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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
Allies for Access: Introducing the New Accommodations Policy at SMU (Faculty)
Tuesday, December 3, 1-2 p.m. | Virtual
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
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.
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!
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!