Special Needs Services

CEGEP ST. Lawrence welcomes students with special needs and facilitates academic accommodations and services so that they can successfully meet the requirements of their program.Students who can make use of “Special Needs Services” include those diagnosed with physical, neurological and sensory disabilities, as well as those with mental health problems and learning disabilities.  We can also provide support to students with temporary illnesses, injuries or treatments.

Services are determined according to each particular need based on a professional diagnosis (medical, psychological, or speech assessment). Students with learning disabilities can provide a recent professional evaluation from a neuropsychologist, psychologist, “orthopédagogue”, psycho-educator or speech therapist. To be eligible, students must self-identify and provide appropriate documentation of their condition or diagnosis.  In order to facilitate their success, students should present themselves to the counselling office prior to the beginning of the semester. All documentation is treated with confidentiality. 

Depending on the nature of the student's diagnosis, accommodations can be put in place; this may include getting a note taker, an attendant, using electronical devices, extra time for exams, individual working sessions, etc. The individual working sessions will help the student with time management, stress management or other strategies that are appropriate to the student's situation. Also, as a part of the individualized working sessions, career counselling can be added. These career counselling sessions can help the student set goals and acheive them and these career goals can then become a great source of motivation.

Our collaborative approach includes contacts with teachers and working together to support student success.

Special needs services are more than just accommodations. It is a way for students to gain self-confidence and self-esteem. It is also a way for the students to talk about their difficulties and be understood. Some students may have diffriculties dealing or accepting their condition, special needs services is the place for them to discuss those issues.

Presentation of our services

For more information or to register please contact:

Kim Patenaude, c.o. 

Telephone: 656-6921 ext.216

Email:  kpatenaude@slc.qc.ca

Office: 259 (in the library)