Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
Building an inclusive campus
University of Niagara Falls Canada is steadfastly committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) across all areas of campus life, recognizing EDIA is central to our mission.
We believe we are strongest when we embrace diverse perspectives. UNF aims to promote an inclusive environment for all members of our community, where each person is included and feels they belong; where different viewpoints shape our research, education, innovation and excellence in higher education.
EDIA is a shared responsibility. Through policies, inclusive practices, learning opportunities, and accountability we will work together to cultivate a culture of inclusion.
At UNF, we believe that a truly vibrant and thriving community is one that ensures all members are valued and empowered to succeed. Through collectively valuing and integrating diverse perspectives, we can create an environment that reflects the richness of our global community.
A message from the President
Central to this commitment is fostering a strong sense of belonging within a supportive community one that respects, amplifies, and connects the diverse voices, needs, and histories of its members. Together, we strive to broaden and deepen this sense of belonging across our beautiful campus and beyond.
At the University of Niagara Falls Canada, advancing this sense of inclusion means creating spaces where everyone including students, employees, and visitors alike, can fully participate, thrive, and enjoy their experience. We are committed to removing barriers to accessibility, whether they are attitudinal, informational, technological, systemic, or physical, to ensure that our campus is welcoming to all.
As we continue our shared EDIA journey, let us collectively aim for greater accessibility for individuals with disabilities, both visible and invisible. Together, we can build a community where everyone can gather, create, learn, and connect equitably.
I look forward to sharing updates on our current and future achievements in accessibility as outlined in our multi-year accessibility plan. You can find these updates and additional details through the resources provided below and on our website at unfc.ca.
Sincerely,
David Gray
President and Vice-Chancellor
Accessibility and accommodations
What is accessibility?
Accessibility is the practice of making education, workplaces, and spaces as barrier-free as possible for everyone. Under Ontario law, all students are entitled to full participation in their education.
What is a disability?
A disability is a medical, physical, or cognitive condition that prevents or reduces a person's ability to participate fully in society.
Disabilities can be:
- Visible: using a wheelchair, hearing aid, cane, prosthetics
- Invisible: ADHD, learning disability, diagnosed depression
- Permanent: a life-long condition
- Temporary: time-limited, like a broken leg or arm
Accommodations for students
Academic accommodations are individualized arrangements that provide students with disabilities or medical emergencies a fair opportunity to engage in academic activities and fulfill essential course and program requirements.
Examples of academic accommodations include:
- Extensions on assignments
- Quiet, distraction-free spaces for exams or study
- Permission to record lectures
- Preferential seating in classrooms
- Excused absences or extensions due to medical emergencies
How to access accessibility services
Our accessibility services are free and confidential. To request academic accommodations, you must first meet with the Student Success Office to review your claim. Our staff may ask you to bring supporting information or documentation to the meeting.
It’s important to connect with us as soon as possible.
Contact us at studentsuccess@unfc.ca
Accommodations for employees
At UNF, advancing a sense of inclusion in the workplace is very important. All employees should be able to fully participate, thrive, and enjoy their experience here. We are committed to removing barriers to accessibility, whether they are attitudinal, informational, technological, systemic, or physical, to ensure that our campus is welcoming to all.
A Workplace Accommodations Policy is currently under development.
UNF multi-year accessibility plan
The university continues to make progress towards creating an accessible campus for individuals with disabilities. We have made significant strides, including integrating accessibility into our campus planning, offering mandatory staff training on accessibility standards, constructing accessible suites in student residences, and modernizing elevators across campus.
Our efforts include:
- Strategic campus planning: Accessibility is integrated into our campus development plans, ensuring that future projects will prioritize inclusivity for all students, faculty, and visitors.
- Comprehensive staff training: To ensure a university-wide understanding of accessibility needs, all new employees undergo specialized training on accessibility standards and human rights. This training includes content related to the Ontario Human Rights Code, specifically as it pertains to the duty to accommodate persons with disabilities.
- Infrastructure upgrades: We’ve made significant strides in improving accessibility with the construction of dedicated accessible suites in residences and the modernization of elevators to provide easier access across campus.
Forward-looking strategies and action plans
Building on these achievements, we are dedicated to furthering our efforts to create a campus that supports everyone.
Here’s a glimpse of what lies ahead:
- Revitalized academic spaces: Transforming existing facilities into accessible, state-of-the-art learning environments, where necessary (e.g. new occupied spaces)
- Building renovations: Accessibility upgrades are planned for key campus buildings.
- Facility investments: Continued improvements to accessibility features across residences, common areas, the library, and cultural spaces.
- Digital accessibility compliance: UNF is committed to ensuring that all public-facing web content conforms to WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards, as required under the Information and Communications Standards of the IASR. This includes ongoing assessments and improvements to our digital platforms to ensure full accessibility for individuals using assistive technologies.
- Experiential learning support: Expanding funding for international experiential learning opportunities.
- Inclusive support programs: Prioritizing initiatives for students with financial barriers, Indigenous students, and those with disabilities.
- Accessible feedback mechanisms: UNF will implement and maintain an accessible feedback process to ensure that students, employees, and members of the public can provide input on accessibility matters. Upon request, feedback will be accepted through accessible formats and communication supports, in compliance with Section 11 of the IASR. Information about the availability of accessible feedback options will be posted publicly on our website and made available through Human Resources.
Resources
Multi-Faith Room
Located within the Lake Superior Study on the second floor of campus, the Multi-Faith Room is a quiet shared space for members of the UNF community. It was designed for prayer, meditation, and reflection. It is accessible to people of all faiths or no faith.
University policies
AODA policies
AODA - Built Environment & Public Spaces Policy
AODA - Customer Service Policy
AODA - Information and Communications Policy
Other EDIA-related policies
Access to alternate formats: We strive to deliver services in an accessible manner. Please contact hr@unfc.ca for communications in alternative formats.
