Accessible and inclusive facilities consultations are open to all Concordia members

MARCH 7 UPDATE: This story has been updated following responses by students, faculty and staff to the Accessible and Inclusive Facilities survey last month.

As part of Concordia’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Facilities Management is consulting community members about physical spaces on the Sir George Williams and Loyola campuses.

Since other units are also working on increasing accessibility, Facilities Management’s 2022 efforts are focusing on two main areas: accessible buildings and inclusive washrooms. Improvements in these areas require considerable planning, so consultations are going ahead despite the current reduction of in-person activities on campus.

Have your say in improving our facilities

In late 2021, the Facilities Management team conducted an accessibility audit with the help of third-party experts. They evaluated buildings from several vantage points, including getting to and around spaces and looking at how well they serve those with diverse access needs.

Though the audit provided some key data, hearing from community members is just as important for the facilities improvement process. Therefore, all students, staff and faculty are invited to have their say in a number of ways:

1.     Sign up for live, remote consultation sessions – updated!

Each 90-minute session has a specific theme, so feel free to register for all three:

• Inclusive and accessible washrooms: March 15, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
• Expanded scope – Accessible routes, signage and wayfinding: March 23, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• New – Inclusive and accessible teaching and learning spaces: March 31, 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Information and registration links can also be found on Future Concordia or through the Access Centre for Students with Disabilities.

2.      Accessible and Inclusive Facilities survey – now closed

Tell us about issues you have encountered or witnessed moving around or using campus facilities. Your responses will inform renovation projects, enrich subsequent consultation sessions and serve all units looking to improve physical accessibility and inclusivity at Concordia.

The facilities survey is online until February 21. You can submit up to three examples/experiences/testimonials regarding accessibility incidents.

3.     Hall 6 inclusive washroom survey – now closed

The new washrooms on the sixth floor of the Henry F. Hall (H) Building were designed to be gender neutral and wheelchair accessible. They are also intended as a model for upcoming washroom renovations, which is why Facilities Management is seeking constructive feedback now.

More consultations coming

Though Facilities Management is planning for improvements to buildings, the Future Concordia project is going wider: during the next few months, the Future of Teaching and Learning initiative will be exploring a number of themes, including accessibility and inclusivity in curriculum.

So watch for additional opportunities to have your say!
 

Looking for more information about accessibility and inclusion at Concordia?

• Learn about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Concordia.
• Visit the Access Centre for Students with Disabilities.
• Learn about the work of the Equity Office.