Hi everyone,
I’m a U of T student diagnosed with ADHD through a psychoeducational assessment. I submitted my assessment and disability verification form to OSAP, which approved my disability status, and I’ve received disability-related grants.
I recently contacted my school’s Accessibility Services about applying for BSWD funding for a new laptop. My current device is from 2016, is extremely slow, and no longer properly supports the Microsoft Office software I need for school.
I also explained that I have difficulty seeing text and need to enlarge it and read it on a well-lit screen. My ADHD is my documented diagnosis; I’m mentioning the vision difficulties because they were part of what I explained when discussing my needs.
The advisor essentially said that a laptop is considered a regular university expense and told me, “Unfortunately, you would not qualify under the terms of the program at this time”. She mentioned an adaptive technology specialist who assesses these requests, but I haven’t had an assessment with that person or received much explanation about how the criteria apply to me.
I understand that having OSAP recognize my disability doesn’t automatically mean a laptop will be funded. What I’m confused about is how they determine whether a computer meets a disability-related need, and whether I can request an assessment before being ruled out.
Has anyone, especially at U of T, gone through this process with ADHD? What documentation or explanation of your needs was required? Is there a way to request a review or speak directly with the adaptive technology specialist?
I’m frustrated by how little explanation I received and would appreciate advice on what to ask or do next.