ACCESS RYERSON INITIATIVE
Vision
Access Ryerson is a university wide initiative with a goal of removing barriers to the full participation of all community members with disabilities. Built on a principle of shared responsibility, Access Ryerson is comprised of four components. These include an advisory group representing students, staff and faculty from all areas of the university; a variety of working groups focused on barrier removal in specific areas; a coordinating group consisting of working group chairs and advisory group co-chairs addressing common issues, and a steering committee providing senior leadership. Together, we are committed to the transformation of Ryerson into a barrier-free leader in accessibility.
Mandate
To transform Ryerson into a leader of excellence in accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities, and in so doing, fulfill and exceed the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Steering Committee
The primary function of the Steering Committee is to take responsibility at Ryerson for, and address the major business issues associated with, implementing the standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Another key function is to promote accessibility at the University. The Steering committee provides oversight of the Ryerson Accessibility Advisory Group, including approval of terms of reference, recommendations, plans, reports, projects and the budget of the committee. The Steering Committee also monitors the risks, quality and timeliness of Advisory Group activities and establishes benchmarks. View a list of Steering Committee members.
Accessibility Advisory Group
The Accessibility Advisory Group reports to the Steering Committee, providing updates on progress, projects and programs on a quarterly basis, and bringing issues and recommendations to the Steering Committee as required. View a list of Accessibility Advisory Group members.
Coordinating Committee
This committee consists of the chairs of the working groups and the co-chairs of the Advisory Group. The primary role of this committee is to discuss common issues and ensure communication of group goals in order that a coordinated approach is undertaken. View a list of Coordinating Committee members.
Working Groups
Working Groups carry out specific activities focused on initiatives as identified by the Advisory Group and partners within the university. To date these include the following:
Information and Technology
Our Vision/Commitment: A fully accessible information and technology (IT) environment for all Ryerson University stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff and the general public.
We are committed to creating an IT environment that aligns with the POUR (perceivable, operable, understandable, robust) principles of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0), including: content (documents, images, audio, video, multimedia), systems (e.g., Blackboard, eHR, RAMSS, email, etc.), Processes (policies and procedures). View a list of Information and Technology working group members.
Communication and Awareness
Our Vision/Commitment: A university culture that appreciates the experience of disability as a matter of diversity rather than deficit; that embraces the principles and practices of embedding access from the start; and that recognizes the role we each play in creating a barrier free Ryerson community. View a list of Communication and Awareness working group members.
Universal Design for Learning
Our Vision/Commitment: A Ryerson teaching community that adopts a universal approach to designing, developing and implementing courses that reach out to every student on campus. The UDL Working Group is committed to introducing universal design for learning principles through the Learning and Teaching Office's programs and services, expanding the current UDL web resources and developing faculty training. View a list of Universal Design for Learning working group members.
Employment
Our Vision/Commitment: A University employment environment that fully accessible and inclusive to all stakeholders, including, students, faculty, staff and all prospective employees.
We are committed to eliminating existing barriers in our Human Resources processes, systems and communications and establishing policies and processes to ensure the prevention of new barriers in the future. View a list of Employment working group members.
Built Environment
Our Vision/Commitment: A barrier free Ryerson university campus where the physical environment and public spaces are accessible to all. Accessibility at Ryerson is a priority and as such accessibility criteria and features will be considered in all aspects of renovation, development and redevelopment of campus facilities and spaces. View a list of Built Environment working group members.
Procurement
Our Vision/Commitment: Integrated accessibility procurement criteria and features when purchasing goods, services and facilities for Ryerson University, ensuring that no new barriers to access are created. We are committed to embedding accessibility criteria into all procurement practices and policies, ensuring that processes, from the procurement of a chair to the procurement of a building, are accessible to the Ryerson University community. View a list of Procurement working group members.