TMU marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Disability and social justice advocate Rebecca Smith has been volunteering since she was eight years old. She helped kindergarten students tie their shoes, line up for recess and get what they needed.
“I gravitated to roles where I was mentoring, caring, leading and involved in my community, and it snowballed from there,” says Smith, now a fourth-year social work student at TMU.
Today, Smith channels that same energy into disability advocacy on campus and beyond.
Making campus more accessible
Fourth year social work student, Rebecca Smith, says volunteering and advocacy has defined most of her life, shaping her academic and professional ambitions while contributing to the community in meaningful ways.
For over a year, Smith has served on the Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) Student Advisory Committee. She’s also a director for TMU’s first-ever Student-Led Accessibility Conference, which took place in May 2025.
AAS isTMU’s accessibility services office under Student Wellbeing. It helps create inclusive learning environments by providing academic accommodations and building essential skills.
Through education, programming and services, the office works to reduce barriers and promotes accessibility, while also fostering a sense of belonging.
Just over 1,000 new students register with AAS each fall, with demand growing each year.
What’s next for student support
The AAS Student Advisory Committee provided input for a centralized hub of resources to help students navigate university applications and access key supports during their transition into university life. This can be found at Wellbeing Central.
Students can also access TMU’s SHIFT program. SHIFT helps students with disabilities prepare for university life by introducing them to campus life and providing transition strategies.
TMU’s also recently received a $2 million investment from the RBC Foundation to expand programming and strengthen support for students with disabilities, throughout their academic journey. The funding will bridge academic accommodations with career readiness, including work-integrated learning opportunities and employment preparation.
“We want to make sure students who need these supports know about them and feel comfortable using them,” Smith says. “Some students don’t realize they’re eligible for accommodations, while others fear the stigma tied to having a disability or needing extra help.”
Dec. 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3 marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a day to promote understanding of disability issues and support the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
Smith embodies this commitment through both her volunteer and academic work. She is completing her social work degree with a double minor in psychology and disability studies.
Her advocacy extends beyond campus too. She has volunteered with the Toronto Distress Centre and StepStones for Youth, supporting young people involved in the child welfare system.
“I had a history and a knowledge of advocacy work, locating resources, providing accessibility and introducing accessible components into classrooms,” she says.
That experience helped her navigate her own disability needs when she was diagnosed.
“I had to make sure I was advocating for myself,” says Smith. “I’m the third of four children, so you learn to be loud to be heard.”
Building community inside and outside of the classroom
One constant in Smith’s community work is witnessing how people show up for one another. “Folks always surprise you,” she says.
She has discovered a deep passion for creating platforms that amplify marginalized voices and advancing conversations about diversity, intersectionality and social justice.
“This work really aligns with what I want to do as a social worker,” says Smith.
Join the IDPD events
Building a Community for Employees with Disabilities
Join faculty and staff from across Ontario’s postsecondary sector as they share insights on building inclusive workplaces and fostering belonging through employee-led initiatives:
December 1, 2025
3 - 4 p.m.
TMU faculty, contract lecturers and staff
Online
Students with Disabilities in Action
Join students and artists with disabilities from Ontario colleges and universities for a panel and performances on advocacy, inclusion and building accessible campus communities:
December 2, 2025
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Post-secondary students
Online
A Collective Movement for Accessibility Beyond the AODA
Join us for an action-focused keynote with David Lepofsky on advancing accessibility in Ontario, plus breakout discussions and performances by artists with disabilities.
December 3, 2025
3 - 5 p.m.
TMU Community and open to the public
Online
These events are hosted by the Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights at George Brown College, in collaboration with Accessibility in the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion at TMU.
TMU's commitment extends beyond simply meeting the minimum requirements of the AODA. The university aims to embed principles of dignity, integration and equality of opportunity into the fabric of its culture through Access TMU.
It involves anticipating and valuing difference to create a just and inclusive university that promotes a sustainable future for all.
Student Wellbeing is your source for health, wellbeing and academic accommodation services and supports at TMU.