Experts on accessibility, ableism and inclusion across Canada gather for second National Dialogues and Action
The second National Dialogues focused on ways to address ableism and make post-secondary education in Canada more accessible and inclusive (photo by Summer Leigh)
Article Date
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Don Campbell
Cassandra Hartblay recalls a time in graduate school when a senior scholar in her field wasn’t able to give feedback on a research presentation she gave at an academic conference.
The scholar, it turned out, missed the session because a requested accommodation wasn’t available.
Not being able to receive feedback from a prominent scholar in her field was a stark reminder for Hartblay that failing to meet even basic standards of accessibility can interrupt teaching and learning on many levels.
“It was true for me as a disabilities studies researcher, but it may be true for someone working in a science lab that also isn’t accessible,” said Hartblay, an assistant professor and director of the Centre for Global Disability Studies at U of T Scarborough.
“When someone’s access needs aren’t being met, they’re not able to get feedback to [...]