What is Accessibility?
Accessibility: The degree to which people with disabilities can access a device, service or environment without barriers. Accessibility is also a process – it is the proactive identification, removal and prevention of barriers for people with disabilities to increase accessibility for all. Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people who experience a disability. Accessibility is related to but distinct from the concept of accommodation under Ontario’s Human Rights Code which provides an individual complaint mechanism to address issues of discrimination.
Statement of Commitment:
Trent University’s mission includes encouraging and celebrating excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, research and student development as well as promoting a culture which engages all members of the Trent community, Favours dialogue and collegiality, and nurtures a sense of belonging.
In fulfilling its mission, the University strives at all times to provide its goods and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. The University is committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our goods and services and allowing people with disabilities to benefit from the same services, in the same place and in a similar way as others benefit. This includes the provision of integrated services unless an alternate measure is necessary to enable a person with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from goods or services.
The University is committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Definitions
Ableism
A belief system and social structure that treats people with disabilities as inferior. It assumes able-bodied and neurotypical ways of being are “normal” and better, often leaving others excluded or disadvantaged.
Disability
A broad term that includes physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental differences that affect how someone moves, communicates, or interacts with the world. Disability is not a flaw-it’s part of human diversity.
AODA
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) seeks to ensure that all Ontarians have fair and equitable access to programs and services and to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities. The Act address barriers in Customer Service; Information and Communication; Employment; Transportation; the Design of Public Spaces
IASR
The AODA has five Standards which are included in the Integrated Accessibility Standards (IASR). These include the Customer Service Standard; Employment Standard; Information and Communication Standard; Design of Public Spaces Standard; the Transportation Standard; as well as some general requirements.