On March 29th, I and six other students organized the Ableism in the Classroom conference, the first to bring together students, faculty and staff on the issue of accessibility.

Despite the challenges and stress behind the scenes before and during the conference, it was a success!

I’m deeply grateful to my team for starting a new conversation at U of T.

Now, it’s my honour to promote the sequel to the Ableism in the Classroom conference, “Designing an Accessible Classroom.”

This event continues the conversation from last year about the importance of accessible education, but this time, it takes a more action-based approach, highlighting the various accessibility initiatives happening at U of T. Essentially, it demonstrates that it is possible to make our academic spaces accessible.

Since the AODA Committee on Higher Education published its recommendations last summer, accessibility in universities and colleges has become a priority at institutions. U of T hosted National Accessibility Week last year, and the Ontario Summit for Students with Disabilities convened last month.

Students with disabilities deserve better education and opportunities to succeed. However, they cannot succeed without proper accessibility in and outside the classroom.

However, accessibility is not just important because students with disabilities need it; it is essential because it can transform the academic experience for everyone involved.

Including you.

So sign up today for the conference.

It is happening Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, from 10 am – 3 pm at Hart House, Music Room:  7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3