Access Express Newsletter

Access Express Accessibility Services Newsletter

Access Express Newsletter (October 2024)

The Access Express newsletter includes updates, reminders, and information about our upcoming events and programming.  Please use the headings below to navigate this newsletter:

Peer Mentor Learning Community (PMLC)

PMLC Workshop Schedule (Fall 2024)

PMLC workshops are collaborative, activity-based, and hands-on sessions that support students to become active, engaged, and independent learners.  Students will learn essential academic skills such as time management, notetaking, test taking, reading, and writing.  All UTM students who self-identify as having a disability are welcome to join. 

  • TEST PREPARATION
    This workshop will provide insight into university testing and what you can do leading up to a test. Learn how to use the course syllabi to anticipate the test format; access past exams from the Old Exam Repository; and avoid common academic offenses related to test preparation.
    Date: Thursday, October 24
    Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    Location: MN 5128
    Registration: https://folio.utoronto.ca/students/events/detail/4626477
     
  • TEST TAKING
    This workshop will focus on different strategies for approaching university tests. Peer mentors will review tips and tricks for tackling tests, including how to use your time efficiently and how to manage your stress during a test or exam.

    Date: Wednesday, November 13
    Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
    Location: MN 6128
    Registration: https://folio.utoronto.ca/students/events/detail/4626485
     
  • WRITING DROP IN
    Connect with Professor Jordana Garbati (Director, Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre) and our PMLC Mentors to help improve your essay-writing skills!
    Date: Thursday, November 14
    Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00pm 
    Location: MN 6128
    Registration: https://folio.utoronto.ca/students/events/detail/4642142
     
  • EXAM PREPARATION
    This workshop will focus on time management, goal-setting, and organizational skills that are most effective leading up to exam season. Learn how to create a study plan and determine a study schedule that works for you.
    Date: Friday, November 22
    Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
    Location: MN 5128
    Registration: https://folio.utoronto.ca/students/events/detail/4626478
     

PMLC Study & Art Café  Schedule (Fall 2024)

The Study & Art Café is a space for students to study independently, participate in art activities, and connect with their peers.  All UTM students who self-identify as having a disability are welcome to join.  Free pizza & snacks (while quantities last)!  

 

PMLC Peer Mentor Drop-In Sessions (Fall 2024)

These sessions are designed for students who are registered with Accessibility Services to connect with volunteer peer mentors about:

  • Navigating and accessing campus resources
  • Tips on being a successful student
  • Time management and study strategies
  • How to use the AIMS Test/Exam & Note-taking Modules

Peer mentors do not teach course content, assist students with their homework, or proofread assignments and essays.  Peer mentors also cannot advise students about their specific accommodations.  Students must follow up with their Accessibility Advisor if they have any questions about their academic accommodations. 

Eligibility
Open to students who are currently registered with UTM Accessibility Services.

Registration
Registration is not required.  Drop by in-person or chat with our peer mentors online.

Fall 2024 schedule
Peer Mentor Drop-In Sessions take place every Wednesday (1:00pm - 4:00pm EST) and Thursday (10:00am - 11:00am EST) during the Fall 2024 term.  Each session will be facilitated by a peer mentor in-person and online (MS Teams).

Please check your email or contact accessvolunteers.utm@utoronto.ca to receive the MS Teams meeting ID and password.

DateTimeLocation
Wednesday, October 161pm – 4pmDV 2213
Thursday, October 1710am – 11amDV 2213
Wednesday, October 231pm – 4pmDV 2222
Thursday, October 2410am – 11amDV 2222
Wednesday, November 61pm – 4pmDV 2222
Thursday, November 710am – 11amDV 2222
Wednesday, November 131pm – 4pmDV 2222
Thursday, November 1410am – 11amDV 2222
Wednesday, November 201pm – 4pmDV 2222
Thursday, November 2110am – 11amDV 2222
Wednesday, November 271pm – 4pmDV 2222

 

PMLC One-on-One Mentoring

PMLC one-on-one mentoring are confidential sessions between students and mentors, meant to provide guidance on how to navigate university life and meet their personal and academic goals.  One-on-one mentoring is not a tutoring service and is reserved for students currently registered with UTM Accessibility Services.  

Eligibility
Open to students who are currently registered with UTM Accessibility Services.

Registration
If you are interested in meeting with a mentor, please complete the PMLC One-on-One Registration Form.  An Accessibility staff will follow up with you to set up a meeting with one of our mentors.

PMLC one-on-one online registration form:
https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/accessibility/form/pmlc-one-on-one-mentoring
 

ADHD Skills Group

ADHD Skills Group

Looking for an opportunity to connect with fellow students who have similar experiences as you and lived experience with ADHD?  Do you want to learn how to better manage your time and finish assignments, manage procrastination and stress, organize, and prioritize your academic work?  The group meets up weekly for 4 sessions to connect, learn and practice new learning skills while enjoying light snacks and discussing mutual interests and topics in a safe, supportive, relaxed, visual, and interactive manner. Come to learn, develop new skills, and find connections with your peers!

Eligibility
Open to students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who are currently registered with UTM Accessibility Services.

Dates
Group members meet weekly for 4 weeks during the Fall 2024 term. Commitment to all 4 sessions is required (register for all 4 sessions using the links below). Sessions will be held on campus in the Hub Activity Room 2220, Davis Building.

Registration
Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 4:00pm
Max Number of Registrations: 30

  • ADHD Skills Group (Session 1): Thursday, November 7 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
    Register on Folio
     
  • ADHD Skills Group (Session 2): Thursday, November 14 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
    Register on Folio
     
  • ADHD Skills Group (Session 3): Thursday, November 21 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
    Register on Folio
     
  • ADHD Skills Group (Session 4): Thursday, November 28 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)
    Register on Folio

 

Social Connections

Social Connections

Join us and connect with fellow students and develop new friendships!  The group meets up to play games, enjoy light snacks, and discuss mutual interests and topics in a safe, supportive, relaxed, visual, and interactive manner.  Activities and topics will be suggested by staff in order to promote social connections but student input is welcomed and encouraged!  Come to laugh, develop social skills, and find community!

Eligibility
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students currently registered with UTM Accessibility Services.

Registration
Sessions will be held in the Student Services Hub (Activity Room 2220A, Davis Building).  

  • Social Connections (Session 1): Monday, November 4 (2pm – 3pm)
    Register on Folio
     
  • Social Connections (Session 2): Tuesday, November 12 (2pm – 3pm)
    Register on Folio
     
  • Social Connections (Session 3): Monday, November 18 (2pm – 3pm)
    Register on Folio
     
  • Social Connections (Session 4): Tuesday, November 26 (2pm – 3pm)
    Register on Folio
     
Accessibility Services

Book your Term Tests / Quiz with UTM Accessibility Services

All students registered with Accessibility Services* and who have approved test accommodations must submit their test/quiz requests through the Accessibility Information Management System (AIMS) using the Schedule a test or exam section. If you are unsure how to book tests/exams on AIMS, please review our Accessibility Tutorial videos.

Please ensure that you book your tests/quizzes into AIMS no later than 14 days before your test date.  If you have missed the 14-day deadline, please visit our ‘Test Booking’ webpage that has more information on what to do if you miss the booking deadline. 

*PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM EXCEPTIONS:

If you are a student in one of the following professional programs, please connect with our Test/Exam Services team at: accessexams.utm@utoronto.ca to book your tests. These programs include:

  • MAM: Mississauga Academy of Medicine
  • OT: Occupational Therapy
  • MMPA: Master of Management & Professional Accounting
  • MMI: Master of Management & Innovation
     

For UTM Students taking courses at another campus:

If you are taking courses at St. George, UTSC, or Sheridan College, you must complete a Transfer of Accommodation Form for the appropriate campus. The forms are available at the following link: http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/accessability/registered-students/online-forms

Once you have completed the forms, upload it to AIMS through the following link: https://aims.utm.utoronto.ca.      

Once received, your form will be processed and your accommodations will be sent to the other campus.  Please allow 24-48 hours for processing (not including weekends and statutory holidays) and ensure you make an appointment to see an Accessibility Advisor at the other campus (St. George, Sheridan College, UTSC) to have your accommodations implemented and accommodation letter sent to your instructors by the Accessibility Services office at the respective campus. 

 

ADHD Awareness Month

Did you know that October is designated as ADHD awareness month?  The 2024 ADHD Awareness Month theme is "Awareness is Key!"  Visit the ADHD Awareness Month website for more information:

  • What is ADHD? 
  • Myths and facts about ADHD
  • Daily tips for life with ADHD
  • Audio and video by ADHD experts, and more!

 

Connect with Us!

Our office is located in room DV2240 in the Student Services Hub.  The HUB is located on the main floor of the Davis Building opposite the food court.