Accessibility Advisors
The Fred Smithers Centre has two dedicated Accessibility Advisors who support students with navigating Accessibility at Saint Mary’s. They provide guidance on available resources, discuss tailored academic accommodations and assist with implementing course and exam adjustments. They also communicate a student’s accommodations and needs to professors each semester via an Accommodation Letter.
Students are assigned an advisor, based on their last name, for personalized and ongoing support throughout their academic career at SMU.
Once students have submitted the required documentation to register with the Fred Smithers Centre, they will be sent an email with a virtual booking link to schedule their first Intake Appointment with their Accessibility Advisor.
For students that are already registered, they can book an appointment with their Accessibility Advisor throughout the Semester using the online Microsoft Booking link to discuss or adjust their ongoing support.
Students with the last name A-L will book with Becca Chaytor.
Students with the last name M-Z will book with Bill Travis.
At a student’s intake meeting, they’ll meet their Accessibility Advisor to discuss the following:
- Go through the student’s documentation of disability and the Fred Smithers Centre Intake Form together .
- Decide on an accommodations plan for the student while they are studying at Saint Mary’s University.
- Students will have an opportunity to ask any questions they might have.
- Once a student has had an Intake meeting, decided on an accommodations plan and signed the Intake Form, they will be fully registered with The Fred Smithers Centre.
After the initial intake meeting with their assigned Accessibility Advisor, students can easily book follow-up appointments with their advisor as needed. Every student is different, so it is up to the individual how often they would like to schedule check-ins.
Accessibility Advisors help to communicate and coordinate a student’s needs by issuing individual Accommodation Letters to professors at the beginning of every Semester.
Students can meet with their advisor for any of the following:
- Assistive technology demos and training.
- Advocacy/help with requesting a specific accommodation or communicating a need to a professor.
- Additional strategies that might help reduce or avoid barriers.
- Help navigating the available resources at Saint Mary’s University.
- Answers to any accessibility-related questions they might have.
Our Advisors
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Pronouns: He/him/his
How do you identify? I identify as a songwriter, partner, sibling, son, uncle and friend, in addition to my professional role.
Role details: I meet with students to discuss their accommodation needs, advise on what academic accommodations may be of benefit to them, communicate their accommodations to their professors, advocate on the student's behalf to faculty when necessary, and to refer students to other services on campus when appropriate.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: Engaging with students and getting to help level the playing field by participating in the removal of unnecessary barriers.
Contact info: bill.travis@smu.ca
Fun Fact: I like to lead guitar jams and song circles. We do this monthly during the academic terms in the lobby of the Student Centre! All are welcome to attend my “Tune-sy Tuesday” events, and we usually have extra instruments to share!
From: Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador
Pronouns: She/her/hers
How do you identify? Daughter, sister, aunt, partner, woman with an invisible disability
Role details: Working with students to set up their academic accommodations, supporting students throughout their degree and consulting on accessibility initiatives at SMU.
Favourite thing about working at SMU: I love working with our fantastic team to support student success! And sometimes, I get to bring my therapy dog, Meri, to work!
Contact info: becca.chaytor@smu.ca
Fun Fact: I used to be on the radio!