The University has launched two consultation processes, to enhance inclusion, access and equity across campus:
- An overall University of Ottawa Accessibility Plan 2025–2030 survey, which covers client services, information and communications, employment, transportation and public spaces.
- A series of virtual and in-person feedback sessions and a feedback survey run by the Facilities service, which will examine things like signage, access between campus buildings, transportation access to and from buildings, furniture, lighting levels, acoustics, availability of technology, outdoor spaces and more.
Third-year biomedical sciences student Léa Girard, a member of the Access Ability student club, suggests improvements like purchasing ergonomic chairs with stronger backrests for classrooms and providing more soundproof study rooms.
Ethan Rolando Dolcino, founder of the MisAmigos Club and a second-year student in international development and globalization, says discrimination is sometimes unintentional, such as when students use ergonomic chairs reserved for students with physical disabilities or avoid students with involuntary verbal tics. He adds that not all disabilities are physical.
“For example, personally, I find long waiting lines or certain areas where there’s a lot of visual stimulation very challenging, and these kinds of things are not often taken into consideration.”
Marie-Claude Gagnon, accessibility, diversity and inclusion manager at the uOttawa Human Rights Office, says, “Consulting members of the University of Ottawa community with disabilities will help us to evaluate and improve our strategies.”
For George Zigoumis, Facilities senior director, asset management, planning and real estate, “Feedback from uOttawa students who have a range of disabilities is an important part of developing this plan. We think we’ve made significant progress, but our door is open. We really do want to hear honest comments about other things we can do.”
Fourth-year translational and molecular medicine student Joshua Zeldin, also a member of Access Ability, notes, “The accommodations system and professors at uOttawa are, overall, dedicated to making the University more accessible. For instance, my learning specialist has been able to grant me ergonomic seating in classes and labs, as well as lab assistants for challenging dexterous tasks.”
Also, on a positive note, Léa says, “I’ve been here for three terms and have seen continuous, tangible improvement. Both socially — there’s less and less rampant stigma; physically — with various events and facilities; and professionally — by the people who work directly with the Exam Centre and Academic Accommodations.”
How to get involved
Share your feedback on the global University of Ottawa Accessibility Plan by March 31.
Share your views through the Facilities survey, which is also open until March 31. Survey participants will have the chance to win one of three $50 gift cards.
Attend a virtual feedback session Monday, March 24 (6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) on Teams or Tuesday March 25 (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) in person at INNOVA, CRX 632. Register for a feedback session.
The first 20 student participants will receive a $25 prepaid gift card. Additionally, those who attend the in-person meeting will receive $10 to help cover transportation costs. No double dipping though! Each student participant is eligible for one gift card only.