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    Access for Students with Disabilities

    A Great Step to a Great Future

    The Access for Students with Disabilities department is proud to offer a diverse range of courses, programs and services to support learners of all abilities. If you possess a genuine desire to work and have a documented cognitive or developmental disability, these programs can give you greater options for employment.

    With confidential and individualized support, NIC can help you reach your goals. For more information on upcoming programs, contact the NIC Access for Students with Disabilities department at the campus nearest you.

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    quote
    I believe in myself now. I used to believe I just couldn't do school at all, but I came to college and found there's a lot of resources to teach me a different way to learn. Don't give up - it's worth it.
    Michael Jewers, NIC student

    LATCH-ON Program
    Begins at NIC

    In September 2008, North Island College launched LATCH-ON, a literacy program developed specifically for young adults with intellectual disabilities. LATCH-ON was initiated in 1998 at the University of Queensland in Australia by Dr. Anne Jobling, a Down Syndrome researcher, with the help of Dr. Karen Moni, a lecturer in English curriculum and literacy education. LATCH-ON is a joint project of NIC and the Down Syndrome Research Foundation, and combines technology with more traditional methods of instruction to enhance literacy development.

    Course Spotlight:
    AED 032 Math, Money, and Managing it All!

    During this course, students learn valuable money management strategies. These techniques will assist students in becoming more independent in their personal lives as well as provide them with skills that they can use in employment situations.

    Get Ready

    Start early! Apply eight months before you plan to attend NIC, and book an appointment with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) to discuss support services and arrange accommodated placement testing if necessary. Bring recent documentation of your disability to discuss your support needs.

    Disability Documentation Requirements

    To apply for these programs, you’ll need to provide Services for Students with Disabilities with documentation of your disability. This must include:

    • A diagnosis of a permanent or ongoing specific disability that causes a barrier to your learning,
    • An outline of the severity, prognosis, and impact of your disability within a learning environment,
    • A statement confirming that your disability warrants accommodations.

    Your documentation will be used to establish the need for accommodations, academic adjustments, and technological aids. It will be treated as confidential and only released with your written consent.

    Courses

    The following courses are also available for individuals with cognitive or mental disabilities:

    For more information or to register, contact Access for Students with Disabilities Services at your nearest NIC campus.