Purpose

Assessments conducted at the post-secondary level are typically undertaken to ascertain a student’s eligibility for disability-related services and to determine the most appropriate accommodations and supports, should they be warranted. Discussion of the student’s strengths and weaknesses is also undertaken to ensure the use of the most appropriate learning strategies.

Process

Prior to scheduling an appointment, please discuss your concerns with the disability services office at your post-secondary institution. Self-referrals can be made directly with our office, but it is always helpful to connect with your institution prior to scheduling to explore possible funding options.

Before your scheduled appointment, you will be provided with forms to complete providing information about your medical/developmental, family/social, academic/vocational, and behavioural/psychological functioning. You will also be directed to bring all report cards, special education documents, and previous assessment reports to the initial meeting.

On the day of your initial appointment, you will undergo a 45 to 60 minute intake interview. You may bring someone else with you for this portion of the assessment, particularly if you feel that they will be able to provide information that you are less aware of. After the interview is complete, you will begin formal testing lasting approximately two hours. You will subsequently be scheduled for a second testing session which will be approximately three hours in length. The nature and number of testing tools used during an assessment is determined by the presenting difficulty. A typical assessment includes: assessment of intellectual ability; assessment of various cognitive processes, including language, visual-spatial analysis, attention, working memory, processing speed, memory, and executive functioning; tests of academic achievement (reading, writing, and math); and measures of behavioural and psychological functioning.

After completing the assessment, a feedback session will be scheduled. During this 60 minute session, we will discuss your functioning in various cognitive and academic areas, as well as any relevant findings regarding your behaviour and psychological functioning. If a diagnosis is indicated, we will discuss appropriate accommodations in the post-secondary setting, as well as personal strategies that you can use to maximize your academic performance. If a diagnosis is not indicated, discussion of relevant services in the post-secondary environment, as well as your own use of personal learning strategies, will be discussed. You will be provided with a report outlining all of the assessment information, including results, impressions, and recommendations, and the information can be sent to your post-secondary institution’s disability services office upon request.

Costs

Post-secondary students are encouraged to discuss their fee payment options with the disability services office at their post-secondary institution. If a student is eligible for OSAP, a Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) can be accessed to fund their assessment. If not eligible for OSAP, a sliding scale is available through the Regional Assessment Resource Centre (see financial form below). Alternatively, at least partial coverage for psychological services is typically provided by extended health insurance plans. Check your coverage if you have such a plan. Please note that some insurance companies will only reimburse part of the cost if there is a physician referral for the service. In these cases a referral letter from the physician should be obtained prior to the assessment.

Fees for assessments are based on the professional time involved in completing the assessment, meetings, test scoring, and time for report preparation. The fee for the assessments includes a comprehensive feedback session to discuss the results in addition to brief follow up telephone or email consultation to clarify or answer questions about the assessment. An estimate of the total fee is provided before the initial session. Assessment fees do not include any further follow up meetings or additional testing. Fees are due at the follow up interview at the end of the assessment, and can be paid by cash or certified cheque. Following full payment of fees, a comprehensive assessment report will be provided that contains findings and recommendations. Unpaid fees will result in a written reminder following one month. After two months, unpaid fees will be transferred to a collection agency.

The standard fee rate is $200.00 per hour. Psychoeducational Assessments for the post-secondary setting typically range from $1800 to $2000. Neuropsychological Assessments typically range from $2000 to $2600.

Please be punctual for the appointments. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance to avoid a charge to your account. Missed appointments are charged $75.00 to your account. Exceptions are made when poor weather conditions make travel hazardous or when you are ill. If you are unable to make your appointment, phone as soon as you can so other arrangements can be made.