Accessibility
The Accessibility team works to remove barriers and build inclusive access, fostering a more accessible TMU where persons with disabilities can thrive.
What we do
We support Toronto Metropolitan University in meeting the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) (external link) standards while going beyond compliance to address systemic barriers to inclusion across classrooms, workplaces and campus spaces.
Collaborating for inclusive change
Our unit leads Access TMU, a university-wide initiative advancing TMU as a leader in accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Guided by a steering committee of senior leaders and supported by focused working groups, we address barriers across the built environment, technology, employment and pedagogy.
We also contribute to university committees and working groups to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities is considered from the start in all university initiatives.
Get in touch
If you have feedback or want to get involved, contact Kelly Campbell, Accessibility Manager, at kel.campbell@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000, ext. 554144.
You can also submit feedback about the accessibility of TMU’s goods and services through the feedback form.
Leadership
Kelly Campbell, Accessibility Manager, OVPECI.
Access TMU is guided by four action pillars
Education and awareness
The Accessibility Unit responds to accessibility-related inquiries daily, building awareness oft best practices. We also proactively reach out to departments and faculties, host events and workshops, visit classrooms and meet individually with TMU community members.
This results in:
- Enhanced accessibility competencies for students, faculty and staff.
- Increased collaboration, and participation in accessibility initiatives – creating champions.
- Greater understanding of legal obligations about accessibility and accommodation.
- Dispelling of misconceptions about persons with disabilities.
Community engagement
Collaboration and shared responsibility underpin Access TMU’s strategy. We engage members across all sectors of the university through:
- Partnerships with disability organizations.
- Representation on community accessibility committees and communities of practice.
- Co-leadership in employee community networks and engagement with students.
Tools and support
We equip students, faculty and staff to be accessibility champions through web-based resources on the Accessibility website and guidance:
- Access to tools, guides and key contacts for accessibility inquiries or barrier reporting.
- Opportunities to provide feedback on accessibility-related issues.
- Knowledge and tools to fully support students with disabilities.
- Support for inclusive teaching practices that enrich experiences, improve efficiencies and embed accessibility from the start.
Compliance and accountability
We ensure compliance and accountability through:
- Accessibility standards – TMU’s Accessibility Facility Design Standards (RUFADS) exceed AODA and Ontario Building Code requirements, guiding new builds and renovations.
- Training – Mandatory AODA/accessibility training for all TMU employees,tracked and monitored.
- Baseline data – TMU’s Employee and Student Diversity Self-ID Program establishes data on representation of persons with disabilities and helps measure progress.
- Reporting – Under the AODA, TMU must file a compliance report every two years.
