September 30, 2005 Source: University of Windsor:
http://www.uwindsor.ca/units/pac/newsrel.nsf/f8e26b1a592c9edb8525676a0048614a/58fced3310d656ed8525708c005a2ed2!OpenDocument University of Windsor releases latest version of Accessibility Plan (WINDSOR, ONTARIO, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2005) – In a continuing effort to meet the accessibility needs of its campus community, the University of Windsor today released The University of Windsor Accessibility Plan 2005 following approval by the university's Board of Governors. Since its implementation last year, the Accessibility Plan has taken on a number of initiatives including:
· reproduction of print publications produced by the office of Public Affairs & Communications in text-only format on the university's website;
· inclusion of hearing assistance devices in classroom renovations;
· construction of new accessible seating areas in Essex Hall Theatre;
· formal adoption of the Special Needs Policy by the university. .
"The University of Windsor takes great pride in our continuing efforts to make our campus accessible for all students, faculty and staff," says President Ross Paul. "Our accessibility plan is a living document which will evolve over the years to recognize and accommodate the needs of every member of our campus community." Accessibility Initiatives for 2005/2006 include:
· exploration of the feasibility of establishing a program in disability studies;
· adoption of a new campus-wide Adaptive Technology Standard;
· updating university websites to conform to accessibility standards;
· inclusion of signage and wayfaring issues in the Campus Audit procedure;
· development of an effective transition approach for secondary students with disabilities to post-secondary education;
· promotion of and education about accessible standards for print and web information resources and publications. "This year's Accessibility Plan plainly demonstrates the distance we have come in making our campus a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone," says Eric Harbottle, Vice-President Administration & Finance. "But as a leading advocate in access to post-secondary education for all students, the University of Windsor community recognizes that this effort is a continuing, collective responsibility." Carla Harris, an MBA co-op student, says she has experienced first-hand the benefits of the university's efforts to accommodate all its members. When she was diagnosed with epilepsy at the very beginning of a co-op term in the office of Campus Community Police, she was concerned she would lose the placement. Instead, she says, the staff has been "incredibly accommodating." "They switched the whole office around so my desk moved to an area where they could make sure I was safe," says Harris. "Each member of the staff has taken training to identify and respond to epileptic seizures."
She says the sensitivity to her needs means she never felt their confidence in her falter: "Without this support, I am not sure that I would still be here, enrolled in this program." The University of Windsor Accessibility Plan is available on-line at: http://www.uwindsor.ca/accessibility. Alternative formats are available upon request.
- 30 - CONTACT:Lori Koutros Karen Roland
Manager, News Services Employment Equity Manager
University of Windsor University of Windsor
(519) 973-7001 (519) 253-3000 ext. 2057
Cell: (519) 564-9908
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