Accessibility is an issue which concerns everyone, says Yolaine Ruel, manager of the Access Service, noting that persons with disabilities make up a significant and growing part of the population.
“In 20 years, it is expected that 20 percent of the population will have a disability,” she points out. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, passed in 2001, requires that public organizations prepare an annual accessibility plan.
More than 500 students on campus benefit from adapted services. Those in need of such services should identify themselves and register with the Access Service. Once registered, the student must inform his or her professor of any special adaptations required to take a course or sit an exam. Some 2,500 special exams were accordingly administered last year.
In January 2003, the University set up a committee to identify all barriers to accessibility. An initial report, released in September 2003, listed barriers in seven specific sectors of the University, that is, information and publications, technology and equipment, living arrangements, human resources, awareness, academic support and extracurricular support policies.
Ruel explains that an awareness campaign will be launched next fall with teaching and administrative personnel to further a better understanding of accessibility issues on campus.
A follow-up report, expected by September 30, 2004, will outline any progress made during the year, unresolved obstacles, sectors requiring priority and anticipated costs.
“Accessibility planning must be done intelligently,” says Ruel. “We want to develop an institutional culture sensitive to inclusion, which will allow the University community to take advantage of the talents, the experience and the expertise of all.”
Meanwhile, Serge Blais, director of Student Academic Success Service, says, “The University is committed to creating and maintaining a learning environment open to all. There should be no barrier preventing any student from reaching his or her full potential.”
