What is the OLTS Program?
On-Line to Success (OLTS) is a transition program for students going from secondary to post-secondary school, and takes place from February-June. OLTS is for students in Grade 12 (or completing an additional year) in the Kingston and surrounding areas with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and/or mental health disorders, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and OCD.
Almost all of the program can be completed on-line, where students will develop strategies to be better prepared for post-secondary education, and to better deal with the increased demands of workload, stress management, and self-advocacy required at this level. Students will be required to attend one full-day of in-person workshops at the start of the program.
Course activities include topics such as: identifying your strengths and challenges, understanding your learning profile, time management, stress management, self-advocacy, and navigating the Accessibility Office. The program is developed and delivered by trained and experienced educators, in consultation with psychologists all from the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre.
These are pass/resubmit courses, and students will receive regular feedback and support regarding their assignments.
History of OLTS
OLTS was developed by teams from Queen's University, Loyalist College, and Cambrian College. It was initially designed to target and address areas that research has shown are problematic for students with learning disabilities as they make the transition to post-secondary education. The course has evolved over the past twenty years to include students with ADHD, ASD and/or mental health disorders as they make the transition to post-secondary education.
Jamie
Having a learning disability means to me that I'm different. Sometimes I feel "alienated" because I have one. Sometimes I feel better off alone, other times it’s extremely depressing. I don't feel comfortable talking about my disability, so I almost never talk to anyone. OLTS helped me realize that I am not alone. There are other students who have had similar experiences to me at school and for the first time, I started to feel comfortable talking to other people about my learning disability.
Jamie
OLTS Student
Wesley
OLTS helped me feel more prepared to start college. I got to learn more about the school I want to attend and start thinking about how to support myself when I get there. I learned where to go and who to ask for help if I need it. I also learned how to take care of my own mental health. My mentor was really supportive and answered any questions I had.
Wesley
OLTS student
OLTS Forms
View and download the registration and informational forms for OLTS 2024.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact our Transitions Program Coordinator, Gillian Goldsmith at:
(613) 533-6000 ext. 75220
(613) 533-6564
Completed registration packages can be sent by fax, via email or dropped off in person. For confidentiality reasons, electronic packages should be password-protected or sent via a secure portal such as SecureDocs to olts@queensu.ca. Packages can be dropped off in-person to RARC during work hours (9:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm, Monday-Thursday). Please do not leave packages unattended outside of RARC's office.