Carleton strives to make big impact in the social movement of accessibility for persons with disabilities by being an advocate and using its voice to push legislation forward, empower communities and lead by example.
Guiding Policies
In order to enhance the full and equal participation of all persons, especially persons with disabilities, in society, Carleton enacts various guiding policies. These policies include the Human Rights Policy, the Accessible Canada Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
The Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA) enacted in 2017 between the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Carleton University outlines the role the University currently performs in Ontario’s postsecondary education system and how it will build on its current strengths to achieve its vision and help drive system-wide objectives and government priorities.
The United Nation’s 2013 publication on Accessibility and Development: Mainstreaming disability in the post-2015 development agenda influenced the development and implementation of such an agreement and resulting policies and action plans.
Something to Build Upon
Carleton’s commitment to accessibility is guided by the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity and apply to students, faculty and staff, contractors and visitors or guests. Carleton University’s Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities Policy outlines the details of this commitment to achieve accessibility for all community members with respect to opportunities in learning, employment and service.
The Coordinated Accessibility Strategy (CAS), a framework released in 2020, aligns accessibility services, programs, and initiatives that already exist on campus and inspires a strong campus culture of accessibility and inclusion.
How We’re Taking Action
Carleton is always developing new and improving existing action plans and strategies that support the vision of an inclusive and accessible campus for those with disabilities. Implemented in 2013, the Strategic Integrated Plan (SIP) kick-started Carleton’s movement on this vision. The AODA Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2016) describes how Carleton implements and monitors its obligations under the AODA.
The Coordinated Accessibility Strategy (CAS) is the framework that now guides the university’s ongoing commitment to accessibility. Other important actions plans that consider the importance of intersectionality when working in the realm of disabilities are the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and the Kinamagawin Strategy.
At Carleton University, we strive to be a leader in creating an inclusive, accessible community. As part of this commitment, we are proud to share an updated Commitment to Accessibility Statement with our community. Review the new accessibility statement at Carleton’s Accessibility website.
Carleton University recognizes the importance of ensuring accessible goods and services are readily available to our community. We are committed to supporting the creation of environments that remove barriers to individuals with disabilities by ensuring accessibility is considered for all purchases. Through our accessible procurement plan, developed in coordination with on-campus experts, we remain aligned with the needs of the University, as well as the requirements set out by the provincial government. Review Carleton’s Accessible Procurement Resources page for more information.