Trent University ::: Accessibility Plan Year 2

In Year II of the Access Plan, Trent will, once again, identify a set of barriers for re-dress. In addition to the barriers listed below, Trent has identified two major institutional commitments for the removal of barriers to access in YR II and beyond. These commitments are:

A commitment to future building and renovation which will build in functional accessibility under ODA standards rather than adherence to the Ontario Building Code
A commitment of a budget line item of at least $ 100,000/ year earmarked for accessibility initiatives ( to begin in 05/06 budget year). Involvement of ODA Access Plan Committee in review of allocation of these resources prior to their distribution.

Category

Barrier

Strategy for Removal/Prevention

Publications

Information on Accessing services not readily available
More Inclusive role models in Trent publications

Post procedures for accessing services on web site in accessible format.
Work towards more representative visuals of the Trent student population.

Information Resources

Instruction for course instructors in utilizing access features of courseware
Guidelines for Departments in accessible web site design

Instructional Development Centre to develop and circulate information to faculty on new access features
New templates for using web design which incorporates accessibility to be distributed by Communications

Access to Instruction

Guidelines for Faculty Re: Accommodation – roles and responsibilities
Support for introduction of UID into instructional training& delivery
Statement on all course syllabi regarding access to instruction

Dean's Office to work with ODA Plan Cttee to develop and circulate a document outlining faculty roles and responsibilities under the ODA
Distribution of UID resources to all faculty and incorporation of UID as a concept in IDC training initiatives for faculty
Increase the number of classrooms equipped for multimedia course delivery
Development of Right to Instructional Access statement for inclusion on all course syllabi

Adaptive Technologies

More adapted workstations /computer facilities for students with disabilities
TTD in key services areas - Admissions, Housing, Student Affairs with training for staff in how to use this technology
More classrooms equipped with adaptive listening systems

At least one- two /year for duration of Plan

Academic Services and Policies	Need for a clear documentation of roles and responsibilities under the policy and ODA as it relates to instruction Faculty to be made aware of policies and procedures under ODA	Roles and Responsibilities document to be developed and circulated in 04/05 to all academic staff Faculty handbook to be developed through the Dean's Office and circulated - 04/05
Human Resources / Training / Awareness	ODA Training /Awareness for faculty and staff and other members of the Trent community	Training workshops for management and staff – Fall 04 Training for Faculty – Summer 05 Disability Awareness film/discussion series to be presented during the 04/05 academic session.
Physical Facilities	Improved access to Library and services on ground floor Bata Barrier Re-dress for Gzowski College Automatic Door Openers	New elevator for Bata to provide improved access to all floors Barrier list from YR I to guide immediate barrier re-dress in Gzowski College Locations to be determined during Fall Access walk.
Non-Academic Services	More disability-related resources in Career Services	Access to interpreters for career counseling – policy developed Career workshop for LD students

In putting forward this list of initiatives for YR II under the Trent Accessibility Plan, there is one large access initiative which is carried over from YR I of the Plan – the elevator for the Chemical Sciences facility. Trent was unable to allocate sufficient funds for removal of this particular barrier during 2004-05 and has moved this item to its YR III initiatives under the Accessibility Plan. Should resources become available to fast-track this initiative, Trent will seize the opportunity to address this barrier earlier.

With this reporting on its YR I activities under its Accessibility Plan and the posting of initiatives to be undertaken during YR II, Trent has demonstrated its commitment to a living and learning environment which is accessible to all members of the Trent community. In addition, as a public institution, Trent is aware of the need to ensure its facilities, programs and activities are accessible to the public at large. Throughout the period of the current Accessibility Plan and beyond, Trent will continue to view access improvements and barrier removal as a priority so as to provide full inclusions of persons with disabilities to our endeavours.