Gouvernment of Ontario

Canada

2013-2014 Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE)

How It Works

You can get funding to help pay for disability-related equipment and/or services required for your education. The funding comes from the Government of Ontario through the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) and from the Government of Canada through the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE). You will be considered for both programs by filling out this application form.

To be eligible for the Canada program you must have a permanent disability, which is defined as a functional limitation:

caused by a physical or mental impairment;
that restricts your ability to perform the daily activities necessary to participate in studies at a postsecondary level or the labour force; and
that is expected to remain with you for your whole life.

To be eligible for the Ontario program, you must have either a permanent or a temporary disability.

You must provide supporting documents to verify your disability. Documentation is usually only required once by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (the ministry). However, the ministry or your school can ask for additional documentation at any time to confirm or re-establish disability status.

Steps to Follow in Completing Your Application

All services and equipment must be recommended by your physician, other regulated health care practitioner, or a disability advisor at your school:

If you’re attending a publicly-assisted Ontario college or university, make an appointment with a disability advisor at your school to discuss your disability-related educational needs and the type of documentation you require. They can also answer any questions you may have on completing your application.
If you’re attending a private postsecondary school in Ontario or a postsecondary school outside of Ontario, discuss your disability-related educational needs and proof of disability documentation requirements with a disability advisor at your school, your physician, other regulated health practitioner, or contact the ministry for assistance at 1-877-OSAP-411 (toll free in North America) or (807)343-7260 or 1-800-465-3958 (TTY).

You should begin your application process before your classes begin as it may take time to get all the required documentation.

Where to Send Your Application

If you’re attending a publicly-assisted Ontario college or university:your completed application form must be sent to your school’s Financial Aid Office and all documentation requirements will be verified by that office. Staff at your school’s Office for Students with Disabilities are available to help you to complete your application and explain your documentation requirements. They will also work with the Financial Aid Office in assessing your eligibility for funding.
If you’re attending a private postsecondary school in Ontario or any postsecondary school outside of Ontario: have your financial aid office review, sign, and send your completed application form and all documentation to:

       Student Financial Assistance Branch
       Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
       P.O. Box 4500, 189 Red River Road, 4th Floor
       Thunder Bay ON P7B 6G9

Application and Supporting Document Deadlines

Your completed application must be received no later than 60 days before the end of your study period. All supporting documentation must be received no later than 40 days before the end of your study period. Any approved funds cannot be released to you until your school has confirmed your enrolment.

Documentation Required With Your Application

You must provide the following supporting documents (as applicable) to support your application:

Proof of your disability in ONE of the following formats:
- If you are a person diagnosed with a learning disability, you must provide a psycho-educational assessment performed by a registered psychologist or psychological associate. The assessment must have been completed when you were at least 18 years of age or within the past five (5) years; OR
- If you are attending a publicly-assisted Ontario college or university, visit your school’s Office for Students with Disabilities to receive instruction on providing proof of disability. Your school may have a disability verification form used to outline any academic accommodation required from your school that may also be used to determine your eligibility for disability-related OSAP funding; OR
- If you are attending a private postsecondary school in Ontario or any postsecondary school outside of Ontario, please complete the OSAP Disability Verification Form, available on the OSAP website at www.ontario.ca/osap; OR
- Documentation provided from your physician or other regulated health care practitioner that clearly states the following information:
  - diagnosis;
  - impact of your disability(ies) your participation in postsecondary studies;
  - permanence of your disability (temporary or permanent), and
  - the physician or health care practitioner’s name and contact information
A written recommendation for the services and/or equipment being requested from a disability advisor at your school and/or provided as part of the proof of disability documentation from your physician or other regulated health care practitioner.
Estimates for the cost of any requested service(s) (e.g., tutors, note takers), which must include the following:
- hourly cost of each service;
- total hours per week of each service (cannot exceed weekly in-class time);
- total number of weeks you will be using each service;
- which of the courses you are taking require the service; and,
- the name and contact information for the person or agency providing each service.
Receipts for the cost of equipment, software, and/or a psycho-educational assessment purchased before your study period start date and/or for any other service or equipment purchased during your study period but prior to funding approval (see below for further instructions).

How Your Service and/or Equipment Costs are Considered

You may be reimbursed for the cost of the recommended disability-related equipment and software purchased no more than 60 days prior to your study period start date. Costs for psycho-educational assessments performed after February 1, 2013 may also be reimbursed. Also note the following:

Any purchases made prior to the approval of funding are at your own risk as they will not necessarily be considered for your BSWD/CSG-PDSE application. Reimbursement will only be provided if all eligibility requirements are met and you have a clearly documented need for the items purchased.
Receipts for purchases made prior to approval of funding must be submitted with your application.
All other purchases (equipment and/or services) must be made within your study period.
All approved purchases MUST be made before the end of your study period. If they are not, you will be required to return any funding that was provided to you for these purchases.

Documentation Required After Your Application is Approved

You must provide receipts for your approved services and/or equipment as follows:

Equipment and/or software receipts: must be provided no later than 30 days after you receive your funding.
Services receipts: must be provided no later than 30 days after the end of your study period. You must provide a time log of your tutoring and note taking services to accompany receipts for these items.

If receipts are not provided and/or you do not use all of the funds provided to you in your study period, you must return the un-receipted/unused funding. Failure to do so may result in being restricted from receiving any further OSAP funding, 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant, and/or BSWD/CSG-PDSE funding.

Government of Ontario

Canada

2013-2014 Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE)

Section A: Personal Information

Social Insurance Number:
Ontario Education Number (OEN), if assigned to you:

Last name:
First name:
Date of birth: (Day/Month/Year)

Permanent Canadian Address

Street number and name, rural route, or post office box:
Apartment:
City, town, or post office:
Province:
Postal code:
Area code and telephone number:

Mailing Address

Is your mailing address the same as your permanent Canadian address?
Is your mailing address the same as your permanent Canadian address? Yes Is your mailing address the same as your permanent Canadian address? No - provide your mailing address below.

Street number and name, rural route, or post office box:
Apartment:
Street number and name, rural route, or post office box:
Province or state:
City, town, or post office:
Postal code or zip code:
Country:
Area code and telephone number:

Section B: Information about Your School and Program

What is the name of the school you plan to attend or are currently attending for your 2013-14 study period?
Student number at your school:

Start date for the 2013-2014 study period (Day/Month/Year)
End date for the 2013-2014 study period (Day/Month/Year)

For the above study period, what type of financial aid have you applied for?

OSAP for Full-Time Students
OSAP for Part-Time Students
Institution-funded Special Bursary

Section C: Equipment and/or Services

All requests must be supported by a recommendation from a disability advisor from your school or in consultation with your physician, or other regulated health care practitioner. Please work with them to complete this section.

Check type of assessment(s) requested: Psycho-educational Assessment
Psycho-educational Assessment Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of assessment(s) requested: Other Disability Assessment
Details/instructions: Eligible for provincial funding only
Other Disability Assessment Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of service(s) requested: Tutor
Details/instructions: Attach estimate (hours cannot exceed classroom hours)
Tutor Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of service(s) requested: Note taker
Details/instructions: Attach estimate (hours cannot exceed classroom hours)
Note taker Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of service(s) requested: Academic strategist/coach
Details/instructions: Attach estimate (hours cannot exceed classroom hours)
Academic strategist/coach Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of service(s) requested: Attendant for studies
Details/instructions: Attach estimate
Attendant for studies Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of service(s) requested: Educational assistant
Details/instructions: Attach estimate
Educational assistant Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of service(s) requested: Sign language interpreter
Sign language interpreter Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of service(s) requested: Alternate formats
Alternate formats Details/instructions: Specify type:
Alternate formats Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of service(s) requested: Specialized transportation
Details/instructions: For students with physical mobility issues only
Specialized transportation Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of service(s) requested: Counselling/Therapy
Details/instructions: Eligible for provincial funding only
Counselling/Therapy Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of service(s) requested: Other
Other Services Details/instructions: Specify type:
Other Services Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of equipment requested: Computer package (includes warranty and student edition desktop software)
Details/instructions: Circle one: Computer package Details/instructions: Indicate one Laptop or Computer package Details/instructions: Indicate one Desktop
Can only request once every 5 years.
Computer package Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of equipment requested:Tablets
Details/instructions: Only if you are not requesting computer package. Can only request once every 5 years.
Tablets Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of equipment requested: Computer accessories (e.g., printers, external keyboards, carrying cases)
Computer accessories Details/instructions: Specify type(s):
Computer accessories Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of equipment requested: Assistive software
Assistive software Details/instructions: Specify type(s):
Assistive software Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of equipment requested: Assistive equipment
Assistive equipment Details/instructions: Specify type(s):
Assistive equipment Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of equipment requested: Equipment repair/replacement
Equipment repair/replacement Details/instructions: Specify:
Equipment repair/replacement Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of equipment requested: Ergonomic aids
Ergonomic aids Details/instructions: Eligible for provincial funding only
Ergonomic aids Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

Check type of equipment requested: Other
Other Equipment Details/instructions: Specify:
Other Equipment Amount requested: (all amounts subject to caps) $

TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED: $

Section D: Student Consents, Declarations and Signature

Notice of Collection and Use of Personal Information
Your personal information, including your Social Insurance Number (SIN), provided on this application form and in all other communications related to this application and any award of a Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) and/or Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE), including any applications and awards of OSAP assistance will be used by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (the ministry) to administer and finance the BSWD/CSG-PDSE program and by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) to finance the CSG-PDSE program. In addition, your SIN will be used as a general identifier in administering the BSWD/CSG-PDSE. The ministry and HRSDC may use contractors, auditors or other authorized third party administrators for any of these activities. Under agreement with the ministry, your postsecondary school, and, where authorized by the ministry, its agents who administer OSAP and its auditors, may use your personal information to administer the BSWD/CSG-PDSE.

Administration includes: determining your eligibility for a BSWD/CSG-PDSE award; verifying your application and supporting documentation, including verifying financial assistance provided under any other ministry program; paying your award; verifying your award; maintaining and auditing your file; assessing and collecting overpayments; enforcing the legislation set out below and your agreements with the ministry, and monitoring and auditing your postsecondary school or its authorized agents to ensure that they are administering the BSWD/CSG-PDSE appropriately. In addition, administration by the ministry and HRSDC includes: public reporting on the administration and financing of student assistance programs; planning, delivering, evaluating and monitoring the BSWD/CSG-PDSE for quality and improvements in both content and delivery; conducting risk management, error management, audit and quality assessment activities; conducting inspections or investigations; and conducting policy analysis, evaluation, and research related to all aspects of the BSWD/CSG-PDSE, including contacting you to participate in surveys. Financing includes: planning, arranging or providing funding of the BSWD/CSG-PDSE.

The ministry administers the BSWD under the authority of s.5 of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M.19, as amended and s. 10.1 of the Financial Administration Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.F.12, as amended, and the CSG-PDSE under the authority of the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, S.C. 1994, c.28, as amended, and the Canada Student Financial Assistance Regulations, SOR 95-329, as amended and s. 266.3(4) of the Education Act. If you have any questions about the collection or use of this information, contact the Director, Student Financial Assistance Branch, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, PO Box 4500, 189 Red River Road, 4th Floor, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6G9, 1-877-OSAP-411.

Applicant's Consent to the Indirect Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information (REQUIRED)

I agree that until I provide receipts for and/or repay BSWD/CSG-PDSE funds provided to me, and until any BSWD/CSG-PDSE overpayments are assessed and repaid, the ministry can, without limitation, collect and exchange personal information about me that is relevant to the administration and financing of BSWD/CSG-PDSE with HRSDC, my postsecondary school and its authorized financial administration administrators and auditors; the ministry's contractors, auditors or other authorized third party administrators; collection agencies operated or retained by the federal or provincial government, and consumer reporting agencies.
I understand that I can withdraw any consent I have given in this section by writing to the Director, Student Financial Assistance Branch at the address above at any time before I accept a BSWD/CSG-PDSE award. I understand that if I withdraw my consent it will affect my eligibility for and the amount of BSWD/CSG-PDSE assistance.

Applicant’s Declaration (Please read carefully)

I require BSWD/CSG-PDSE funding for the cost of the disability-related services and/or equipment identified on this application, and I will not receive financial assistance from any other source to cover these costs.
I understand that I must use the BSWD/CSG-PDSE I receive for the equipment and/or services identified on this application and that I cannot substitute for any other equipment and/or services not identified on this application.
I agree that I will provide receipts for equipment and software no later than 30 days after being issued BSWD/CSG-PDSE funds, and I agree that I will provide receipts for services no later than 30 days after the end of my OSAP study period. I will submit these receipts to my postsecondary school’s Financial Aid Office or to the Ministry, as instructed in the “Where To Send Your Application” section of this application form, and will show that BSWD/CSG-PDSE funds were spent for their approved purposes.
I agree that if I do not submit receipts I will repay, by money order or certified cheque to my school’s Financial Aid Office or to the Minister of Finance, any BSWD/CSG-PDSE funds that I have not used for the OSAP study period identified on this application. I understand that failure to do so may result in being restricted from receiving OSAP, including BSWD/CSG-PDSE funding, and the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant.
I understand that I may be required to repay all or part of the BSWD/CSG-PDSE funds if the information and any supporting documentation I provide in connection with this application is found to be inaccurate or if any information I provide changes, including my OSAP study period and/or my course load.
I understand that information I provide in connection with this application will be verified and audited and any change resulting from verification and audit may affect my eligibility for and the amount of BSWD/CSG-PDSE funds provided to me, and that I may be required to repay all or a part of the BSWD/CSG-PDSE funds.
I have given complete and true information on this application form and I understand that if I fail to provide complete and true information and/or fail to promptly notify my financial aid office or the ministry in writing of changes to any information I have provided, including my disability and the services and equipment I need, my address and/or financial, academic, family, and/or OSAP study period status; or fail to fulfil any obligations respecting the repayment of any overpayments, the ministry may restrict me from receiving OSAP, including BSWD/CSG-PDSE funding, and/or the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant in the future, and may take legal action and may require me to repay any assistance that I received.
I will keep a copy of my application and all required supporting documentation in the event that I am required to produce this information for audit, verification, inspection, or investigation purposes.

I have read and understood this section, including the notice of collection, use and disclosure of my personal information and my signature attests to my consent to the indirect collection, use and disclosure of my personal information.

Signature of Applicant:

Date:

Section E: Publicly Assisted Ontario College or University Approvals

Part one: Office for Students with Disabilities Approval

I hereby confirm that:

Proof of disability has been provided and that the status of the student’s disability is:
proof of disability has been provided and that the status of the student’s disability is: Temporary proof of disability has been provided and that the status of the student’s disability is: Permanent
The student requires the services and/or equipment identified on this application to participate in postsecondary studies; and
Estimates have been provided where required and the costs indicated above are accurate.

Name of Disabilities Office Coordinator/Counsellor:
Signature

Date

Part two: Financial Aid Office Approval

I hereby confirm that the above named student:

Has $1.00 of financial need under one of the programs identified in Section B of this application;
Has provided all supporting documentation for this application; and
Is enrolled and registered at this postsecondary school for the study period identified on this application.

Name of Financial Aid Administrator:
Signature

Date

Section F: Private or Out of Province Postsecondary School Approvals

Financial Aid Office Approval

I hereby confirm that the above named student:

Is enrolled and registered at this postsecondary school for the study period identified on this application.

Name of Financial Aid Administrator:
Signature

Date