How to Proceed
Items of Interest
Before
Your Studies
During
Your Studies
After
Your Studies
Parents, Sponsor,
Spouse
Major Functional Disability
What is a major functional disability?
Under the Loans and Bursaries Program, a major functional disability is a physical handicap that persistently limits a person’s ability to carry out daily activities and limits that person's prospects for study and employment. The following disabilities are recognized under the Loans and Bursaries Program:
- Severe hearing impairment
- Severe visual impairment
- Motor impairment
- Organic impairment
The disabilities recognized are defined in the Medical Certificate—Major Functional Disabilities and Other Recognized Disabilities (
35 ko) form.
Measures to help students with a major functional disability
If you have a severe visual impairment, a severe hearing impairment, a motor impairment or an organic impairment that is recognized by Aide financière aux études, you could be eligible for the following measures:
- Eligibility under the Loans and Bursaries Program – usually reserved for full-time students – even if you are enrolled on a part-time basis (you must be enrolled in at least 20 course hours a month); half the number of months during which you are pursuing part-time studies are taken into account in determining your period of eligibility
- Awarding of the total amount of financial assistance in the form of a bursary
- Recognition as a self-supporting student if you have been studying for at least three years and earned 45 credits – instead of 90 – in a single program of study (as a result, a parental or sponsor’s contribution is not required in the assessment of the financial assistance that could be awarded to you)
- Eligibility for financial assistance during the summer study period even if you are not pursuing studies at that time
- Awarding of an allowance in certain situations to cover the cost of specialized services or equipment, or paratransit (Allowance for Special Needs Program)
If you have a major functional disability and wish to apply for financial assistance under the Loans and Bursaries Program
Simply fill out the application for financial assistance and attach the Medical Certificate—Major Functional Disabilities and Other Recognized Disabilities ( 35 ko) form. The total amount of financial assistance to which you are entitled will thus be granted to you in the form of a bursary.
If you are restricted to pursue part-time studies due to your major functional disability, you may still qualify for the Loans and Bursaries Program and thus receive all of your financial assistance in the form of a bursary.
To qualify, you must be enrolled in at least 20 course hours a month.
Attention: If you are temporarily unable to pursue full-time studies due to a serious episodic disorder resulting from a major and permanent physical or mental health problem, you could be eligible under the Loans and Bursaries Program, even if you pursue part-time studies.
In that case, you must obtain the Medical Certificate Confirming a Serious Health Disorder form from the financial assistance office of your educational institution and have a physician fill it out. You must then submit the form to the financial assistance office of your educational institution, which will ensure the proper follow-up. (This procedure will make it easier to process your file and will enable you to receive in the usual manner the financial assistance instalments to which you are entitled).
Additional information
For more information, contact the financial assistance office of your educational institution or Aide financière aux études. If you have a hearing impairment, call the Bell Canada Relay Service at 711 and ask the operator to dial 418-646-6006.
