How can I contribute to an accessible, inclusive learning environment?

As an educator you must create materials, use media, and teach in ways that meet Ontario’s standards for accessibility. Not only is this a legal imperative, it’s also an ethical one. At teaching and learning institutions, we have a shared responsibility to identify and eliminate barriers to make our institutions more accessible for disabled students and staff.

NC’s Accessibility Hub provides our community with articles, videos, and checklists to help you develop accessible communications, presentations, learning materials, and learning experiences.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

In 2005, the Ontario Government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which requires that Ontario be an accessible province by 2025. To help public, private and not-for-profit organizations identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility, the AODA sets out specific accessibility standards in five areas:

1. Customer Service
2. Information and Communications
3. Employment
4. Transportation
5. Built Environment

The NC Accessibility Plan has been prepared to address issues and barriers preventing persons with disabilities from participating fully in the Niagara College community. This is a multi-year Plan that outlines how we intend to identify, prevent, and remove barriers to accessibility, as well as our strategy in meeting the various requirements under the AODA legislation.