The University of Waterloo is in the process of enhancing its approach to accessibility through initiatives being spearheaded by the Disability Inclusion Steering Committee (DISCo). Waterloo is setting its sights on a future in which disabled persons have equitable opportunities to contribute to and benefit from all that our University has to offer.
DISCo projects will address accessibility from many points of view, including the built environment and student services. But as an institution focused on higher education, teaching and learning activities are absolutely central to what happens here. Recognizing that fact, DISCo has launched a multi-year Accessible Education project aimed at making Waterloo a leader in promoting accessibility in teaching and learning. Coordinated by Waterloo's Teaching Innovation Incubator, this objective is based on the principle thataccessible education is better education, the University envisions a post-secondary educational experience that prioritizes accessibility.
Three project teams have been created to lead these efforts, each co-led by a faculty member and a senior leader from an academic support unit. For more detailed information about these projects, please visit the Teaching Innovation Incubator website.
Instructional Programs and Practices
Co-leads: Diana Skrzydlo (Faculty of Mathematics) and Donna Ellis (Centre for Teaching Excellence)
- Prioritize accessibility and inclusion in the context of teaching and learning at Waterloo by reimagining accessible education through teaching practices and curricular approaches, and
- Identify innovative ways to share and normalize accessible practices as a cornerstone of broader inclusion strategies employed by instructors, programs, and academic support units.
Learning Tools and Materials
Co-leads: Robert Hill (Faculty of Science) and Aldo Caputo (Centre for Extended Learning)
- Establish processes enabling Waterloo to become a leader in capitalizing on new technology in ways that address and improve accessibility, and
- Champion the academic success of all students by identifying and implementing essential supports that guarantee accessible and equitable learning materials.
Policy and Guidelines
Co-leads: David DeVidi (Faculty of Arts and Associate Vice-President, Academic) and Jennifer Coughlin (Registrar's Office)
- Clarify Waterloo's values, principles, and processes for managing diverse needs and unique situations related to equity with respect to teaching and educational practices, and
- Envision, develop, and clearly articulate policies, guidelines, and processes related to equity and accessibility that are clear valuable and beneficial to all stakeholders.