Support & Services

Physical, Sensory & Medical Disability Services (PSMDS) provides information, support and advocacy to students with physical, sensory and medical disabilities.

If you have received your admission acceptance to York University it is advisable that you contact PSMDS as soon as possible to facilitate the academic accommodation process.

We also encourage students to participate in the Disability Services Orientation for New Students Disabilities as well as other university orientations.

Equipment

Students, staff and faculty may utilize the following through PSMDS:

• access to TTY.
• photocopier for note takers to copy notes; and
• spare wheelchair (for emergency use only);

Housing

To learn about accessible housing on campus for students with physical, sensory and medical disabilities, you are encouraged to contact PSMDS once you have accepted your offer of admission to York University. All applications for accessible housing will be considered by York University Student Housing Services and Physical, Sensory and Medical Disability Services

The Ontario March of Dimes — Attendant Services

Funded by Local Health Integrated Networks, attendants deliver one-on-one care to students with disabilities who live in campus housing on the Keele Campus.

Attendants assist with daily activities such as:

• personal grooming and hygiene
• taking medication
• rising and retiring
• meal preparation
• toileting, bowel/bladder services
• ventilator and tracheotomy services
• range of motion exercises
• essential communication tasks
• laundry, housekeeping, shopping and banking on the Keele campus

Eligibility Criteria for Government Funded Service

• have a permanent physical disability
• be 16 years of age or older
• have a valid OHIP health card
• have the ability to direct her/his care. For example, is she/he capable of managing, determining, and communicating when and how she/he needs assistance and is able to co-operate with this provision

The application process can be initiated by contacting the Community Support Supervisor at 416-736-5167. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list if the program is at capacity.

Parking Services

For accessible/medical parking, please apply directly to Parking Services. The Parking Services office is located in the William Small Centre.  The enquiries phone number is 416-736-5335 and their email address is parking@yorku.ca.

Peer Mentoring

The PSMDS Peer Mentoring Program is designed to assist first-year students with the transition to University. Students with disabilities are matched with a mentor who will assist them in transitioning to university life.

Technical Equipment

Students registered with PSMDS have access to two assistive technology labs at York University.

• For information about the assistive technology lab in Scott Library, visit the Library Accessibility Services web page.
• For information on the assistive technology lab in the Technology Enhanced Learning building, visit the Assistive Technology Lab web page.

Transcription Services

Disability Counsellors, in consultation with the student, will assess the need for transcription services. Following the assessment, students may be referred to Library Accessibility Services in Scott Library to discuss the required alternate format (Braille, large print, Daisy CD, or electronic text). Production of materials in alternate format takes time. Students are encouraged to contact PSMDS as soon as possible.

Physical, Sensory & Medical Disability Services
N108 Ross Building
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Phone: 416-736-5140
TTY: 416-736-5263
Fax: 416-650-8068