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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.