Accessibility

The University of Ottawa Facilities Service is developing a new Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for 2025–2030 to enhance inclusion, access, and equity across campus facilities and outdoor spaces.

The updated Facilities Accessibility Plan aims to identify, remove, and prevent barriers, and to make physical spaces, wayfinding, and mobility on campus inclusive and adaptable. The plan aligns with legislations including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and key policies like uOttawa's Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan, and the Campus Master Plan, to create a more accessible environment for all.

This initiative is being developed by Workshop Architecture, CP Planning, and disability advocate Lene Andersen in collaboration with uOttawa’s Facilities Service, the Human Rights Office, and input from the university’s disability community, staff, and equity-deserving groups.

The plan involves:

• Reviewing existing accessibility policies and practices.
• Conducting a university-wide survey and meetings with stakeholders, that is students and staff interested in and affected by accessibility.
• Prioritizing accessibility upgrades informed by lived experiences and best practices.
• Drafting recommendations that integrate into uOttawa’s capital planning and construction timelines.

Stakeholder feedback will be essential, with online meetings and public forums planned for reviewing drafts before finalization. The finalized plan will be publicly available on the university website.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

From 2019–2024, uOttawa completed significant accessibility upgrades, including:

• Refurbishing classrooms for mobility aid access and sensory needs.
• Rebuilding exterior ramps and installing tactile warning indicators.
• Adding universal washrooms and accessible emergency systems.
• Integrating higher standards for parking and installing accessible outdoor amenities like picnic tables.
• Modernizing all interior lifts

These improvements, alongside visual fire alarms and upgraded washrooms, have set a strong foundation for continued progress in accessibility.

We are seeking input on the following accessibility initiatives and plans. Share your feedback to help us improve accessibility across our facilities.

Montpetit Terrace Accessible Furniture

Review the notice
Deadline: provide your feedback to [email protected] by May 1.

Science Precinct Accessible Seating

Review the notice
Deadline: provide your feedback to [email protected] by May 1.