Accessibility Advisory Committee
The province of Nova Scotia passed the Accessibility Act in 2017, recognizing accessibility as a human right, and sets a goal of an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030. The Acadia University Accessibility Advisory Committee (AUAAC) will provide recommendations to ensure equitable participation for persons with disabilities in programs, services, initiatives, and facilities at Acadia University. By identifying, preventing, and eliminating barriers, the AUAAC will help Acadia become a barrier-free post-secondary institution that strives for persons with disabilities to access post-secondary education and employment.
Acadia is designated as a “public body” by the province, requiring a comprehensive multi-year accessibility plan to be developed by April 1, 2022. The AUAAC plays a pivotal role in helping ensure Acadia becomes accessible and meet its obligations under the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act through the following focus areas:
- Built Environment
- Education
- Employment
- Goods and Services
- Information and Communication
- Transportation
The AUAAC will consist of members from across campus, including student, faculty, and staff representatives who have lived experiences with disabilities and subject matter expertise. At least one half of the AUAAC must be persons with disabilities or representatives from organizations representing persons with disabilities.
Acadia Built Environment Working Group
A built environment working group was established in the spring of 2019 and reviews, gathers, and interprets detailed data on the built environment at Acadia. The working group aims to identify, remove, and prevent barriers in the built environment, ensuring meaningful access for all intended users. The working group is currently collecting and inputting detailed data from Acadia’s campus based on the CSA B651-18 Accessible Design for the Built Environment and the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) Rating System. As of June 2021, 25% of Acadia’s built environment has been audited in detail.
Learn More
Email accessible.learning@acadiau.ca for more information about Acadia’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Resources
Acadia University Accessibility Plan 2030 Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate Access by Design 2030: Achieving an Accessible Nova Scotia An Act Respecting Accessibility in Nova Scotia Bill 59: An Act Respecting Accessibility in Nova Scotia (ASL) Government of Nova Scotia Accessibility Plan (2018-2021) Nova Scotia Post-Secondary Accessibility Framework