Choosing the right university or college is always a big decision, filled with considerations about programs, campus life, and future goals. But for students living with neuromuscular conditions, the decision becomes even more complex, as accessibility and support services are crucial to their academic success and well-being. The problem? There isn’t a centralized place where students can easily find information about the services, supports, and accommodations available at post-secondary institutions across Canada.
To address this gap, Muscular Dystrophy Canada is collecting data on a wide range of accessibility aspects, including physical spaces such as accessible classrooms and building, note-taking services and support for class materials, class structure and accommodations tailored to individual needs, residence options that cater to accessibility and personal care needs, transportation availability to and from campus, testing and exam accommodations for fair assessment, and washroom facilities and other essential amenities for universities and colleges across Canada.
What We Heard
In addition to gathering this data, Muscular Dystrophy Canada connected with students living with neuromuscular disorders who are currently enrolled in post-secondary institutions. We learned that:
- Many students are restricted in their selection of institutions due to their medical and accessibility needs.
- While some accommodations, like note-taking services meet basic needs, many students have additional unmet needs that negatively impact their academic performance and overall success.
- Inadequate accommodations provided by universities and colleges force students to pay out-of-pocket for extra support, adding a significant financial burden.
- Students with neuromuscular conditions often find there is limited financial assistance specifically tailored to their unique circumstances.
- Many university and college accessibility services lack sufficient knowledge about neuromuscular conditions, which limits the support available.
- Attendant care services are a critical and valuable resource that significantly enhances the experience of students with neuromuscular conditions. These services provide essential daily living support.
If you or someone you know is attending a post-secondary institution while managing a neuromuscular condition, Muscular Dystrophy Canada is here to help. We are dedicated to connecting you with the right resources and providing the information and support you need to reach your academic goals. Plus, thanks to the generosity of our donors, funds may be available to support post-secondary students—reach out to research@muscle.ca to learn more!
