Learning Disability Accommodation Letter for University Students
Get medical documentation for academic accommodations related to learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia) at any Alberta post-secondary institution.
Learning disabilities affect approximately 5-10% of the Canadian population. Many students with LDs succeed in post-secondary with appropriate accommodations, and early registration with accessibility services is key to academic success.
Common Accommodations for Learning Disability
- Extended time on exams (1.5x-2x standard time)
- Use of assistive technology (text-to-speech, speech-to-text)
- Alternative exam formats (oral instead of written, or vice versa)
- Access to a scribe or computer for written exams
- Course materials in alternative formats (audio, large print)
- Note-taking services or permission to record lectures
- Calculator use on exams (for dyscalculia)
- Spell-check access on written exams (for dyslexia/dysgraphia)
- Separate exam room with reduced distractions
- Extra time for reading-heavy assignments
FAQ
Do I need a full psychoeducational assessment for LD accommodations?
Most Alberta universities prefer a full psychoeducational assessment for learning disabilities. However, if you have an existing assessment (even from years ago), a physician's letter confirming the diagnosis and current academic impact can supplement it. Some institutions accept the Verification of Disability Form from a physician.
Can I use my high school IEP/IPP for university accommodations?
Your high school IEP/IPP alone is not sufficient for university accommodations, but it provides valuable supporting evidence. Combined with a current physician's letter confirming the continued impact of your learning disability, it can support your accommodation registration.
What accommodations can I get for dyslexia at university?
Common dyslexia accommodations include extended exam time, text-to-speech software, audio versions of textbooks, spell-check on exams, a reader for exam questions, and extra time for reading-heavy assignments. Accommodations are tailored to your specific reading and processing difficulties.
Can I get a calculator accommodation for dyscalculia?
Yes, if you have documented dyscalculia. Calculator use on exams is a standard accommodation, even in math courses where calculators are normally prohibited. Your documentation must specifically describe dyscalculia and its impact on mathematical processing.
Are learning disability accommodations available for professional exams?
Yes. Professional licensing bodies (Law Society, medical boards, CPA) must accommodate documented learning disabilities. Your university accommodation documentation often serves as a foundation for professional exam accommodation requests.
How much does a psychoeducational assessment cost in Alberta?
Full psychoeducational assessments in Alberta typically cost $2,000-$4,000 and have wait times of 3-6 months. A physician's letter from MedLetter ($99) can supplement existing documentation or support your accommodation registration while you wait for a full assessment.
Get Learning Disability Accommodation Letter - $99