Prospective students, parents and educators attended Conestoga’s Discovery Day, held May 25 at the Doon campus. The event provided visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the accessible supports available at the college for students with disabilities.
Leasa Fetter (centre) described her experiences with Conestoga's Accessibility Services during a student panel for Discovery Day on May 25.
“I know when I started it felt very overwhelming for me,” said Leasa Fetter, a 2016 graduate of the Recreation & Leisure Services program. “As soon as you can get into Accessibility Services, the better. My counsellor was there to support me the whole way through and I recommend you take full opportunity of their services; they really want to see you succeed.”
Leasa was one of five student panelists who shared her personal experiences with Conestoga’s accessibility programs. She said she used a number of the services available at the college, including the Learning Commons, which offers peer tutoring and clinics to assist with math and writing.
Other panelists encouraged the prospective students to use the PASS summer transition program, which helps prepare participants for college life. The program takes place in the late summer and allows new students to get to know the campus, meet other students, find out about services and supports, try adaptive technology and acquire student ID, a parking pass and course books before the semester starts.
“I’m very sad because I’ve graduated and will not be coming back to Conestoga. That’s hard because it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve had. Everybody’s been so wonderful and they really helped me to succeed; I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and I’m extremely thankful,” said Fetter.
Following the panel discussion, those in attendance were invited to tour the campus and speak with staff at a number of information booths, including the Adaptive Technology Lab, Financial Services, Admissions, Counselling Services and the Learning Commons.
Conestoga is committed to providing a safe and accessible environment for students with disabilities. Accommodating disabilities at the college is a shared responsibility between students, faculty and administration. The support services provided by Accessibility Services allow students to pursue their college education in a way that respects their dignity, encourages independence in their academic pursuits and promotes full participation in the college community.
Visit Conestoga’s Accessibility Services’ website for more information.