Welcome to Canisius College's Disability Support Services (DSS) website! We are pleased that you have a vested interest in the success of your child and/or student. Throughout the website, you will see that we are also committed to providing a positive, holistic learning experience to ensure that your Canisius College student is successful.
At Canisius College we currently have one full-time professional staff member, Director of Disability Support Services Anne Marie Dobies [dobies@canisius.edu] who works with and can meet with your son/daughter individually. Individual sessions allow us to get to know your son/daughter, his/her preferences, strengths, and areas of needed improvement, while assisting him/her create a plan or strategy for their academic career. A variety of questions and concerns may be addressed such as managing time, reading faster with improved comprehension, managing test anxiety and taking notes.
Tutoring
Students, registered with DSS, who need additional assistance in a particular course, are able to work with a tutor. Tutoring is FREE to all students currently enrolled at Canisius College, whether though the DSS Office or Tutoring Center and Math Lab. Typically tutoring is provided one-on-one, though occasionally it is done in small groups. Tutoring services are available for most courses, but are not guaranteed.
Workshops
Disability Support Services in conjunction with other offices on campus provides a variety of workshops. These sessions are held throughout the year and cover a variety of topics. Some of the topics include: First Generation College Students, Reducing Test Anxiety and Diversity & Respect. Career topics have included: Resumes, Job Interview Strategies and an Etiquette Luncheon.
We have the following workshops (.PDF) planned for Spring 2006.
Contacting DSS
You may see a service or program on this website that you think would be of assistance to your child/student. Please feel free to draw it to their attention and encourage him/her to contact us. You may also contact us. We can describe services that are available to all students and our policies and procedures.
In general, as a student prepares to enter college, it is a good time for the student to learn how to seek out and acquire the services that s/he needs for him/herself. We encourage you to step back and let the student take the initiative to contact us so that s/he can begin to learn this important, life-long skill. However, in many cases, we understand that as a parent/caregiver you will begin this process for your child/student.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there any place on the application to identify as a student with a disability?
- It is illegal to ask any questions about a disability on the application. Admissions is designed to be an equal access process in which the law indicates that students must be "otherwise qualified" in order to be admitted to the college.
- Are math and foreign language waivers available?
- Yes, with appropriate documentation this may be done on a case-by-case basis after discussion with the DSS Director. Course substitutions (e.g. culturally-based courses for foreign language classes) are allowed if the language is not deemed an essential function of the program.
- What services am I entitled to?
- Upon receiving the student diagnostic evaluation, DSS will review the need for accommodations and support services based on the individual's documentation and disability-based needs. DSS will meet with the student and determine appropriate accommodations in accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and college policy.
- What is the policy regarding confidentiality?
- All information regarding students registered with the office and their documentation is kept in a locked file in the DSS office. Information can be released with the student's permission (signature) on a need-to-know basis. The information will never become part of a student's permanent academic record.
- When do students register with the office?
- Once a student has been accepted to Canisius College, they should contact DSS. All students who wish to receive services must self-identify and provide documentation in order to receive accommodation for exams, housing, etc.