The United Nations (UN) selected December 3 as an opportunity to get engaged and mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This is a day to highlight the rights and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities while also calling for advancements in the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every part of society.
This year’s theme is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.” The COVID-19 pandemic hastened the adoption of technology and other innovations that improved accessibility for many people. Yet, continued conversations about accessibility on and off campus are important to ensure that we all have equal opportunities to participate in class and at work.
Learn more (via United Nations)
Access Resources
Centre for Accessibility at UBCV
Visit the Centre for Accessibility at UBC Vancouver to access facilitation with accommodations and programming designed to remove barriers for students with disabilities.
Additional resources for students with disabilities
Explore additional services at UBC Vancouver campus for students with disabilities, and find resources for support and assistance.
The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) at UBCO
The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) at UBC Okanagan facilitates disability-related accommodations and programming initiatives to remove barriers for students with disabilities and ongoing medical conditions.
Stay at Work/Return to Work Program and Equipment Accommodation Fund
The Stay at Work/Return to Work Program provides support to faculty and staff who are dealing with an illness, injury or disability. Learn about services that can help with managing a medical condition or disability.
Disability Affinity Group
The Disability Affinity Group provides an opportunity for faculty and staff living with disabilities to regularly meet and build a community of support, learning, and solidarity. Group members can share knowledge, strategies and resources they can apply to their own experiences as disabled staff and faculty.
Accessible Employers Network
Did you know UBC is a member of Accessible Employers, a Presidents Group initiative? The Presidents Group is a network of 25 change-driven BC business leaders who are champions for more accessible, inclusive workplaces. Get in touch with the UBC Equity & Inclusion Office to learn more about resources, learning opportunities and engagements available to UBC employees through our membership.
Learn More
UBC’s Canada Research Chair Program recently released a report on the barriers and inequities faced by scholars with disabilities. The report addresses how assessments of productivity and scholarly activities might prevent scholars with disabilities from participating in the program, and how those assessments might be changed. It also investigates why the current hiring process is not effective for scholars with disabilities.
On this episode of the Docs with Disabilities podcast, UBC Accessibility Advisor Dr. Laura Bulk discusses the experiences of learners who have disabilities and how to create a more inclusive environment in health professions.