The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) has received a grant from the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP-D), for an important research project: The Landscape of Accessibility and Accommodation for Students with Disabilities in Canadian Post-Secondary Education: 2016 – 2018.

At this time we seek written submissions from institutional offices/departments/faculties (including, but not limited to, student services and student affairs offices, campus disability groups, access centres and access committees, faculties and disability services offices) that describe best practices and lessons learned from working with students with disabilities. We are looking for details on professional development practices, innovative programming for students with disabilities, success stories, and effective policies and practices. We also want to know about gaps in learning, knowledge and service at the local level. If your school has a model program or service we’d like you to tell us about it.

Submissions should be no longer than 1,000 words, and be submitted in writing to the NEADS office by email no later than June 30, 2017 to frank.smith@neads.ca with a subject heading The Landscape of Accessibility and Accommodation for Students with Disabilities Submission. Please be advised, submissions may be used by the research team with attribution and permission — unless we are informed that a submission is to be kept confidential and to be used in a general way — in the final report and recommendations of the project.

This project specifically addresses the SDPP-D Program objective to: “support the development and utilization of effective approaches to address social issues and challenges.” Building on previous NEADS work, including the landmark report of the National Taskforce on the Experience of Graduate Students with Disabilities, Understanding Accessibility in Graduate Education For Students with Disabilities in Canada (2016); Enhancing Accessibility for Disabled Students – A Guide For Service Providers (2012); and, Working Towards a Coordinated National Approach to Services, Accommodations and Policies for Post-Secondary Students With Disabilities (1999), this project will undertake a thorough examination of the current landscape of accessibility, services, accommodations, technical equipment and supports for students with disabilities at publicly-funded post-secondary institutions across Canada.

The research will occur at the same time as, and is expected to inform, the Government of Canada’s consultation on a new planned accessibility legislation, under the leadership of Minister Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. Consultations and research on post-secondary access and services are timely and will contribute to the Government of Canada’s emphasis on access to education and training for persons with disabilities, leading to their participation in the competitive labour market.

“Students with disabilities deserve equal access and opportunity in their schools. In supporting activities that engage and consult students with disabilities, we can make informed decisions on how to make this happen. Ensuring accessibility in post-secondary institutions is a great example of how – together – we are changing the culture around disability and creating a more accessible Canada.” – The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

For further information on this project contact:

Frank Smith

National Coordinator

National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)

Rm. 514 Unicentre

Carleton University

Ottawa, Ontario

K1S 5B6

tel. (613) 380-8065 ext. 201

email: frank.smith@neads.ca