After studying for five years at the University of Ottawa as a disabled student, I think it fair to say that it isn’t the pillar of accessibility. Yes, most buildings on campus have at least one wheelchair-friendly entrance, and the U of O’s Student Academic Success Service promises to meet student accomodations…but is it enough?
July marks Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate and spread awareness about the experiences of people with disabilities. How do U of O students with disabilities feel about their experiences with academia and accommodations?
Five U of O students teamed up to bring eco-friendly and accessible menstrual products to campus — and this is just the beginning.
After a student union transition and a virtual semester, how are student services building back up?
Several University of Ottawa students pushed for immediate action on improving the school’s mental health system at a town hall discussion for the faculty of arts on Wednesday, with many asking president Jacques Frémont for concrete next steps on how he plans to address the situation.
President Jacques Frémont responded to thousands of petitioners demanding the school improve its mental health services after four student deaths last year, and also gave an update on the school’s anti-racism campaigns after two Black students were carded on campus last year.
Despite the resources and accommodations offered by the university’s Student Academic Success Service, many students say that the U of O is still failing to accommodate their disabilities. From physical to learning disabilities, students are asking that the university show more consideration for their conditions.
Tierney said it cost about $120 to degender the bathrooms in the visual arts building, and that was only because they outsourced the sign-making. The university could do it for less, Tierney said, because they can make their own signs on campus.
It seems a bit audacious to assign resolutions to other people, but the fact is that the university administration and SFUO have real power to solve problems that have been plaguing students for years. What better time than the fresh slate of a new year to get the ball rolling?
While stronger leadership at the administrative level is key to building a more accessible learning and working environment, this push for change starts with students.
Free tuition would strengthen the abilities of our youth and ensure equal opportunity for people of all backgrounds, creating a better Canada for generations to come. So, what is Canada waiting for?
Groups on campus hope an upcoming lecture by jes sachse, a Toronto-based disability artist and activist, will bring about a push for greater accessibility at the University of Ottawa.
BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION (BOA) members returned to the table Feb. 26 to hear reports from the executive of the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) and introduce motions regarding discrimination and accessibility to the SFUO constitution. All motions presented were approved for further readings. On board with the meal plan Sarah Jayne King, …
Who goes? Who stays? Why does it matter? AS THE POPULATION ages and the demand for highly skilled workers increases, investment in post-secondary education (PSE) is becoming more and more necessary for economic growth. Equal opportunity for high-school students to go to college or university also matters. Most Canadians believe those who have the desire …
