Psycho-Educational Assessment for Post-Secondary Students

What is it?

Our Psycho-Educational Assessment for University is a tailored evaluation designed to support students who have graduated from high school or those currently in university. This comprehensive assessment aims to identify functional deficits related to a student's diagnosed learning or psychological conditions, and to match them with appropriate resources, including assistive technologies provided through Appendix 8.

The cost of this assessment is $3500. This psycho-educational assessment offers a thorough analysis of a student’s cognitive abilities, academic strengths and challenges, attentional and behavioral functioning, as well as their socio-emotional needs. Based on the results, we provide actionable recommendations and strategies for overcoming barriers to academic success, ensuring that students can thrive in their university environment.

Our assessment is designed to meet the unique needs of students making the transition to higher education. It includes a series of tests, interviews, and questionnaires to gather comprehensive data from students, parents, and teachers. This allows us to create a holistic profile of the student’s abilities, challenges, and specific needs, empowering them to make the most of available resources—including assistive technology grants like those provided under Appendix 8.

Key Features of the Post-Secondary Psycho-Educational Assessment

  1. Cognitive Abilities
    A standardized intelligence test is used to provide an overall estimate of a student’s thinking and reasoning skills related to their levels of verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. This helps identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses that could impact academic performance in university settings.
  2. Memory Functioning
    A standardized test to assess both verbal and visual memory provides a detailed analysis of working memory, which is essential for tasks like note-taking, studying, and retaining information during lectures.
  3. Academic Abilities
    A series of academic testing activities provide a profile of a student’s academic strengths and challenges. They provide both grade-specific and age-specific evaluations in the following areas:
    • Reading speed, comprehension, word decoding, and vocabulary
    • Phonological processing
    • Mathematical reasoning and numerical operations
    • Written expression and spelling
    • Oral language development and listening comprehension
  4. Career Testing
    We offer a career assessment that helps identify career interests and potential university programs aligned with those interests. This tool assists students in making informed decisions about their course selection and future career paths.
  5. Grapho-Motor and Visual-Motor Integration Abilities
    A standardized test of grapho-motor and visual-integration provides information related to a student’s fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, copying speed, and printing/handwriting.
  6. Attentional, Executive, and Behavioral Functioning Abilities
    A variety of self, parent and teacher questionnaires provide information on a student’s attentional, psychological, and behavioral functioning.
  7. Socio-Emotional Functioning
    A variety of self, parent and teacher questionnaires provide information on a student’s socio-emotional functioning and mental wellbeing.

The Role of Appendix 8 in Supporting Student Success

What is Appendix 8?

Appendix 8 is a grant program designed to assist students with disabilities by providing funding for assistive technology. This technology can significantly enhance a student's ability to succeed academically by addressing functional deficits related to their diagnosis, including difficulties in reading, writing, time management, and organization.

The Appendix 8 grant can cover a wide range of assistive technologies, such as:

  • Text-to-speech and speech-to-text software
  • Specialized keyboards or input devices
  • Organizational tools or apps
  • Note-taking support systems

How Does the Appendix 8 Grant Process Work?

The process to access the Appendix 8 grant typically involves the following steps:

  1. Eligibility Check
    Students must have a diagnosed learning disability, mental health disorder, or physical disability that impacts their academic performance. The psycho-educational assessment will help identify these challenges and support your application.
  2. Application Submission
    After the psycho-educational assessment, we assist students in applying for the Appendix 8 grant. The application process typically requires:
    • A copy of the psycho-educational assessment report.
    • Detailed descriptions of the student’s specific academic challenges.
    • Recommendations for assistive technology tools that could support the student’s academic progress.
  3. Grant Approval
    Once the application is submitted, the student’s eligibility and need for assistive technology will be evaluated. If approved, the student will receive funding for the recommended tools, which can be used throughout their academic career.
  4. If the application is submitted within 6 months, you may be eligible for reimbursement for the psycho-educational assessment as per the appendix 8 guidelines.

Why This Assessment is Crucial for University Success

The transition from high school to university is challenging, particularly for students with learning disabilities, mental health concerns, or other cognitive or emotional barriers. At university, students must be more independent and self-directed, which can exacerbate difficulties related to time management, organization, and study skills. This psycho-educational assessment is designed to identify those barriers early, provide targeted recommendations for overcoming them, and help students access the necessary support systems, including assistive technologies, to ensure success. It also meets the requirements of appendix 8 reimbursement and technology grants.

In addition to improving academic performance, the assessment offers critical insights into the student’s broader well-being, making sure that both mental health and academic challenges are addressed simultaneously. By doing so, it fosters a more holistic approach to student success, empowering students to not only survive, but thrive in their university environment.

Conclusion

Our Psycho-Educational Assessment for Post-Secondary Students provides students with the tools they need to succeed in university by addressing the academic, emotional, and cognitive challenges they may face. Through this comprehensive assessment, we ensure that students receive a clear understanding of their strengths and challenges, along with a personalized action plan that includes the possibility of receiving assistive technology through Appendix 8. With this support, students can confidently navigate the transition to university and achieve their full potential.

https://www.mindkeyhealth.com/blog/2021/10/navigating-appendix-8-funding-from-studentaid-bc
https://studentaidbc.ca/sabc-audience-taxonomy/students-disabilities