Accessibility at Our Waterloo

Creating an Inclusive Environment for All

The University of Waterloo is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment. To achieve this goal, the University depends on the full participation of all members of its community – students, faculty, staff and alumni – to identify remove and reduce barriers to learning, teaching, student life and working environments.

Your role as a member of the University of Waterloo Community

Accessing Services

If someone is having difficulty accessing University services due to a disability, please contact the Office for Persons with Disabilities. Students, faculty, staff and campus visitors can contact the OPD for information, support and referrals

More information regarding accessibility and the AODA is available on the OPD website at http://www.studentservices.uwaterloo.ca/disabilities/

Disclosing a disability

Persons with disabilities choose whether or not to disclose a disability based on a number of factors, including their relationship, the context of the interaction, their perception of the inquiry (curiosity versus assistance) and their comfort level.

Students who have a disability do not necessarily request service or accommodation or identify themselves on campus as having a disability.

Persons with disabilities who disclose information about their disability are revealing information regarding their own health and body that would ordinarily be considered private between persons who do not know each other well.

How a disclosure is received can affect how a person will approach a new situation or relationship. For example, how a professor responds to a student’s disclosure can determine whether the student persists and completes the program. Disclosures should always be received respectfully and sensitively.

If you are unsure of how to assist someone with a disability, ask them - they are their own expert regarding accommodation!

What is a Disability?

As defined by the AODA, a disability is:

(a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,

(b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,

(c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,

(d) a mental disorder, or

(e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997; (“handicap”).

We all play a role in creating a positive environment at the University of Waterloo.

Here are a few helpful accommodation tips for meetings and events.

Location

Check whether your event space and washrooms are accessible.

If required, schedule American Sign Language support early.

Consider using microphones with adjustable volumes for larger meetings.

Make sure there is appropriate event signage and adequate lighting if after hours.

Be aware that common background noise can be distracting

Remind presenters to speak in a clear, well-timed manner to allow assistive devices or ASL support to translate properly.

Ask the participant where he or she would like an accompanying support person to be seated.

Communication

Respond to accommodation requests in the same manner you would to other event-related questions.

Ensure invitations provide accessibility information, including parking, ramps and entrances and someone to contact for any accommodation needs.

To allow participants to use software to assist them if needed, email material before the meeting or event.

Arrival

Be aware if certain services are non operational (i.e elevators, automatic door entrances etc). Be sure to post notices and contact Plant Operations or the Office for Persons with Disabilities

Plan for snow removal from stairs /ramps when required – Contact Plant Operations to clear paths

Clear clutter from hallways to ensure access

Indicate entrances that might not be accessible and clearly state how one would go to the accessible entrance.

Remove any wires that might cross the floor, such as computer or phone lines.

Food and drink

Request a list of ingredients with your catering order and display it near the food.

Be sure to order straws with beverages.

Assistive devices

Assistive devices help a person with a disability do everyday tasks and activities. Some devices include:

Laptops, pocket recorders, digital audio players

Hearing aid, teletypewriter (TTY) for people unable to speak or hear by phone

Mobility devices such as scooters, walkers or crutches, magnifiers, white cane

Communication boards (which use symbols, words or pictures to create messages) speech generating devices

For more information or to access assistive devices please visit the OPD website at: http://www.studentservices.uwaterloo.ca/disabilities/

Support Persons and service and animals

A Support Person accompanies a person with a disability in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs.

Please welcome the support person, but focus service and communication to the individual.

Support Animals are welcomed at the University of Waterloo.

Please do not distract the service animal while in harness– this includes talking, petting or feeding.

Resources – please contact us with any questions

A list of University of Waterloo resources,, services, policies and procedures are available at

http://www.studentservices.uwaterloo.ca/disabilities/or contact us at 519-888-4567 ext. 35082

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) also has a wonderful list of resources at www.accesson.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario