With September just around the corner, students across Canada are getting ready to return to school. For students with disabilities, preparing ahead of time can make a significant impact in creating a successful and enjoyable academic experience.

Here are some back-to-school essentials and tips to help you get ready:

Review Your Individualized Education Plan (IEP) 

Essential: Up-to-date IEP

• Tip: Review your IEP. Plan to ensure it reflects your current needs. If it is helpful for you, have someone review it with you like a parent or good friend. If you think changes and tweaks would help you, contact your school and schedule a meeting to review and revise some of the details before the school year begins.

Connect with School Staff

Essential: Contact information for teachers, counselors, and support staff

• Tip: Reach out to your teachers, guidance counselors, and any support staff involved in your education. Introduce yourself and discuss your specific needs and accommodations to build a rapport early on. Don’t be afraid to talk about your interests, hobbies, academic and career goals. You may make connections that can come in handy down the line when it comes to summer jobs, internships or other opportunities that you may find exciting.

Ensure Physical Accessibility

Essential: Accessibility tools (e.g., wheelchair, mobility aids)

• Tip: If you’re attending a new school, visit the campus beforehand to check for physical accessibility. Look for ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Inform the school administration of any barriers you encounter so they can address them before school starts.

Organize Your Supplies

Essential: School supplies, assistive technology

• Tip: Gather all necessary school supplies, including any assistive technology you use. Ensure your devices are charged and in good working condition. If you find it helpful, label your supplies for easy identification.

Plan Your Transportation

Essential: Accessible transportation arrangements

• Tip: Confirm that your transportation to and from school is accessible. If you use school transportation services, ensure they can accommodate your needs. If transportation is out of your comfort zone, practice your route so that you can use it confidently in time for the start of the school year.

Familiarize Yourself with Your Schedule

Essential: Class schedule

• Tip: Get a copy of your class schedule and familiarize yourself with the layout of your school. Knowing where your classes are located can reduce anxiety on the first day. If possible, visit your classrooms in advance.

Set Up a Study Space at Home

Essential: Accessible study area

• Tip: Create a comfortable and accessible study space at home. Ensure you have good lighting, a supportive chair, and all the materials you need to succeed. This space should be free from distractions to help you focus on your studies.

Connect with Accessibility Offices

Essential: Contact information for accessibility offices

• Tip: If you’re attending college or university, reach out to the accessibility office. They can provide crucial support and resources, such as exam accommodations, note-taking services, and accessible course materials. Establishing contact early ensures you have the necessary support from day one.

Note: Did you know that if you attend school in Ontario and have a disability, you may qualify for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities? This bursary provides funds to buy supplies and equipment that can ease your academic journey on a yearly basis and help you achieve your top performance. This can include a laptop, any special software you may require, and even desks and chairs that help you study better. Your campus’ accessibility office can fill out the application with you.

Advocate for Yourself

Essential: Self-advocacy skills

• Tip: Learn how to advocate for your needs. Practice explaining your accommodations and how they help you. Self-advocacy is an essential skill that will serve you well throughout your educational journey.

Stay Organized

Essential: Planner or digital calendar

• Tip: Keep a planner or digital calendar to track assignments, tests, and important dates. Staying organized will help you manage your workload and reduce stress.

Build a Schedule that Works for You

• Tip: If you attend a college or university that allows you to build your own schedule, create one that aligns with your lifestyle, disability needs and other priorities. For instance, if you are not an early morning person, now is the time to try out an evening class to determine if it works better for you. Perhaps you want to keep a part-time job, so you may want to schedule your classes in such a way that you can still work.
• Note: Talk to your accessibility office about priority enrollment, which will allow you to select your courses early, giving you more control and freedom over both your electives and mandatory classes.

Join Social Groups

Essential: Connection to social groups

• Tip: Consider joining social clubs and groups at school. One of the best parts of your academic journey are the friends and connections that form during these years, so be sure to explore your interests and socialize. From photography to archery to film clubs, school provides many opportunities that can enrich your experience, so be sure to let loose and have fun.

Final Thoughts

Preparing ahead can make a huge difference on your academic journey. By taking these steps, you can set yourself up for optimal success and an enjoyable path ahead. Remember that this journey is finite and will only last a few years, so appreciate every moment and take on new opportunities to challenge yourself often. One day in the future, when you are settled into the career you have chosen, you may just look back at these years fondly and with a sense of nostalgia. Have a great school year!