For the third year in a row, Niagara College is recognizing Disability Awareness Week, taking place Oct. 5-9.
Offered in partnership between the Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE) and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Disabilty Awareness week provides opportunities for the NC community to learn more about disabilities and accessibility.
Students and employees are invited to take part in the following events and activities throughout the week.
Disabilities: Language and Understanding
Tuesday, Oct. 6 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Learn more about the language used when talking about disability and why the words we use matter. This virtual session will explore common terminology, perspectives and ways to communicate respectfully and inclusively when discussing disability.
Registration is required. Register here.
Community Connections
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Daniel J. Patterson Campus | Cafeteria foyer
Join NC’s EDI and CAE team as they welcome a variety of community organizations to campus to mark Disability Awareness Week.
Organizations from across the Niagara Region that support people with disabilities and advance accessibility will be on campus to raise awareness, engage in discussion and help the NC community learn more about local support services.
The event will be set up as an information fair, providing an opportunity to drop in, explore resources, ask questions and make connections with community organizations.
Registration is not required.
Life with Learning Disabilities, presented by LDANR
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Have you heard the term “learning disabilities” or “LDs” but wondered what it means? Or do you want to learn more about how you can support students and peers who experience educational barriers related to learning disabilities?
The Learning Disabilities Association of the Niagara Region (LDANR) will provide an overview of what learning disabilities can feel and look like in the college classroom. The session will explore the journey students undertake to be successful while managing the challenges they may encounter.
This session is designed for students and employees who want to build their understanding of learning disabilities and learn more about ways to support and advocate for people with LDs in the college and broader community.
The session will be offered virtually through Microsoft Teams. A link to the event will be sent to registered participants the morning of the session.
Registration is required. Register through the Centre for Academic Excellence.
Accessible and Inclusive Events
Thursday, Oct. 8 |12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Join us to learn more about the Niagara College Accessible and Inclusive Event Guide and explore best practices and considerations for creating accessible and inclusive events.
Inclusive event planning helps ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, background, identity or circumstance, can fully participate in and enjoy an event. The session will explore ways to anticipate and remove barriers related to physical access, communication, sensory needs, caregiving needs and more.
By considering accessibility from the beginning of the planning process, event organizers can create welcoming environments that reflect respect, equity and inclusion and support meaningful participation for everyone.
This virtual session is open to Niagara College students and employees.
For questions about this session, email the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team at [email protected].
Registration is required. Register here.
NC Libraries and Learning Centres displays
Throughout Disability Awareness Week, the NC Libraries and Learning Centres at both campuses will feature displays with curated print books, eBooks and other resources connected to disability awareness.
Students and employees are encouraged to visit the displays to explore resources and learn more about disability, accessibility and inclusion.
Take part in Disability Awareness Week and join the NC community in building greater awareness, understanding and inclusion.
