While the University has fixed a number of problems since the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 came into force, many more changes are needed to meet the objective of a fully accessible campus by 2025 prescribed by the law.
Access Services held a public forum on March 2, 2006 to hear the views of the University community and identify remaining barriers on campus. This feedback will be used to eliminate barriers to a full and active university experience for all U of O students and staff. The concerns raised at the meeting will be integrated into the University’s 2006-2007 accessibility plan.
Certain older buildings such as Tabaret Hall, Hagen Hall, Academic Hall and 100 Laurier have major design barriers. Diane Pacom, a Social Sciences professor who attended the meeting, outlined some of Tabaret Hall’s critical problems. “Only one wing of the building has an elevator, and it is too small to accommodate certain wheelchairs,” she bemoaned.
The discussion identified other barriers, among other things, accessibility issues on the University Web site; problems with the Simard Hall heat, light and sound systems; and poor access to offices and departments along King Edward Avenue.
Renovations to Tabaret Hall (including the installation of a new elevator) are on the list of priorities for the 2005-2006 accessibility plan. The report also outlines 17 completed initiatives, 67 current initiatives and 26 new initiatives.
Though physical barriers are often hard to overcome, Access Services Director Yolaine Ruel pointed out that attitudes remain the biggest barrier to accessibility. “To fight prejudice and stereotypes in the university community, we need to constantly raise awareness of accessibility issues.”
Ruel said professors are not always aware of potentially useful services, which “is a source of frustration for everyone.” A guide will soon be distributed to faculty members, she added.
Members of the University community are invited to share their views on accessibility by e-mailing Ruel at yruel@uOttawa.ca.
