ODA Accessibility Plan - Trent University
Year 2 Update
In September of 2003, Trent University finalized and posted is first annual Accessibility Plan (the Plan). In the development of that plan, Trent utilized a consultative process to review and identify services, policies, procedures and facilities which could produce barriers to full inclusion for persons with disabilities into the Trent environment.
In formulating its Accessibility Plan, Trent took a five-year timeline for barrier re-dress. This was done in recognition that certain barriers such as policy review and adjustment can be eliminated on a relatively short timeline while other, more resource intensive barriers, such as building retro-fit may require a longer time for completion especially in a system which is severely resource limited.
In keeping with the provisions of its Accessibility Plan 2003/04, Trent University has carried out an annual review of the Plan. The current document forms an addendum to the original Accessibility Plan published by Trent in September 2003.
This update comes to report on the progress to date of barrier removal under the Plan, and focuses on barrier re-dress carried out during YR II.
ODA Plan Update – September '05
During Year II of the Plan, Trent once again identified barriers for re-dress in each of the following areas:
- Publications
- Information Resources
- Access to Information
- Adaptive Technologies
- Academic Services/Policies
- Human Resources
- Physical Facilities
- Non-Academic Services
This update provides a gauge of the progress which has been made to date in each of these areas.
| Category |
Barrier |
Strategy for removal/prevention |
Update September 05 |
Publications |
Information on Accessing services not readily available
More Inclusive role models in Trent publications |
Post procedures for accessing services on website in accessible format.
Work towards more representative visuals of the Trent student population |
Calendar made available on website in html format
Procedures posted on DSO website along with additional information pertaining to documentation, bursary applications, etc.
More inclusive images sought for Trent publications to be representative of the entire student community |
Information Resources |
Instruction for course instructors in utilizing access features of courseware
Guidelines for Departments in accessible website 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 |
Information on access features of instructional software sent to all instructional staff via newsletter.
Templates for web design incorporated into institutional web template through use of cascading style sheets |
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 |
Faculty Roles and Responsibilities document drafted and circulated to Faculty Board through collaboration with the Dean's Office
UID incorporated as an instructional goal in Instructional Development Centre workshops and training initiatives.
DSO staff collaborating in training for TA certificate program
More classrooms equipped for multimedia course delivery (4)
Access to Instruction statement drafted and circulated for incorporation on course syllabi in 05-06 academic year. |
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 |
Adaptive technology networked for easier access
At least one- two /year for duration of Plan
|
Read & Write adaptive software made available on Trent computer network for easier and greater access for students with disabilities
TDD's to be purchased and installed during YR III
2 new FM listening set-ups purchased and made available for new classrooms. |
Academic Services/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 |
Roles and Responsibilities documents drawn up for both students and instructional staff.
New faculty resource drafted and circulated to assist faculty in knowing their role under the ODA.
Academic Coaching program support increased through DSO to include students with psychological and/or medical disabilities.
On-line test booking system set-up for DSO students.
New assessment system set up for on-site service through collaboration with Queen's Regional Assessment and Resource Centre |
Human Resources / Training and 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. |
Training workshop developed and delivered to staff/faculty
Disability Awareness discussion series held throughout the 2004-05 academic year. |
Physical Facilities * |
Improved access to Library and services on ground floor Bata
Barrier Re-dress for Gzwoski College
Automatic Door Openers |
New elevator for Bata to provide improved access to all floors and main route through campus
Barrier list from YR I to guide immediate barrier re-dress in Gzwoski College
Locations to be determined during Fall Access walk. |
Bata Library elevator installed – Summer –Fall 05
Gzowski College barriers re-dressed during 2004-05
20 automatic door openers installed to provide easier access throughout campus. |
Non-Academic Services |
More disability-related resources in Career Services
Improved access to counseling supports. |
Access to interpreters for career counseling – policy developed
Career workshop for LD students
Referral process for inter-departmental referrals |
Procedure set-up for handling requests for interpreters for career planning sessions
Designated DSO staff liaison to Careers set-up to facilitate awareness and information exchange between departments.
Referral process established to facilitate inter-departmental referrals between DSO and Counselling and/or Health Services.
DSO has partnered with Counselling Services in an initiative to set up improved access to community resources –Oct 04 |
During YR II of the Access Plan, there was one complaint in regards to access which was addressed to the satisfaction of the complainant using the Complaints resolution process incorporated into the Plan
