Learn how to access our services by planning ahead, registering with Accessibility Services and keeping your Individual Accommodation Plan up-to-date.
Plan ahead
To allow sufficient time for assessment and implementation of accommodation requests, contact Accessibility Services in a timely manner. Wherever possible, please provide plenty of time for us to process your accommodation request. See timelines in Step 1 below.
If a request for accommodation is for resources which are not regularly available at BCIT and require additional time to acquire (such as alternate format textbooks in braille, or particular physical access needs), the request should be made at least four to six months before the start of the course or program.
Complete these simple steps to access our services:
This video will walk you through the completion of the online intake form described under Step 2 below. Consider opening the intake form in a separate window so you can follow along with the video as you complete your online intake form.
1. Select a program or apply/register for BCIT
If you require accommodation in relation to admission criteria (e.g. a pre-test), please submit your request before or at the time of application.
If you are seeking accommodation for a course or program, please submit your request at the time of acceptance to BCIT, or at least six weeks before the commencement of any course or program for which accommodation is sought, whichever is greater.
2. Complete and submit your registration application and medical documentation
Submit your application today to be assessed for academic accommodations in fall 2023 term.
You must submit two documents in order to register with Accessibility Services:
- BCIT Medical form
Complete the BCIT Medical form [PDF] or provide an alternative in-depth assessment report from your regulated health care professional. If you have different doctors for different disability diagnoses, please have each doctor fill out a separate BCIT Medical Form. The information you provide will be kept strictly confidential within your file at BCIT Accessibility Services only, and does not appear on any official BCIT records, test results, official transcripts, or graduation documents. Please save this documentation in electronic format (e.g. PDF), as you will be required to upload it as an attachment as part of your online Student Information and Self-Assessment form. - Student Intake and Self-Assessment form
Use the Accessibility Services online portal to complete the Student Intake and Self-Assessment form and upload your medical documentation. Please note that you will be prompted to log in using your A0# and BCIT authentication password.
3. Contact us to schedule an appointment
After submitting the above documents, contact Accessibility Services to schedule an intake appointment with a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS).
During this appointment, you and your VRS will review your documentation, determine how your disability impacts your studies, and discuss the accommodations BCIT may be able to provide. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get further clarification on the services and accommodations we provide. Your VRS will then be able to determine the appropriate accommodations for your Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP). This formal document outlines the accommodations you are entitled to access, however it does not disclose any information related to your disability or related limitations. A copy of the IAP is distributed to each instructor listed on your timetable.
4. Keep your IAP up-to-date
Please reach out to your VRS with questions or concerns at any time. It’s important that you update your Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP) each term by contacting your VRS before or at the beginning of each semester. Your VRS will need to know if there are any changes (e.g. course changes, updates to your personal information, challenges with specific course(s), etc.).
Once you have your IAP
Consider introducing yourself to your instructors to discuss the academic accommodations outlined by your IAP. Instructors are a very important part of the accommodation planning process, and dialogue with them can assist to facilitate that process.
Your instructors will receive a copy of your IAP, but will not see your medical documentation. It is entirely up to you to decide what information, if any, to disclose to your instructors.