Attendant Services

Attendant Services provides personal care support for students with physical disabilities living in residence at Carleton University and Algonquin College.

Contact Attendant Services:
223 Residence Commons, Carleton University
Phone: 613-520-6615
Email: attendantservices@carleton.ca

Attendant Services provides personal care support 24 hours a day, 12 months of the year, at no cost to Ontario students with physical disabilities living in residence at Carleton University and Algonquin College.

The program supports students in living as independently as possible while pursuing their academic goals. Students with varying levels of disability can live and study on campus with assistance from attendants who support activities of daily living, including dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, meals and other routine tasks.

Attendants are available through a dedicated program phone and will assist in most instances within 10 minutes of receiving a call. Morning routines and meals are coordinated around academic schedules to help students get to class on time, while most other services do not require scheduling and provide flexibility throughout the day.

Front-line staff include certified Personal Support Workers and trained student attendants. Staff receive extensive training and follow a code of conduct reflecting the goals and philosophy of the program.

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Services and Supports

The program provides non-medical assistance with activities of daily living and other tasks that support independent living while attending school.

Supports May Include

Before arriving on campus, students work with the program to develop an individualized service plan to help ensure their support needs can be met.

Staff Can Assist With:

  • Personal hygiene and grooming
  • Dressing and undressing
  • Toileting assistance
  • Assistance with meals and eating
  • Laundry
  • Light housekeeping
  • Setting up books, computers and study materials
  • Scheduled morning and evening routines
  • Support coordinated around academic schedules

Services Not Provided

Attendants generally do not perform medical procedures. These services may be provided by visiting nurses working in cooperation with the program.

Staff Do Not Assist With:

  • Shopping
  • Homework
  • Wake-up calls
  • Cleaning up after guests
  • Moving
  • Accompanying students to medical appointments or hospital visits

Academic accommodations are provided through the Paul Menton Centre at Carleton University and the Centre for Accessible Learning at Algonquin College.

Program Eligibility

Students using Attendant Services must be able to direct their own care. Attendants are there to follow student direction, within reason, and support independence.

Students receiving services through the program are required to reapply each year and meet with the Nursing Supervisor and Manager of Direct Services to review service needs and eligibility.

Students who are new to the program, or who have been away from the program for one or more terms (excluding summer), are considered new applicants and must complete the new-client application process.

Application Deadlines

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as spaces in the program are limited and often fill well in advance.

  • Returning students: May 1
  • New students: May 15
  • Summer residents: March 1

Students applying after these dates may be placed on a waitlist. All applications are reviewed within the context of program capacity and submission of an application does not guarantee placement in the program.

Apply to the Program

The application process for Attendant Services consists of seven steps. Please review all steps before applying.

Please note that applications to the Attendant Services Program are separate from university admission, residence and financial aid applications. Ontario students are encouraged to explore support available through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Step 1

Complete the initial application form. The form outlines services, exclusions and your responsibilities.

Step 2

Once your initial application is received, the Direct Services Manager will send you specific intake and required medical documentation forms.

Step 3

Complete and return all required forms and documentation by emailing them to Attendant Services.

Step 4

Your submitted documentation will be reviewed by the Direct Services Manager and the Nurse Supervisor from Student Health and Wellness, and an intake interview will be scheduled.

Step 5

At the interview, the Direct Services Manager and Nurse Supervisor will confirm the information provided and you will have an opportunity to ask questions. This discussion will help all parties plan your service so that you receive the appropriate support.

Step 6

After reviewing all submitted information and reflecting on the interview, a service plan will be developed outlining your level of service and time required to meet your needs.

Step 7

Once you agree to the service plan, you will be offered services by the program.

Residence and Room Tours

Students participating in Attendant Services live in accessible residence spaces designed to support independence, safety and academic success.

Explore residence spaces available through the program at Algonquin College and Carleton University.

Contact Attendant Services

Questions about eligibility, residence accommodations or the application process? Contact Attendant Services for assistance.

Management Staff

Program History

Learn about the history and development of Attendant Services at Carleton University and Algonquin College and the role the program has played in supporting students with physical disabilities.

Explore Program History

Employment Opportunities

Interested in joining the Attendant Services team? Learn about employment opportunities, qualifications and the application process.

Apply to be an Attendant