Access Ability: inclusive growth for individuals and employers

Opportunities for individuals who self-identify as living with a disability and inclusive businesses

The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre's innovative Access Ability program, funded by Service Canada, empowers people who self-identify as living with a disability. This program provides two distinct paths depending on the individual’s need:

• Access Ability Employment: helps participants find and secure fulfilling employment opportunities supported by a wage subsidy program.

• Access Ability Entrepreneurship: supports those pursuing their own business ventures.

Both streams emphasize skill development and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The Access Ability Employment stream empowers participants through two key initiatives:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) Program: Participants attend eight paid workshops led by industry experts. Topics include Creative Thinking and Problem Solving, Intrapreneurship: Unleashing Your Inner Entrepreneur and Navigating the Hidden Job Market. Participants learn valuable skills, earn up to $600, and receive learning and job-hunting support.

• Wage Subsidy Program: This program helps individuals who self-identify as living with a disability find and keep supportive employment. This program does so by providing small and medium businesses in Atlantic Canada with the support of a wage subsidy (up to $6,300 at $9 per hour). The goal of the program is to help participants get the skills and training necessary to stay on with their employer after the subsidy is completed.

This year, a remarkable 92 participants learned transformative skills for success in job hunting and had on-the-job experience through Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) training. In addition, 29 new employees joined wage-subsidized positions through funding that provided over $100,000 in wage subsidy support.

Just Cycle, one of the employers who joined the Wage Subsidy Program, reflects on the experience:

“Working with the Access Ability program has been very beneficial for our company. Not only did the program allow us to grow our team, but it also helped us improve employee engagement and productivity. The collaboration has been seamless; the team is responsive and genuinely invested in our success. We appreciate the tailored approach that addresses our unique challenges. Overall, we are thrilled with the outcomes and look forward to continuing our journey together. Thank you!”

Join the next cohort of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) Program and Wage Subsidy Program. The next cohort of the EMC Program runs from February 10 to March 7, 2025. Sign up now to join this winter.

We are seeking employers to join the Wage Subsidy Program in 2025! Submit your interest form now to secure your spot.

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Access Ability Entrepreneurship

The Access Ability Entrepreneurship stream provides two different streams:

• Business Incubator: Offers participants a full-time paid wage along with guidance, training, resources and mentorship, all delivered virtually, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs from across the province to participate regardless of location.

• Speaker Series: This series features 18 training sessions and group meetings with experienced speakers from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It provides invaluable knowledge for personal and business development, while participants earn up to $900 for attending all sessions.

This year’s cohort of the Access Ability Entrepreneurship program provided over $80,000 in wages along with business development and disability-related support for nine program participants.

Kevin MacKinnon, a small business owner in Port Hawkesbury and participant in the Business Incubator program, said, “I really enjoy the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Incubator Program through SMU. There is so much to learn and they do a great job of breaking it down so it's easier to understand. This program has helped me a lot, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to build their business.”

This winter, the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Speaker Series runs from January 7 to March 8, 2025. There are only ten spots remaining. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or seeking to expand your entrepreneurial knowledge, this program will allow you to learn directly from experienced speakers from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Apply now for the 2025 cohort and secure your spot for the Speaker Series this winter!

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Questions?

Employment Stream: Contact AccessAbility@smu.ca

Entrepreneurship Stream: Contact aae@smu.ca

Accessibility Week: Allies for Access at Saint Mary’s University

Accessibility Week: Allies for Access. Monday, December 2-Thursday, December 5, 2024.

Please join the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSC) as we celebrate Accessibility Week at Saint Mary's from December 2-5 to help celebrate the United Nations’ International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3. 

Accessibility information:
The Fred Smithers Centre strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca for accessibility requests and specific accommodations.

To learn more about accessibility at Saint Mary’s, visit the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility.

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Event highlights

Fred Smithers Centre Pop-Ups

Monday, December 2, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | The Exchange
Join the Fred Smithers Team for treats to kick off the week!

Wednesday, December 4, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Loyola Colonnade
Visit the Fred Smithers Team in the Loyola Colonnade for treats and resource sharing!

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The Studio Presents: Accessible Word Documents & PowerPoints

Monday, December 2, 1-3 p.m. | AT 217

The Studio for Teaching and Learning provides an opportunity to learn how to create more accessible Word and PowerPoint documents. During the workshop participants will have an opportunity to work on their own document(s) and ask questions.   

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Student Employment Initiative Study Session

Tuesday, December 3 & December 10, 12-2 p.m. | 5th Floor Student Centre

Join us December 3rd and 10th from 12-2 p.m. on the 5th floor of the Student Centre. Meet other SEI students and the SEI staff, work in a calm environment and enjoy some free snacks! You do not need to be enrolled in SEI to attend.

Please feel free to email sei@smu.ca if there is anything we can do to make this study session comfortable for you.
We hope to see you there!

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Accessibility Photo Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday, December 3 & Wednesday, December 4 | Virtual

Join us on December 3 & 4, 2024 for a fun, photo-fueled adventure around campus. Navigate the built environment of Saint Mary’s University and photograph as many of the following as possible:

• Accessible building entrances

• Accessible parking spots

• Unoccupied accessible washrooms

• Signs with braille or raised lettering

• Tactile indicators (like paving/floor markings)

• Visual fire alarms

• Accessible ramps “Curb cuts” (dropped curbs)

• Chair lifts or elevators

• Grab rails

• Seating near areas with line-ups

Once you’ve got your photos, email them to smuaccessibility@smu.ca by noon on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Bonus: Submit photos of 5+ items for a chance to win a prize!

Note: Your photos may also be featured in future SMU accessibility projects. Happy hunting, and good luck!

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Breakfast Club

Tuesday, December 3, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility,

Join us at the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility on the third floor of the Student Centre for a hot breakfast to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities!

This event is hosted by the Community Food Room in partnership with The Fred Smithers Centre!

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Allies for Access: Introducing the New Accommodations Policy at SMU (Faculty)

Tuesday, January 14, 1-2 p.m. | Virtual (RESCHEDULED)

Faculty are invited to join the Fred Smithers Team for a discussion about the new Senate-approved Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Policy!

Click here to register for Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

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The Studio Presents: Accessible PDFs

Wednesday, December 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | AT 217

Join the Studio for Teaching and Learning to explore creating more accessible PDFs using various software. Learn how PDFs are processed for various neuro-diverse experiences, explore accessibility check tools and get templates to build off accessible-ready documents. This hands-on workshop will allow participants to develop or work on their own documents, get help and ask questions.   

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Therapy Dog Drop-In

Wednesday, December 4, 2-4 p.m. | Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility

Get ready for a paw-sitively amazing event! Join Meri, the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog for a barking good time. Meri will be here to show us the importance of self-care and emotional support during a stressful time. Don’t miss out on this furry-tale event!

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Opening Up: Disclosing & Building Allyship with Friends

Thursday, December 5, 4-5 p.m. | Loyola 188

Join Peer Coach Hailey for Pizza and a discussion about how to create a supportive friend group!

Accessibility focus groups and survey

We want to hear from you!  

Please help us make Saint Mary’s University a more accessible and inclusive place for everyone! 

We invite you to share your experiences and insights by participating in a focus group and/or completing our accessibility survey.  Please consider taking part —your feedback is essential to shaping our 2025–2028 Saint Mary’s University accessibility plan. 

Focus Groups 

We will be hosting focus groups on the following dates:  

• Monday, November 25, 3:00 pm
  On campus (details will be provided upon registration) 
  Please register before November 21, 2024   
   

• Thursday, November 28, 10 am  
  On campus (details will be provided upon registration) 

  Please register before November 25, 2024 

  To register, please use your SMU email account to contact Jennifer Webb (jennifer.webb@smu.ca) and include the following information:  

  • full name

  • role (student, employee, other)  

  • any accommodation requests  
     

Survey 

The survey will be open on November 28, 2024. Watch for the link in the next Saint Mary’s University community bulletin!

Student Employment Initiative program expands to Canadian domestic students

Saint Mary’s is pleased to announce that the Student Employment Initiative Program (SEI) will expand to include Canadian domestic student candidates in consideration for employment opportunities through Saint Mary’s.

The Student Employment Initiative Program is designed to assist students with disabilities in securing employment contracts, gaining volunteer experience, and developing their professional skills and competencies. The Program is a shared initiative between Career and Experiential Learning (CEL) and the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSC), which aims to increase equitable access to employment, help bridge gaps in opportunities, and reduce barriers that students with disabilities may experience.

Previously, the Program was restricted to students and recent alumni (up to six months after graduation) who are permanent Nova Scotia residents and are registered through Nova Scotia Student Loans with a declared government-verified disability. However, the newly established CIBC Accessible Student Employment Program has enabled the SEI Program to expand to include Canadian student participants from other provinces and territories within the Program. Canadian students and recent alumni must be active, registered students with the FSC or have their disability documentation verified by the FSC.

In addition to support in securing employment and volunteerism opportunities, the Program provides accommodation assistance to create supportive and equitable work environments. Once enrolled in the Program, students are also provided with professional career guidance, working one-on-one with a CEL Career Coach and Career Counsellor to plan and prepare for career readiness during and after their studies.

Students gain work experience in the field

Opportunities include working on accessibility and inclusion projects

Visit the Student Employment Initiative Program to learn more or register with SEI. For information and resources on experiencing disability at Saint Mary’s, visit the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility.

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For Employers

Offered year-round for part-time or full-time work placements, the Student Employment Initiative Program team collaborates with employers to create job postings that are inclusive and welcoming. Offering employers subsidized employment opportunities when hiring through the Program, registered businesses receive a 50% wage subsidy, while not-for-profit organizations may be eligible for up to a 75% wage subsidy. Funding also supports employers in any additional workplace accommodations required for the student to fulfill the role, such as adaptive technology, furniture, and more.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the Program generated an outstanding 75 work terms – the largest in the Program’s history – and invested $3,600 in work term accommodations, assisting in making work environments more accessible for all. The Program nearly matched its record in the 2023-2024 academic year, generating 71 work-term placements.

To learn more or create an SEI-registered career posting, visit the Student Employment Initiative Program. For more information on creating inclusive, accessible work and study environments, read A guide for faculty and staff: five ways to support institutional accessibility or visit the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility.

New travel bursary supports accessibility and inclusion in academic experiences

July is Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to celebrate the experiences and achievements of the disability community while acknowledging the diverse challenges they may face. The 2024 theme for Disability Pride Month is “We want a life like yours,” which reflects the desire of the disability community to be given equal opportunity to engage in experiences they are often denied.

At Saint Mary’s, we use this month as a chance to further our ongoing commitment to creating equal opportunities for students to further their academic careers. “We aspire to create a learning environment that is fully experienced by all students,” says Becca Chaytor, Acting Manager, Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSC). “The Accessibility Travel Bursary helps reduce some barriers in travel-related academia, creating opportunities for students who experience disabilities to engage in hands-on learning they may not otherwise have been able to participate in.”

Launched in 2023, the Accessibility Travel Bursary was initiated by a generous donor to support accessible student travel for academic, co-curricular activities or research purposes.

Masters student Baden Mercer participated in a field course in Rome, Italy with support from the Fred Smithers Centre Accessibility Travel Bursary

Awarded throughout the year, students can receive funding to assist with the costs associated with travelling during their degree program. This can include travel to attend field schools and conferences, participate in study abroad opportunities and more. The financial assistance not only helps to cover travel expenses but also accommodation or assistive supports that may otherwise have been a barrier to travel experiences.

In its inaugural year, twelve bursaries were awarded, allowing students to participate in domestic and international travel relevant to their studies. Master’s student Baden Mercer BA’22 was one such recipient—his study travels led him to a field course in Rome. Currently in his third year as a graduate student in the Master of Theology and Religious Studies program, Baden’s trip focused on sacred spaces in Christian and ancient Roman settings.

“As a student with a disability, the financial assistance for the field course provided me with the support I needed while travelling away from home,” says Baden. “Not only was it an incredible experience, but the exposure to these places and the learning within the field course have greatly contributed to my Master’s thesis work.”

Payton McPhee MSc’24, third-year student in the Master of Science, Applied Psychology (forensic stream) program, was another 2023 bursary recipient. Travelling to Kingston, Ontario, Payton had the opportunity to shadow her former professor, Dr. Simone Cunningham, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, at Millhaven Institution, a federal men’s maximum-security prison.

“As a Master’s student, there is an expectation to seek experiential learning opportunities and attend academic conferences,” acknowledges Payton. She was excited to learn about the Accessibility Travel Bursary as it was the first grant she had come across that provided academic travel-related financial assistance for students with disabilities. “The bursary provided me with an additional avenue of funding that made travel more accessible for me,” she explains.

In reflecting on her experience, Payton acknowledges that she would not have been able to travel to Ontario for the hands-on learning opportunity without the financial support through the bursary. “It provides students with funding to make their goals and aspirations more attainable,” claims Payton. “For many, travelling seems unrealistic and almost impossible, but the financial assistance provided through the bursary makes these experiences more realistic.”

Both Bayden and Payton emphasized the benefits of having the Accessibility Travel Bursary available to FSC-registered students. “Traveling abroad not only helped me to advance my academic studies,” affirms Bayden. “It also gave me a deeper understanding of the world beyond our campus. A true world without limits.”

To learn more about the Accessibility Travel Bursary, visit the Fred Smithers Centre website. If you have questions about the Accessibility Travel Bursary or the Fred Smithers Centre, reach out to fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca.

Kevin Murphy, trailblazer in advocacy and inclusion, to receive honorary degree

Kevin Murphy BComm’92

Kevin Murphy BComm’92, a distinguished advocate for people with disabilities, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Saint Mary’s University during the upcoming Spring Convocation. His significant contributions to public policy and community development have left a lasting impact.

Murphy describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur,” having ventured into diverse fields such as entertainment, publishing, advertising, restaurants, junior hockey, motor coach operations, and disability consulting. His time at Saint Mary’s University opened his eyes to a world of possibilities, inspiring him to become an advocate for accessibility improvements on campus, ensuring that the needs of students with disabilities were met.

Beyond business ventures, Murphy has held management positions with the Canadian Paraplegic Association and the Rick Hansen Foundation. His commitment extends to volunteer work, including executive board positions with organizations like the HRM Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Metro Transit Access-A-Bus Advisory Committee and Independent Living Nova Scotia. In 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in recognition of his dedicated community service.

Murphy’s impact reached new heights when he became the elected Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly for Eastern Shore from 2013 to 2021. Serving eight consecutive years as the Speaker, he made history as the first Speaker in the Commonwealth to have a significant disability. His tenure was marked by a commitment to ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities were heard and represented in elected parliaments.

His gravitas, combined with a delightful sense of humour, allowed him to excel in his role. As the Senior Parliamentary Speaker in Canada, Murphy founded and served as the first Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Network in 2019. This network aims to support and inspire people with disabilities worldwide to seek elected office.

Advocacy on a Global Scale

Since 2022, Murphy has been the Senior Policy Advisor to Canada’s Federal Minister responsible for persons with disabilities. His work spans critical files such as the Accessible Canada Act, the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the Canada Disability Benefit and Medical Assistance in Dying. Through these roles, he amplifies the voices of persons with disabilities globally, advocating for policies that empower and uplift. Murphy’s commitment extends beyond political office—in 2003, he co-founded The James McGregor Stewart Society, a beacon of advocacy for public policy respecting people with disabilities. The society’s impactful work has touched countless lives, advocating for equal rights, accessibility, and inclusion.

Murphy will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa, on Wednesday, May 15. See the convocation program for full details.

President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, commends Murphy’s work: “Kevin Murphy’s journey inspires us all. His leadership, advocacy and dedication to disability rights transcend borders, making our world more inclusive and compassionate.”

Currently, Murphy serves as the Federal Director of Disability and Inclusion, where he continues to champion positive change. His legacy reminds us that barriers can be overcome and that every voice matters.

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Spring Convocation takes place May 15-17, 2024. Ceremonies will be live-streamed via www.smu.ca/graduation.

Accessibility Week at Saint Mary’s

Please join the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility as we celebrate Accessibility Week at Saint Mary's from November 27-December 1, leading up to the United Nations’ International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3. 

During the week, the Fred Smithers Centre will offer virtual and in-person events for students, faculty and staff, including events highlighting stress management, mental health and wellness, workshops for faculty on creating accessible coursework, guest speakers, a faculty open house and tour of the Fred Smithers Centre, a blind hockey exhibition game and a student trivia night. Read below for a full list of events.

The Fred Smithers Centre strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Events will have sign language interpreting and real-time transcription. Please email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca for other accessibility requests and specific accommodations.

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Accessibility Week Events  

Patrick Power Library Book Display
November 27 – December 11, 2023  

A collection of literature relating to disability and accessibility, featuring staff picks from the Fred Smithers Centre team. See library hours here.

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Keynote Speaker: Vicky Levack

Monday, November 27  
Noon – 1:30 p.m. | CLARI, 3rd floor Atrium  

Vicky Levack is a disability advocate and educator who lives in Halifax N.S. Her story and her work have been featured in many news and media reports including CBC and Global News and the Halifax Examiner.  She is a former SMU student and hosts the “Disability Debunked” podcast.  Vicky is known for her candid and genuine take on all things disability.   

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More Accessible Word and PowerPoint Document Workshop

Monday, November 27  
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Sobey Building (SB) Room 159  

The Studio for Teaching and Learning provides an opportunity to learn how to create more accessible Word and PowerPoint documents. During the workshop participants will have an opportunity to work on their own document(s) and ask questions.  

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Accessibility Week Trivia Night  

Monday, November 27  
6:00 p.m. | The Gorsebrook Lounge, Student Centre main level  

Join Accessibility Wellness ambassador, Zoe, for a night of neuro-spicy trivia covering topics on accessibility, diversity and social justice. This will be an accessible and welcoming event that highlights important issues and fosters great discussions through a fun, trivia format with chances to win prizes.  

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Tune-sy Tuesday Accessibility Week Edition  

Tuesday, November 28  
Noon – 1 p.m. | Lobby Couches, O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre  

Bring an instrument or borrow one of ours and come jam out for a midday musical mood boost and explore the roles that music can play in accessibility and wellness! Students, staff, faculty and alumni are welcome.   

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Therapy Dog Drop-in  

Wednesday, November 29  
11:30 – 1 p.m. | The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (SC 309)  

Get ready for a paw-sitively amazing event! Join Meri, the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog for a barking good time. Meri will be here to show us the importance of self-care and emotional support during a stressful time! Don’t miss out on this furry-tale event!  

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Accessibility Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Wednesday, November 29  
Noon – 1 p.m. | Online via zoom (registration required)  

Hosted by the Fred Smithers Centre, the Studio for Teaching and Learning and the Software and Application Support teams, this Q&A event will be an opportunity to discuss and explore accessibility within the scope of institutional learning and working. Participants will learn about resources, supports, software and tools, and will have an opportunity to ask questions.  

Register for the Accessibility Q&A.  

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 Blind Hockey Exhibition

Wednesday, November 29  
7 p.m. | The Dauphinee Centre (Arena)   

The parasport of Blind Hockey is played by athletes whose level of vision ranges from legally blind – which is approximately 10% vision – to completely blind, using an adapted puck that makes noise and is bigger than a traditional puck. Players will take the ice during the SMU v. UPEI hockey game for an intermission exhibition.  

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Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility Open House

Thursday, November 30  
Noon – 2 p.m. | Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (SC 309)  

Faculty and staff are invited to visit the Fred Smithers Centre, meet the team, explore the testing and accommodation spaces, and have a chance to explore some of the assistive technologies. This is an opportunity to learn what services and supports the Fred Smithers Centre offers, ask questions and learn how to incorporate accessibility and accommodation into the classroom and workplace.  

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Man, Oh Man! A Conversation About Masculinity and Mental Health

Thursday, November 30  
7 – 8:30 p.m. | Gorsebrook Lounge  

What does masculinity mean to you? Why are men less likely to access mental health supports? How do we show up for ourselves and the men around us? Join us for a panel discussion about men’s mental health! We’ll be discussing what masculinity is and isn’t, the importance of social support, and how we can reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Our panelists include private counsellors, community social workers, other special guests you’ll recognize from campus.  

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Accessible PDF Workshop

Friday, December 1  
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.  

Join the Studio for Teaching and Learning to explore creating more accessible PDFs using various software. Learn how PDFs are processed for various neuro-diverse experiences, explore accessibility check tools and get templates to build off accessible-ready documents. This hands-on workshop will allow participants to develop or work on their own documents, get help and ask questions.  

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Keynote Speaker: Jay Dolmage on Academic Ableism

Friday, December 1  
Noon | Online  

Faculty and staff are invited to tune in with Jay Dolmage, disability rights author and educator, for a discussion on academic ableism in higher education. Jay will discuss and explore possibilities for building a more accessible classroom and campus and welcomes audience participation in discussions, questions and explorations of disability rights.  

Register for this event.

Meet our 2SLGBTQIA+ and Accessibility Wellness Ambassadors

Did you know that you can access peer-based mental health support through the Counselling Centre? Along with professional counselling services, they offer drop-in peer supports, bi-weekly art and mental health programming, programs geared toward specific communities and more!

Two of the Counselling Centre's student staff this year 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador Jo (Left), and their Accessibility Wellness Ambassador Zoë (Right). Wellness Ambassadors coordinate wellness-based social programs for members of their communities. Jo hosts bi-weekly Queer Board Games Nights and monthly Trans Student Drop-Ins. Zoë works as a part of the Counselling Centre and Fred Smithers Centre offering social programs to students who are part of the blind, deaf, disabled and neurodivergent communities. All students are welcome to attend events and learn about their work.

Jo and Zoë both have training to offer one-on-one peer support. Want to set up a chat with one of them? Send them an email and learn more about what they do on the The Counselling Centre's Peer Support Page.

Jo McKenzie (they/them), 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Ambassador
2SLGBTQ.Wellness@smu.ca

Zoë MacDonald (she/her), Accessibility Wellness Ambassador
Accessibility.Wellness@smu.ca.

Assistive technologies available to the SMU community

July is Disability Pride Month, and, although it is not yet recognized by the Government of Canada, Saint Mary’s is pleased to take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate those within the SMU community who experience disability.  

In recognizing the societal and institutional barriers that many face, the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSC) has created a round-up of assistive technologies available campus-wide or directly through the FSC. These technologies can help reduce many barriers faced by those who experience cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities impacting certain mobility, and more. 

Notetaking is a vital part of academic and professional success. It allows people to retain and review information from lectures, discussions, meetings and more. The FSC has procured a number of assistive technologies to support those, particularly students, who may experience barriers in notetaking. 

Glean 

Glean is a web-based app designed to help students achieve their academic and personal goals through supported notetaking. The technology allows users to record lecture audio, import slides, add brief notes and highlight key points with simple clicks. It also creates a visual and interactive outline of notes to support reviewing content. 

Glean is designed to be simple, accessible and cognitive-friendly. It has a distraction-free interface that focuses on the content rather than the tool. It also has a transcription feature that converts audio recordings to text. Glean is currently available as a pilot program to students who have an academic accommodation to do with Notetaking Support. 

 Google Read and Write 

The FSC has also purchased a campus-wide license of Google Read and Write (R&W), which is a Chrome extension that provides assistive technology tools to support reading, writing and studying.  

 Some of the R&W features include: 

• Text-to-speech to hear words, passages or whole documents read aloud with dual color highlighting. 

• Speech-to-text to dictate words and create documents with the user’s voice. 

• Word prediction to suggest the current or next word as the user types. 

• Text and picture dictionaries to see the meaning of words explained with text or images. 

• Highlighters to collect and organize information from web pages or documents. 

• MP3 maker to convert text into audio files for listening on the go. 

• Spelling and grammar check to correct errors and improve writing quality. 

• Simplify and summarize to reduce the complexity and length of web pages or documents. 

Google Read and Write is available for Windows, Mac and Chrome OS devices. It can be used with Google Docs, PDFs, ePubs and other common file types in Google Drive. It is also compatible with screen readers. This extension is available for the entire Saint Mary’s community. Visit The Studio for Teaching and Learning to learn more about and access the extension download.  

Dragon 

Dragon is a speech recognition software that allows users to control their computer, create documents, send emails and search the web by using their voice. It is a form of assistive technology that can benefit people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties or repetitive stress injuries that make typing difficult or impossible. 

Some of the features of Dragon include: 

• Fast and accurate transcription of up to 160 words per minute 

• Customization and personalization of vocabulary, commands, and preferences 

• Compatibility with popular applications, such as Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, and screen readers 

 The Dragon software is available on most of the computers in the FSC’s test and exam area and is available as an academic accommodation for students.  

 Kurzweil 3000 

Kurzweil is a company that provides assistive technology products and resources for students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or visual impairment. They also have supports for English language learners. The FSC has the Kurzweil 3000 software installed on all the exam and test computers, which offers features such as text-to-speech, word prediction and spell check. Kurzweil 3000 is currently available to students as an academic accommodation.   

Saint Mary’s is pleased to offer a number of resources and supports to students, faculty and staff to support various disabilities and reduce barriers, as well as resources for faculty and staff on how to implement accessibility best practices into their work.

For student-related accommodations and supports, visit the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility or, for those students already registered with the FSC, contact your Accessibility Advisor. For staff and faculty resources related to improving accessibility at Saint Mary’s, visit The Studio for Teaching and Learning. 

A guide for faculty and staff: five ways to support institutional accessibility

May 28-June 3 marks National Accessibility Week; an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities and highlight the work of people, organizations and communities that are removing barriers. At Saint Mary’s, the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (formerly the Fred Smithers Centre for Students with Disabilities) is a leader in institutional student accessibility.

This year, the theme for National AccessAbility Week is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice”. As part of our Accessibility Week initiatives, we have developed a guide with five easy steps that faculty and staff can incorporate into their practice to help enhance learner accessibility at SMU.

“With the evolving landscape of accessibility in learning, it is crucial that we take a user-centered approach to modernizing our offerings,” says Kate McHugh, Manager, Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSCSA). “It is also imperative that we equip those on the frontlines of student education and care with knowledge and resources to put our best foot forward in accessibility and accommodation.”

Below are five steps for faculty and staff that can help enhance accessibility across campus.

1.     Familiarize yourself with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility

We are a unique team comprised of two accessibility advisors, an education employment advisor, two exam accommodation administrators, several part-time exam and testing invigilators, an accessibility resource assistant and the FSCSA manager. Many on our team experience some form of disability so our varied experiences paired with our cumulative training and backgrounds provide a unique and well-rounded insight into supporting students who experience disability.

Within the scope of FSCSA, we work directly with students in supporting their academic journey, provide various assistive technologies, employment skills and future readiness, access to grants, educational materials and services, exam and testing accommodations and more.

We also work with stakeholders across Saint Mary’s to raise our level of accessibility pan-campus and enhance the experience for all within the SMU community who experience disability. Our efforts extend beyond the SMU walls and into the broader national institutional community. Members from the FSCSA team recently represented Saint Mary’s at the Atlantic Association of College and University Student Services (AACUSS) to present on supporting adaptive exam and testing accommodations in unprecedented circumstances.

2. Understand what is included in the scope of disability

While traditional or commercialized perceptions of disability fixate on mobility impairments, disability covers a wide range of reduced or impaired functions that can present in visible and/or invisible ways and be on a short or long-term basis. Some common disabilities that exist within the institutional landscape include but are not limited to mental illness, learning disability, ADD/ADHD, hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility impairment, medical condition and autism spectrum disorder. Students registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility have provided both a detailed application and supporting medical documentation.

The FSCSA provides personalized support for each student based on their individual needs. Since disability can present itself in unique ways for each student, it is of the utmost importance to offer flexibility, options, and customized plans of action for each student. The FSCSA team, and the students it supports, rely on the flexibility and consideration of staff and faculty to achieve an inclusive learning environment that is accessible to all.

3. Take time to evaluate inclusivity

Whether in the classroom, hosting an event, preparing content, developing visual supports, or conducting assessments, there are quick considerations that can help ensure an accessible and inclusive environment. Below are some considerations:

• Work with university resources like the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility, the Learning Studio and department communications staff to develop accessible course materials, documents and presentations, visual and graphic components, and more.

• When hosting an event or gathering, evaluate physical access of a space, including entrance and exit points of the building and room, accessible seating and accessible washrooms.

• Consider offering a virtual alternative for those unable to attend in person.

• Use inclusive, person-first language. Saint Mary’s provides guidance on inclusive language within the Saint Mary’s Style Guide.

• Add information on disability and accommodation to your course syllabus. Here’s a boilerplate you can copy/paste:
  “If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please ask The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility to submit your accommodations to your faculty member in a timely manner so that your needs can be addressed. The Fred Smithers Centre determines accommodations based on documented disabilities in the academic environment. Information on requesting accommodations is located on the Fred Smithers Centre’s website. Contact The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (902)420-5452 or email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca for further assistance.”

4. Refer students to the FSCSA as needed

In some instances, a student may not be registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility for whatever reason but may confide in a staff or faculty member about experiencing a disability. It is important to maintain trust and confidentiality, so please do not seek out FSCSA accommodations on their behalf. Instead, help them feel validated in their experience and provide them with information about SMU accessibility and accommodation to help them make an informed decision on whether to register with the FSCSA.

5. Keep learning

Where capacity permits, take some time to check out additional learning resources. Below are some great options:

• Saint Mary’s Learning Studio – Academic Accommodation resources (including accessible templates for slide decks, PDFs and more!).

• Atlantic OER Pressbooks Network – Accessible Teaching & Learning FAQ

• Atlantic OER Pressbooks Network - Accessible Strategies for Students With Disabilities

• Government of Canada – Inclusive Language Considerations

• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – Duty to Accommodate

The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility team is happy to answer questions, offer guidance and provide resources for faculty and staff, in our shared effort to enhance accessibility for learners. Reach out by phone (902)420-5452 or email fredsmithers.centre@smu.ca, or stop by the offices in the Student Centre, 3rd floor, room 309.

Student perspective: experiencing disability and enhancing accessibility

Madison (Maddy) Brophy is a fourth-year student majoring in English and minoring in Psychology at Saint Mary’s. She also lives with an invisible disability—epilepsy—which presents in the form of grand mal or tonic-clonic seizures.

Maddy Brophy, fourth-year student

As someone who experiences disability, Brophy has the right to certain academic accommodations, but she almost didn’t register with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility after starting at Saint Mary’s due to the invisible nature of her disability.

“I had to get over my own misconceptions and barriers of what disability means,” explains Brophy. “I was diminishing my own experience because I didn’t feel like my disability was enough to warrant accommodation.”

Brophy’s academic experience became unpredictable due to her epilepsy. Seizure flare-ups and recovery medication can often leave her forgetful, disoriented and extremely fatigued, making it difficult to maintain academic consistency at times. Eventually, Brophy registered with the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSCSA) and was immediately put at ease.

“There were so many aspects of experiencing disability and suffering in silence that I had never considered,” notes Brophy. “The FSCSA team helped me feel validated in my experience and not only taught me about my rights but also taught me how to advocate for myself and my needs.”

“Accessing the accommodations available as a student with a disability has been of paramount importance to my university career,” describes Brophy, whose academic experience greatly improved with the support of the FSCSA. “It has made me realize how crucial institutional accessibility is to so many.”

With an ignited passion for student accessibility, Brophy recently secured a role with Student Affairs and Services (SAAS) as a Communications Assistant, supporting the development of student-centric communications with an emphasis on enhancing the digital accessibility of content. Working jointly with Communications and the Fred Smithers Centre, Brophy will spend the summer auditing SAAS web pages, updating content and making recommendations to raise the level of accessibility to meet or surpass Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

“There are so many barriers faced by people who experience disability,” shares Brophy. “I’m excited to be on a team that works to reduce those barriers and make our little corner of higher education more accessible to all.”

In reflecting on her own journey as a student with a disability, Brophy has an important message to share for current and future students. “The supports are here for YOU. Your experience is valid and there is no shame in asking for the support that SMU has made available for students who experience disability.”

To learn more about student accessibility and accommodations, visit The Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility. 

SMU community rallies to assist Fred Smithers Testing Centre during building closure

With exams swiftly approaching, the unexpected closure of the Student Centre in early December required some quick thinking from the team at the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility (FSC). 

A student uses Dragon speech recognition software, one of the supports provided by the Fred Smithers Centre.

The FSC offers a myriad of accommodations and is notably accessed for its testing and exams supports. On any given week, the testing centre supports between 50 to 75 test accommodations; a number that jumped to more than 350 during the first week of exams.  

With the testing centre unable to open, the FSC team turned to the Saint Mary’s community for support and were welcomed with open doors by areas in the Atrium and the Sobey School of Business, among other locations on campus. Faculty were incredibly supportive of the last-minute changes.   

“The students who [were] affected by the damage to the FSC will have had approved exam accommodations,” says Dean of Science, Lori Francis. “We have the responsibility to provide said accommodations to the point of undue hardship, which is a very high bar indeed.”  

The FSC team successfully assisted all students with approved exam accommodations, using the alternate locations across campus. The students were patient and flexible with the changes, and appreciative of the resource spaces. "I actually found the [Secunda Marine] Boardroom to be pretty relaxing,” said one student. “It was a nice space to write my exam."  

Students requiring specific technology supports such as the Dragon speech recognition software device were able to defer exams until they were able to regain access to the testing centre, which re-opened on December 19. One student who used the headset and speech-to-text supports noted that the Dragon software has been helpful in allowing him to focus on the content of his responses rather than worrying about the grammatical intricacies of writing them out.  

“The Fred Smithers Centre team is extremely grateful to the wider SMU community for all the help received during the closure,” says Kate McHugh, Manager of the Fred Smithers Centre. “From offers of physical space, flexibility in timing, and even treat drop-offs, the FSC felt incredibly supported by our colleagues across campus.”  

For information on student accommodations, visit the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility page.