Autism Accommodations and OSAP Bursaries for Post-Secondary Students in Ontario

All Ontario publicly funded colleges and universities have an Accessible Learning Services (or Disability Services) office that coordinates academic accommodations for students with disabilities. Autism qualifies as a disability under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Common accommodations for autistic students include: extended time on tests and assignments (typically 1.25x or 1.5x), use of a separate, distraction-reduced testing room, note-taking assistance or access to instructor notes, flexible attendance arrangements, alternative assignment formats, and priority registration.

To access accommodations, submit your autism diagnosis documentation (psychological assessment report or letter from a physician or psychologist) to the Accessible Learning office at your institution. Students are not required to disclose their diagnosis to instructors — the accommodation letter sent by Accessible Learning Services does not identify the specific disability. Accommodations are not retroactive and must be set up each semester.

The Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) is an Ontario government grant of up to $2,000/year for OSAP-eligible students with permanent disabilities, including autism. It is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. Apply through your college or university's financial aid office.

The federal Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSGD) provides up to $4,000/year for full-time post-secondary students with disabilities. Students who receive the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) may also qualify for Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) supports. Check current amounts with financial aid.