Parents and supporters

After years of hard work, determination, and well-earned success, your student is heading to university!

This transition can be just as overwhelming for parents and supporters. Letting go, supporting from a distance, and trusting your student to advocate for themselves can be challenging.

At the post-secondary level, academic accommodations differ significantly from those in high-school. To help you understand these changes, we've created a Frequently Asked Quetsions (FAQ) section. We encourage you to explore this resource and reach out to AccessAbility Services ²¹³ÙÌý519-888-4567 ext. 35082 ´Ç°ùÌýaccess@uwaterloo.ca with any questions.

How parents and supporters can help

Students that connect with AccessAbility Services earlier generally adjust and transition better from high school to university. Accommodations and supports can be put in place so that when classes begin they are ready to go and challenges have been addressed. 

Here are some ways you can support your student:

  • Encourage early action: Encourage your student to apply for academic accommodations as soon as they accept their offer of admission. 
  • Guide them to the right forms: Guide your student to download/print the appropriate verification form from our Documentation Information & Forms webpage.
  • Promote early engagement: Encourage your student to take part in AccessAbility Services' summer transition activities.
  • Support their accessible housing needs: If your student plans to live in Campus Housing or the Affiliated and Federated Institutions of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ (AFIW) residence, encourage them to complete The Accessible Housing Application.
  • Foster self-advocacy: Encourage your student to build the confidence and skills to talk openly about their accommodation needs.
  • Promote academic planning: ³§³Ü²µ²µ±ð²õ³ÙÌý³Ù³ó±ð²âÌý³¦´Ç²Ô³Ù²¹³¦³ÙÌý²¹²Ô academic advisor if they have questions about their academic program, including: pursuing a minor, changing majors, or dropping classes.
  • Navigate logistics: Recommend they contact The Centre for help with course registration or transfer credits.