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 (AAC) provides 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 AAC helps 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 “prescribed public sector body” by the province, requiring a comprehensive accessibility plan to be developed by April 1, every 3 years. The AAC plays a pivotal role in helping ensure Acadia becomes accessible and meet its obligations under the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act. Acadia’s Accessibility Plan has eight priority areas of focus:

• Awareness and capacity building
• Teaching, learning, and research
• Information and communication
• Delivery of goods and services
• Employment
• Transportation
• Built environment
• Implementation, monitoring, and evaluation

Committee

The AUAAC consists 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.

• Lerato Chondoma, Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (Chair)
• Emily Duffett, Coordinator, Work Integrated Learning (Assistant to Chair)
• Brett Hatfield, Reporting and Records Coordinator
• Cameron Barnard, Student
• Esteve Hassan, Associate Professor
• Hannah Frail, Student
• Jennifer Ingham, Deputy Mayor, Town of Wolfville
• Kate Johnstone, Accessible Learning Support Supervisor
• Lily Rich, Student
• Maggie Jean Neilson, Academic Librarian
• Melanie Clouthier, Admin Coordinator & Operation Support
• Natalie Swain, Assistant Professor
• Polly Leonard, Director of Human Right & Equity Office
• Samantha West, Administrative Assistant

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) Nova Scotia Post-Secondary Accessibility Framework