Special Needs Offices

In 1989, centralized offices/centres were established throughout the colleges in Ontario. The Special Needs Offices were, and continue to be, services -- not programs. They have a significant role in the activities that colleges take to maintain and increase the participation of students with disabilities.

Many Special Needs Offices have changed this label in response to consumer input and advocacy. The Centre for Students with Disabilities is commonly used, as well as Centre for Alternative Resources and Supports and other variations of these. Whatever the label, the centralization of response and services has allowed the college system to focus on pertinent issues facing this unique population.