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Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All

N.A.A.W logoIn alignment with the University’s commitment to creating an accessible space for work and study, we are pleased to launch our inaugural observance of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) at Ontario Tech University.

Instituted by the Government of Canada in 2017, NAAW occurs annually and will take place this year from May 25th to June 1st, serving as a platform to promote and recognize the ongoing endeavours toward enhanced accessibility and inclusiveness throughout Canada.

With over 8 million Canadians living with disabilities, it remains paramount to our institution to cultivate an equitable and inclusive environment. Throughout National AccessAbility Week, we will recognize individuals with disabilities, highlighting their contributions, leadership, and achievements. We extend an invitation to our community to engage in a series of enlightening events designed to foster perceptions around disability and deliberate inclusivity, dismantling barriers to accessibility one step at a time!

Activities

  • NAAW Assistive Technology Booth
    Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to stop by the 1st floor of Shawenjigewining Hall between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and check out GoodMaps as well as the new Assistive Technology site! 
  • Communications and Marketing Launches Monsido!

    Utilizing Monsido's comprehensive suite of tools, Communications and Marketing continuously monitors and enhances our websites to ensure they meet accessibility standards. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide equal access to information and resources for all members of our university community. For information and access to this platform and dashboards for your website, please reach out to webteam@ontariotechu.ca

  • Red Shirt Day of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion

    In support and celebration of NAAW at Ontario Tech University, participate in Easter Seals Canada - Red Shirt Day! Take part in a photoshoot at 12:45 p.m. at the NAAW booth on the main floor of Shawenjigewining Hall with Hunter!

    Red Shirt Day logo

  • Book Club Discussion

    The cover image for If at Birth You Don't Succeed“If At Birth You Don’t Succeed: My Adventures with Disaster and Destiny” by Zach Anner.

    Jennifer Topping, Organizational Development Consultant, and Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist, Human Resources, will facilitate this opportunity to engage and learn on the topic of accessibility. For more information, visit the Spring Offering section on the Book Club site.

  • Wellness Wednesday, MythBusters – debunking the truth! RESCHEDULED TO THURSDAY, MAY 30th

    Join Julie Day, a Health and Disability Management Specialist, and uncover common myths surrounding accessibility and the duty to accommodate. This will also be an opportunity for some tips on how to make our campus community more accessible. 

    To register for this event, visit the Wellness Wednesdays page.

  • Phone it Forward Program

    This program was launched in November of 2022 and to date, members of our university community have donated more than 30 cell phones.  Phone it Forward is a CNIB Foundation program that provides smartphones to Canadians with sight loss. Donations of modern smartphones are used to fuel this transformational program. Drop box locations are available at each Ontario Tech University Library branch. For more information please visit phoneitforward.ca

    CNIB logo

Training

  • AODA Training Modules

    We will ensure that all of our employees are trained and familiar with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Integrated Accessibility Standards and how the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) works with the AODA. We endeavour to communicate with our community by considering the diverse abilities of all community members.

    All faculty and instructors (including full-time and limited-term faculty members, academic associates, sessional instructors, teaching assistants, research assistants and invigilator's) must complete the Ontario Tech Accessible Instruction Module for Educators. 

    ACCESS THE ACCESSIBLE INSTRUCTION MODULES FOR EDUCATORS VIA CATALOG

    Managers must reinforce this message and ensure all volunteers, university works students, incoming co-op and placement students, contract employees and 3 rd party service providers complete the mandatory training as soon as reasonably practicable after their start date.

    ACCESS THE AODA TRAINING MODULES VIA CATALOG

    TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MODULES:

    1. Ensure that you have obtained 100% on all knowledge checks;
    2. Ensure that you "click and reveal" all content throughout the module(s); and
    3. Ensure that you select "Complete Course" at the end of each module.

    TIP SHEET (WORD) TIP SHEET (PDF)  

Additional resources

For any questions or comments, please contact aoda@ontariotechu.ca