Liberated Learning and the Atlantic Centre
Research, Access, Support For Students With Disabilities
Accessibility for persons with disabilities has long been
a cornerstone of the philosophy of Saint Mary's University.
For over thirty years Saint Mary's has played a leadership
role in ensuring that higher education is accessible. In 1965
the university constructed a residence with accommodations
specifically designed for students with mobility impairments.
In 1975 a tape library was established to serve students
with visual impairments at the post secondary level. Initiatives
to accommodate students who are deaf or hard of hearing began
in 1980. In 1985 the Atlantic Centre, under the directorship
of Dr. David Leitch, became a reality.
Today, nearly 300 students rely on the Centre for a wide variety of services. Although the majority of these students attend Saint Mary's University, the Atlantic Centre helps clients throughout the province of Nova Scotia. The Centre has developed an international reputation as a leader in providing support services for students with disabilities at the post-secondary level. The Atlantic Centre was one of three centres of specialization in Canada supported by the Federal Government to enhance the full participation of citizens with disabilities in higher education.
The Atlantic Centre offers several unique programs and individualized support services to our clients including:
- Individual academic counselling
- Visual-language Interpreting
- Academic support
- Note taking, via a volunteer note-taking program
- Alternative exam accommodations and invigilation
- Alternate format preparation
- Adaptive technology and training
- Ferguson Tape Library (texts on tape or electronic format)
- Advocacy and self-advocacy training
- University orientation and high school transition sessions
- Resource centre
- Research
- Employment counselling
- Faculty presentations / teacher in-services / student workshops
- High School Visitation Program
The Centre's mandate also includes increasing awareness of university opportunities for prospective students. We offer a visitation program to every high school in the province of Nova Scotia, and have spoken to provincial school boards about transition issues and technology. We also act as a resource base for other regional universities, providing consultation regarding students and programs.
Visit the Atlantic
Centre website for more information on programs and services.
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