Staff from the Fred Smithers Centre celebrate at the 40th birthday pop-up event
Saint Mary’s has a long and proud history of championing accessibility in Atlantic Canada. What began in 1968 with the construction of a residence designed to reduce mobility barriers has evolved into developments that have not only made critical impacts on students’ experiences but have also shaped accessibility in higher education within the region.
A 1975 tape library supported learners with visual disabilities, and by 1980, SMU was offering a growing range of accommodations to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. These early efforts culminated in 1985 with the founding of The Atlantic Centre, which was a milestone that made Saint Mary’s the first designated post-secondary accessibility centre in the Maritimes.
Four decades later, the evolution of the centre is a testament to both progress and purpose. Today, the Fred Smithers Centre for Student Accessibility offers expanded accessible testing spaces, a wide range of individualized accommodations and access to a variety of assistive technology resources, and leadership in advancing academic accessibility at Saint Mary’s University. The recently launched Digital Accessibility Hub further strengthens Saint Mary’s commitment to universal design in learning, offering the SMU community practical tools, resources, and video tutorials to support their success and experience online.
Meri the therapy dog
This year’s Accessibility Week celebrated that journey of growth and innovation. Students built personalized exam recharge kits with calming tools and study essentials through a collaboration with The Breakfast Club. A 40th-birthday pop-up on December 3, aligning with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, brought the community together with a prize wheel, giveaways, and conversations about the Centre’s history.
Students, staff, and community members filled a large birthday card with messages of support and gratitude. The card now sits proudly in the FSC as a reminder of the connections made throughout the week. And as always, Meri the therapy dog played a spotlight role in welcoming students, easing exam stress, and spreading joy across campus.
At the heart of these initiatives is the dedication and passion of the Fred Smithers Centre team, whose work reflects Saint Mary’s institutional commitment to an inclusive and equitable learning environment. As we celebrate 40 years of accessibility at SMU, we remain focused on continuous improvement, assessing, adapting, and evolving our practices to create barrier-free learning environments that benefit all students.
Check out the photo gallery from Accessibility Week 2025 below!
