Whether it's enhancing an existing space or designing something from the ground up, accessibility shouldn't be an afterthought it should be an intentional and purposeful part of the process.
Brock University's Accessible Built Environment Committee (ABEC) has that lens in mind when identifying ways to create safe, equitable and barrier-free environments across campus.
The Brock community officially recognized the completion of a new engineered ramp and other enhancements to improve accessibility in the University's Thistle Complex on Friday, Aug. 8. In attendance were (from left) Bryan Cober, Associate Director, Projects and Structural Services; Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines; Braden Day, Project Manager, Facilities Management; Megan Kuzak, Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor; Lisa Peso, Manager, Student Accessibility Services; and fourth-year Child and Youth Studies student Jazlyn Savoie.
Their work to actualize a project expanding the access and usability of a series of lecture halls in Brock's Thistle Complex was recently recognized by Brock's Office of Human Rights and Equity (HRE) as part of its ongoing EDI Changemaker designation.
The award is presented each month to members of the Brock community who have helped advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on campus.
The heart of the project, which was completed in February, involved the creation of a more accessible access point to the 200-level of TH 242, 243, 245, 246 and 247 via an engineered ramp.
"The new ramp certainly increases independence and dignity, and moves toward the implementation of universal design principles," says Lisa Peso, Manager, Student Accessibility Services. "The ABEC, including former member Judith Brooder, retired Manager, Student Accessibility Services, recognized the barrier, listened to student voices in need, and through grant application, advocated for and articulated vision for a more inclusive, accessible space."
The ramp allows students, faculty and staff to more easily enter the classrooms at the level of their choice and access seating that is closer to the lecterns at the front of the classrooms.
"We also upgraded the lighting and paint, added contrasting strips and oversized lettering at each lecture hall, as well as installing automatic door openers to ensure the flooring, ceiling, and lighting all work together when people access and move through the space," says Braden Day, Project Manager, Facilities Management.
Bryan Cober, Associate Director, Projects and Structural Services, says the committee regularly reviews opportunities to make Brock's campus a more accessible place.
They consult with students and other stakeholders to hear their first-hand accounts of navigating campus and how those experiences can be improved.
He stresses the work is more than just ticking boxes on a compliance checklist it's about providing the best possible environment for the entire community to thrive.
"I once worked with a colleague who said that we're all temporarily abled,' and that has stuck with me and guided my mindset," he says. "Any one of us could require accessible facilities or services at any time, so we want to ensure we are providing a universally welcoming and safe environment for everyone who visits Brock."
Cober says the University has a five-year plan to enhance accessibility across campus.
One project involves the installation of automatic doors on the lectern level of classrooms in South Block, for example, while another would see the replacement of a set of stairs in Mackenzie Chown C-block with a graded ramp.
Going forward, Cober says the goal for all new projects is to follow Universal Design standards that proactively design spaces to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible.
Day echoed the sentiment, saying he is implementing best practices from completed projects around campus into new initiatives going forward.
"This process has opened my eyes to the different metrics and considerations involved in ensuring that people can visit and enjoy their time at Brock without having to think about if or how they are going to be able to navigate the space," he says. "My goal is universal inclusivity, where all of our spaces are thoughtful and inclusive for everyone."
The Thistle Accessibility Access project was completed with $100,000 in funding support from the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund, administered by Employment and Social Development Canada, and $185,000 from Brock University. Additional enhancements to the Thistle classrooms were completed with funding from Brock's Facilities Renewal Plan.
"Our government is committed to ensuring that shared spaces are open and inclusive to people of all abilities," says Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines. "The successful implementation of these enhancements at Brock has created a more inclusive environment where the community can come together to study, share knowledge, and make meaningful contributions to the vitality of the Niagara region and beyond."
EDI Changemaker criteria and nomination information is available on the HRE website.
