Feature

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2021 progress report

Publication Date March 2022

Progress report for the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan from March 2022

Accessibility Committee

Prepared by the Associate Provost, Human Resources’ Advisory Committee (membership as of December 2021):

View the 2020 progress report prepared by the Associate Provost, Human Resources’ Advisory Committee on Accessibility (membership as of December 2021):

Message from Marilyn

A message from the Associate Provost, Human Resources

Summary of progress

Each theme from the MYAP and their relative initiatives is included in this report. A status indicator summarizes the qualitative or quantitative completion.

Policies and Procedures

Section A

Waterloo is committed to the development of a specific policy concerning accessibility for Waterloo employees.

Customer Service

Section B

Regarding customer service, Waterloo will develop a strategy to improve communications for planned service disruptions and develop a community engagement strategy that involves active and ongoing consultation with persons experiencing disabilities

Information and Communication

Section C

Under Information and Communication, the objective is to identify the most commonly required communication formats and develop a strategy to meet those needs and to develop a sustainable strategy to ensure consistency across all publicly facing websites including open and online learning platforms.

OUR STORY

The University of Waterloo’s Visitors Centre facilitates a range of tours for prospective undergraduate students, including campus and faculty tours.

Design of Public Spaces

Section D

Develop a consistent design strategy to address those limitations or building elements where it may be feasible for Waterloo to exceed legislative requirements. Catalogue existing physical space elements on Waterloo campus, identifying spaces with accessibility considerations. Support the space and asset management strategy to embed accessible elements and integrate it with Waterloo’s standard facilities management protocol

Employment

Section E

MYAP: Waterloo will develop a centralized and standardized process for managing accommodation requests for persons with disabilities (active or prospective employees, students, and cross-over populations).

Education

Section F

Waterloo will strive to incorporate universal design principles within teaching spaces and related protocols.

Training and Tools for Employees (including instructors)

Section G

Tools and resources will be developed for instructors to increase awareness of accessibility and universal design for learning (UDL) principles in the classroom.

Next Steps

As our current MYAP nears its final year in 2022, we are excited to build on what we have learned over the past four years and to work to bring true disability inclusion to the University.