Earl Black
Manager of Accessibility Services

Hi, my name is Earl Black and I'm the Manager of Accessibility Services at Laurentian University since 1989. I am a graduate of Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology and also an alumnus of 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, counseling, 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 appropriate 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.

R.D. Parker, L-210
705- 675-1151 ext. 3324
705-675-4807 fax
eblack@laurentian.ca

Simonne St.-Pierre
Department Secretary

My name is Simonne St-Pierre and I am the Secretary/Administrative Assistant with the Accessibility Services at Laurentian since 1990. I hold a diploma in Business Administration and a degree in Ethics from Laurentian. I am bilingual and my duty is to provide support services to the department and support to students with disabilities such as assisting in setting up tests/exams. I encourage you to visit our centre and identify your needs in order to help you achieve your studies here at Laurentian. I assure you that your information will be kept confidential. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact or to come by our office.

R.D. Parker Building, L-210
705- 675-1151 ext.3324
sstpierre@laurentian.ca 

Melissa Pafford
Assistive Technologist

Hi there! My name is Melissa and I am the Assistive Technologist with the Accessibility Services Department at Laurentian University. I started my career in the disability field in 1985 and have seen many changes in attitudes towards individuals with a disability. I hold diplomas in Developmental Services Worker, Sign Language Communicator, Computer Support Specialist and Information Systems Programmer as well as Certificates for Assistive Technologist and Learning Strategist.

I teach new and current students how to use adaptive technologies such as Kurzweil 3000, TextHelp! Read and Write, Dragon Naturally Speaking and Inspiration. I am also responsible for scanning textbooks and exams into the Kurzweil format. Together with the technology and strategies I am here to assist you in your academic career.

You can contact me at: 

R.D. Parker Building, L-210
(705) 675-1151 ext. 1054 
mpafford@laurentian.ca 

Barbara Hein
Disability Advisor, Learning Strategist

I have been working for Accessibility Services since 1998. I am also an alumnus of Laurentian having obtained a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Human Development. As a Disability Advisor and Learning Strategist, my job is to support students in their daily academic life with strategies to overcome any challenges they may face. It is my aim to help students succeed and reach their academic goals. I offer support in the areas of study skills and time management, in particular: note taking, essay writing, exam preparation, organization and critical thinking, an introduction to assistive technologies and managing stress and anxiety. I also screen and refer students for psycho-educational assessments.

R.D. Parker Building, L 210
(705)-675-1151, ext. 1086
bhein@laurentian.ca

Carla John
Writing Specialist/Learning Strategist

My name is Carla John and I am a Writing Specialist/Learning Strategist with Accessibility Services at Laurentian University. I am a former elementary and high school teacher and I began working with Accessibility Services in September 2010.

As a part-time Writing Specialist/Learning Strategist, I am here to help students with disabilities develop strategic approaches to learning in order to enhance their academic performance. My main focus is writing skills assistance, but in addition I offer support in the areas of study skills, memory techniques, note taking, test taking, and time management and organization.

I also arrange psycho-educational assessments for students in order to classify their learning disabilities and assess their learning needs. I look forward to meeting you.

R.D. Parker Building, L-210
(705) 675-1151 ext.1086
cjohn@laurentian.ca

Jason Morin
Learning Strategist

I started with Accessibility Services as a Learning Strategist in 2008. I came to the department with a background in education. As a full time bilingual learning strategist, I am here to help students with disabilities find appropriate strategies for the successful completion of their university degree. I can help in the areas of study skills, memory techniques, note taking, test taking, time management and organization, and writing skills. I also coordinate psycho-educational assessments for students who need to be assessed or reassessed.
 

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the services that our department offers.

R.D. Parker Building, L-210
(705) 675-1151 ext. 3419
jmorin@laurentian.ca