Earl Black, Special Needs Coordinator
Hi, my name is Earl Black and I'm the Special Needs Coordinator at Laurentian University. I'm here to assist you with your accommodations throughout your study period. We offer a variety of services which include financial assistance, counselling, and accommodations for any of your needs. In order to receive assistance, it is essential that you identify your needs by coming to our office and providing us with the necessary medical documentation regarding your disability. Having a disability myself, I do empathize and understand that some of you may feel reluctant to disclose information relating to your disability. However, I can assure you that we have a strict policy on confidentiality which protects you in this area.
I look forward to meeting you during the course registration period or during orientation week. We are located in room L-210 on the second floor of the R.D. Parker Building.
You may also contact me by
Phone at: (705) 675-1151 ext. 3324
Email eblack@laurentian.ca
Simonne St.-Pierre, Special Needs Secretary
Hi, my name is Simonne St-Pierre and I'm the Department Secretary. I hope you find the information on this website useful. I also encourage you to visit our centre and identify your needs in order for us to help you achieve your goal here at Laurentian.
It is my pleasure to assist you in your studies. I assure you that your information will be kept confidential. Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call me at: (705) 675-1151 ext.3324. We are located in room L-210 on the second floor of the R.D. Parker Building.
Thank you!
Simonne St-Pierre
sstpierre@laurentian.ca
Barb Hein, Learning Skills Strategist / Assistive Technologist
B.A. Psychology, M.A. Human Development
Room L-210 on the second floor of the R.D. Parker Building
(705) 675-1151 ext. 3226
bhein@laurentian.ca
Hello, my name is Barb Hein. My role as Learning Skills counsellor is to provide support and encouragement to the Special Needs students through skills training. I offer learning and study techniques for the topics listed below.
This year the Special Needs Office will be offering the support of a Learning Skills Strategist / Assistive Technologist. This position is funded by the Learning Disabilities Task Force through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The individual offers assistance with topics such as:
| Note taking |
Exam preparation |
| Essay writing |
Introduction to and application of technologies |
| Organization and critical thinking |
Managing stress and anxiety |
| Class preparation |
|
Melissa Pafford, Developmental Services Worker, Sign Language Communicator
Assistive Technologist/Learning Strategist
Hi there! My name is Melissa and I am the Assistive Technologist with the Special Needs Department at Laurentian University. I teach new and current students how to use the various software programs that can help compensate for any weakness that a student may have. Software that is used here include: Kurzweil 3000, TextHelp! Read and Write, Dragon Naturally Speaking and Inspiration. I am also responsible for scanning text books and exams into the Kurzweil format.
You can contact me by:
E-mail: mpafford@laurentian.ca
Room 30-253, J.N. Desmarais Library
Telephone: (705) 675-1151, ext. 1054
I look forward to meeting you!!!!
Averil Smith, Writing Specialist
B.A. English Literature and History, B.Ed. Junior/Intermediate
Hello! My name is Averil Smith. As the writing specialist, I am here to support you as you tackle your assignments. I can assist you with many aspects of your university work including time management, all steps of the writing process, and specific study skills.
I would also like to offer this support to correspondence students. I am willing to work with correspondence students over the phone and through email. In addition, I am putting together a learning strategies website for you to access through WebCT.
If you are interested in accessing this kind of support or have any other questions, please contact me. I look forward to working with you toward your post-secondary success!
Room L-210 on the second floor of the R.D. Parker Building
Email: ag_bibby@laurentian.ca
Telephone: (705) 675-1151 ext.1086
Webmaster