“Respect for Dignity: Students with disabilities have the right to receive educational services in a manner that respects their dignity. Human dignity encompasses individual self-respect and self-worth. It involves physical and psychological integrity and empowerment. It is harmed when individuals are marginalized, stigmatized, ignored or devalued. Accommodation solutions should therefore respect the dignity of students with disabilities, and those that do not will not be considered appropriate.” –Ontario Human Rights Commission
Today, Kory (VPUA, WLU), Lianne (President, BUSU), Alexi and I are heading over to the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) offices to have an information sharing session regarding students with disabilities. The quote above underscores the importance of the topic at hand, as OUSA attempts to bring a policy forward that can lead to positive change for students from this underrepresented group.
In 2005 the provincial government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act which provided not only a definition for what is meant by “disability” but also began to set strict standards and guidelines for public and private employers. The first of these standards, specifically dealing with customer service, came into force 5 days ago. In 2008, the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities completed an initial review of compliance issues when it comes to customer services at institutions and have begun to roll-out improvements. Concurrently, they continue to audit and research compliance across the sector.
Improvements to accessibility for students with diverse abilities are crucial in leveling the playing field across campuses. In 2007, OUSA made a number of recommendations on how accessibility might be improved, as well as making these improvements accountable and transparent for all those involved. That former document can be found here. Since that time much progress has been made. But, as always, there is more to do. Our meeting at the COU today represents OUSA taking one of the next steps in the proper advocacy of our diverse student body.
For those interested, here are a few links to some of the documents I referenced here.
Accessibility Plan
Previous Accessibility Plans
Factsheet
-Paul Bien
Director of Research and Policy Analysis
Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance
