EDI Accessibility workshop: Everybody on board

Fostering meaningful collaboration between civil engineers and architects in creating accessible and inclusive spaces.
May 30, 2025 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This half-day event brings together thought leaders and practitioners to explore how accessibility can be more holistically integrated into the built environment, moving beyond compliance to real inclusion.

Register

A diverse group of people walks across a pedestrian walkway in front of a cityscape, including a person using a wheelchair and another walking with a guide dog.

Event details

Through insightful talks and a moderated Q&A, attendees will gain fresh perspectives on accessibility from various professional initiatives.

Schedule

9 a.m. - 9:05 a.m. Welcome Mamadou Fall, Chair of the Civil Engineering department, uOttawa
9:05 a.m. - 9:25 a.m. Presentation “Accessible Architecture Beyond the Ramp”, Ron Wickman, Architect
9:25 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Presentation “ Being Blind in the Built Environment, Diane Bergeron, Head, International Partnerships, Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
9:45 a.m. - 10 a.m. Coffee Break
10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. Presentation “CSCE Task Force on Accessibility”, Anna Valliant, Senior Engineer, Guidelines and standards, Infrastructure and Water Services Department, City of Ottawa
10:20 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. Presentation “uOttawa Civil Eng”, Sara Magdouli, Professor and Alan Perks, Engineer-in-Residence, Civil Engineering department, uOttawa
10:40 a.m. - 11 a.m. Presentation “Universal Design Guide”, Camille Farrag, Senior specialist housing researcher, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Moderated Q&A Session, Ron Wickman, Architect
12 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch and networking
1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Visit to the CNIB Guide Dog Canine Campus

Why attend?

Learn from experts about accessibility challenges and opportunities in the built environment.
Discover the latest tools and initiatives advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in design and engineering.
Engage in meaningful dialogue with peers committed to creating environments that welcome everyone.

Accessibility

If you require accommodation, please contact the event host as soon as possible by sending at email to the following email address: [email protected].