Assistive Services

• tutor
• Academic Strategist
• Interpreter (Oral, Sign, CART)
• specialized transportation (to and from educational institution only).

Equipment

• technical aids (e.g., Kurzweil, Livescribe Pen)
• alternate formats (e.g., Large or Braille Print)

Learning Assessments/Psychological Assessments/Neuro-Psychological Assessments

The cost of a learning assessment can only be considered if the learning assessment was completed within six months of the current study period start date, and the assessment results in a diagnosis of a learning disability. However, students who sought a psychoeducational assessment to confirm a learning disability, but whose assessment confirms a different permanent disability or persistent or prolonged disability, are also eligible for reimbursement. 

The Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment - Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE) may cover 100% of the cost to a maximum of $3,500 per loan year. Students not eligible for CSG-DSE may be eligible for reimbursement under the Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities (GFD) to a maximum of $3,000.

Proof of payment for a learning assessment must be provided for the cost to be considered, as well as a full copy of the signed report confirming the disability diagnosis. If the learning assessment fee is covered by insurance, the cost cannot be considered by Alberta Student Aid. If the learning assessment fee has been partially reimbursed by insurance, the amount reimbursed by insurance cannot be considered by Alberta Student Aid but must be noted in the request.

Costs for other types of assessments are not allowed including the costs for living assessments, assistive technology assessments, ADHD assessments, Occupational or Physical Therapy assessments, and medical notes/forms.

Ineligible Services and Equipment

These services and equipment costs cannot be covered:

• capital costs (e.g., vehicle modifications, alterations for educational institutions or residence)
• furniture
• internet subscriptions
• kindle/e-readers
• administrative fees
• aides to daily living including but not limited to: hearing aids, glasses, wheel chairs
• personal use devices including but not limited to: cellular phones, smart watches, clocks, timers, daily planners
• vehicle-related expenses
  • Exception:
    Disability related transportation costs, such as parking and fuel for distance travelled, may be covered under the Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities but not under the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment - Students with Disabilities.

For a more detailed listing of allowable costs for disability assistive services and equipment, students should contact their Accessibility Advisor.

Costs Exceeding Services and Equipment Maximums

Students who are attending public post-secondary institutions in Alberta may be eligible for additional assistance through their institution if their disability-related costs exceed the CSG-DSE maximum of $20,000 or GFD maximum of $3,000. Students in this situation must visit their disability awards office for information.

Students who are not attending public post-secondary institutions in Alberta (attending Alberta private career colleges or attending out of province or out of country) may be eligible for assistance under Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES) through Alberta Community and Social Services if their disability-related costs exceed the CSG-DSE maximum of $20,000 or GFD maximum of $3,000.