National AccessAbility Week 2025
In alignment with Ontario Tech University's commitment to fostering an accessible and inclusive environment for work and study, we are proud to launch our second annual observance of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW).
Established by the Government of Canada in 2017, NAAW takes place annually and will be observed this year from May 25 to May 31. This week serves as a national platform to promote accessibility and recognize efforts that contribute to a more inclusive Canada.
With over 8 million Canadians living with disabilities, our commitment to creating an equitable and welcoming campus remains more important than ever. Throughout the week, we will celebrate the contributions, leadership, and achievements of individuals with disabilities, while also encouraging meaningful dialogue and reflection.
Events
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May 26 - 29 - Accessibility in Action: Join Our NAAW Tabling Events
Join us throughout National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) for a series of interactive tabling events designed to raise awareness, educate, and inspire action around accessibility and inclusion.
What to Expect:
- Learn about adaptive sports
- Make your own personal accessibility pledge
- Explore the tools and support available through our Accessibility HUB
- Engage with activities that spark conversation and reflection
Event Schedule:
- Monday, May 26 – SHA Atrium | 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 27 – CHA Atrium | 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 28 – SHA Atrium | 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 29 – SAS Connect (Room 323) | 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Stop by, take part, and let’s work together to build a more accessible, inclusive campus for everyone!
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May 28 - Red Shirt Day of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion
As part of NAAW, we’re excited to invite you to join us in celebrating and participating in Easter Seals Canada - Red Shirt Day — a day dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion for people of all abilities.
Date: May 28, 2025
What to Wear: Your brightest red shirt
Where to Meet: Tribute Communities Lobby of Shawenjigewining Hall
Time: 12:30 p.mLet’s unite to show our commitment to creating a barrier-free and inclusive campus. To mark the occasion, we’ll be taking a group photo with Hunter, so bring your energy and your red gear!
This is more than just a photo op — it’s a chance to stand in solidarity and raise awareness about the importance of accessibility for all. We hope to see you there!
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May 28 - Campus Lights Up Red for National AccessAbility Week!
Shawenjigewining Hall and Bordessa Hall to light up on May 28 to recognize National Accessibility Week.
In honour of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) (May 25 to May 31) and Red Shirt Day (May 28), Shawenjigewining Hall (north campus) and Bordessa Hall (downtown campus) will be lit up in red, a vibrant visual reminder of our collective commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
You are encouraged to take photos of the red-lit buildings and share them on social media to help raise awareness. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #RedShirtDay and tag Ontario Tech.
This powerful display represents Ontario Tech’s ongoing efforts to break down barriers and build a university community where everyone belongs. Let’s keep shining a light on accessibility together.
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May 28 - Spring Book Club: The Framed Women of Ardemore House
In recognition of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), we’re excited to announce our Spring Book Club pick:
The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Dr. Brandy Schillace.About the Book:
This cozy mystery follows Jo Jones, an autistic and hyperlexic book editor from New York, who unexpectedly inherits a countryside estate in England, only to discover a murder has occurred on the property. As Jo navigates small-town suspicion and danger, her neurodivergent perspective becomes her challenge and strength.Author Brandy Schillace, a neurodivergent medical historian, draws from her experience to craft a richly authentic and nuanced portrayal of neurodiversity.
Book Club Details:
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Register Here)
Please read the book in its entirety before the discussion.Join us for an engaging conversation that celebrates representation, accessibility, and inclusive storytelling.
Activities and Programs
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Test Your Knowledge with Our AccessAbility Awareness Quiz!
In celebration of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), we invite you to take part in Ontario Tech’s AccessAbility Awareness Quiz. This quiz is a fun and educational way to strengthen your understanding of accessibility and help build a more inclusive campus.
- Learn about the AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code
- Challenge common myths about disability and accessibility
- Reinforce our core values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA)
Take the quiz today and see how much you know!
Who should participate?
Everyone—staff, students, faculty, and community members—plays a role in creating a barrier-free university.Start the quiz and explore Ontario Tech’s accessibility policies here: accessibility.ontariotechu.ca/AODA/index.php
Let’s learn, reflect, and grow together.
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Join the AccessAbility Scavenger Hunt
In celebration of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), we’re launching an exciting AccessAbility Scavenger Hunt across Ontario Tech’s campus — and you're invited to play!
Your Mission:
Explore the campus to find key accessibility features like ramps, braille signage, accessible entrances, and more — all while learning how our campus supports an inclusive and barrier-free environment.Dates: May 25th - 31st
How to Play:
- Solve clues and complete accessibility-related tasks
- Take photos at each location
- Submit your completed photo set by May 31st to the Google Form
Complete the challenge for a chance to win a prize!
This is a great way to learn, explore, and support Ontario Tech’s values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA).
Ready to hunt? Let’s make accessibility visible!
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Test Your Knowledge with the NAAW Connections Game
As part of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), we’re challenging you to a game that’s all about making connections — literally!
Your Task:
Play our Custom Connections Game and group related terms that highlight key concepts around accessibility, inclusion, and disability awareness.Play now:
https://connections.swellgarfo.com/game/-OOdN60-mYu5KBJ6jmTdHow it works:
- You’ll be given 16 terms
- Sort them into 4 related groups
- Think you’ve got what it takes?
- Share your results with your friends and colleagues — bragging rights are on the line!
Whether you ace it on the first try or learn along the way, it’s a great way to engage with Ontario Tech’s values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA).
Let’s connect the dots and grow our awareness — one puzzle at a time!
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Phone it Forward Program
Launched in November 2022, Phone It Forward is a CNIB Foundation initiative that provides smartphones to Canadians with sight loss. Thanks to the generous donations from our university community, we’ve collected over 30 cell phones to date, helping support this transformative program.
We encourage you to contribute your modern, gently used smartphones to help make a difference. Drop-off boxes are available at each Ontario Tech University Library branch.
For more information, please visit phoneitforward.ca.
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Celebrate Accessibility in Media and Art
Accessibility and disability representation are also vital in the arts and media. Books, articles, movies, podcasts, and more offer valuable insights into the experiences of people with disabilities. We encourage you to explore the diverse content available that highlights these important themes.
Our Ontario Tech Campus Library team has curated several collections of accessibility and disability-related resources for you to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to watch, listen, or read, these resources are a great place to start:
Special thanks to Catherine Davidson, Chelsie Lalonde, and Cathie Griffin for their work in compiling these resources.
We invite you to visit the Campus Library to explore all the resources we have available, and we hope you enjoy these enriching materials!
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Keep an Eye Out for Our Weekly Report!
Stay up-to-date with all the latest updates, events, and important news. Be sure to check your inbox every week to stay informed and engaged with everything happening around campus!
- May 21
- May 28
Training
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Training and Compliance with Accessibility Standards
At Ontario Tech, we are dedicated to ensuring all employees are trained and knowledgeable about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Integrated Accessibility Standards, and the relationship between the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and AODA. We are committed to fostering an environment where communication is inclusive of all abilities.
AODA Training Requirements
All full-time and limited-term faculty (including Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, Research Associates, Sessional Instructors, and Post-doctoral Fellows) as well as full-time and limited-term staff (including University Works students, casual employees, and invigilators) are required to complete the AODA Training Modules.
Mandatory Training for Faculty and Instructors
All faculty and instructors (including full-time and limited-term faculty, academic associates, sessional instructors, teaching assistants, research assistants, and invigilators) must complete the Ontario Tech Accessible Instruction Module for Educators.
Training Requirements for Managers
Managers are responsible for ensuring that all volunteers, university work-study students, co-op and placement students, contract employees, and third-party service providers complete the mandatory AODA training as soon as possible after their start date.
Access the Training Modules