students with disabilities may be eligible for grants through their provincial governments based on financial need for the following services based on their disability. These services are fee based, and the Jennifer Keeping Centre simply helps match students with a service provider.

Tutors: We ensure that suggested tutors have performed well in that course in previous years or have completed equivalent coursework or a degree in the subject matter.

Learning Strategist:  Strategists meet with students to work on study skills, time management and organizational skills. Strategists usually have a Bachelor of Education or master’s degree.

Educational Attendants: Individuals who assist students in getting to and from class, taking notes, and assisting them with attending activities on campus.

Requesting Accommodations

New students requesting accommodations and/or assistive technology from the Jennifer Keeping Centre, students should go to the Accommodate online portal and fill out an Initial Accommodation Request and go to Appointments to arrange to meet an accessibility facilitator. If you have any issues connecting through the system using your CBU email and password, please contact us at jkc@cbu.ca or 902-563-1208.

Breaking Down Barriers: Assistive Technology

At Cape Breton University’s Jennifer Keeping Centre, we can help you determine the technology you need to help you with your studies. Please set up an appointment by emailing jkc@cbu.ca.

This technology includes:

Computers: The JKC has computers are equipped with assistive technology software such as text readers and speech to text.

Scanner/Printer: Our scanner is used to digitize notes from note takers and for students to print notes or slides. Handouts may also be converted to digital text to allow for the use of screen readers.

Alternative Format Texts: Textbooks can be purchased in digital format initially or if that is not available, the Jennifer Keeping Center can apply to the publisher for a digital copy if the student purchases the physical text and provides a receipt to the JKC via Accommodate. Occasionally, a digital copy is not available.

Canadian students with disabilities may be eligible for grants through their provincial governments depending on financial need. These grants may cover some of the following equipment, based on the disability needs of the student.

Laptop/Computer/Tablet: This is based on the student’s need and can be used in many ways, such as organization or running assistive technology.

Software: Assistive software can be used to help students in many areas such as text to speech, speech to text, mind mapping, note taking, or organization. (Please note that you do not need to buy Microsoft Office 365 as it is provided for all CBU students.)

Noise Cancelling Headphones: These may be needed for students who have trouble concentrating due to their disability.

Magnification: Magnification programs and equipment can assist students who need enlarged text or graphic materials.

JAWS:  Job Access With Speech is a text-to-speech program that reads screen text aloud to the student. It requires the use of keyboard commands and is used by students who are blind or have low vision.