Dawson College's recently renovated room 2H.02 has been thoughtfully redesigned to better serve students with disabilities, with essential upgrades addressing a range of needs beyond mobility.
"Our vision was to create a purposeful space that genuinely meets students' real needs. With the help of Inhwa Choi and Elias Azar of the Facilities Management team, that vision surpassed our expectations," said Christine Lister, manager of Dawson's Student AccessAbility Centre (SAAC).
Inhwa emphasized the design intent: "We wanted students to feel that this room is truly their space a welcoming, intentional environment, not a storage area or an undefined corner, but a place where every student can relax, focus, and find comfort whenever they need a quiet moment." Inhwa said the team felt that the College's standard paint and flooring colours could use a fresh approach in this space. The team chose a soothing green paint palette "to foster warmth and relaxation."
Part of the renovation included a new adapted bathroom featuring security and stability bars, a wheelchair-accessible sink, hand dryer, soap dispensers, and upgraded sensors and security functions. A beautiful feature of the new bathroom is a mural inspired by Dawson's Peace Garden. "To brighten the space, we commissioned a private illustrator to create the mural," Elias said. "The vibrant colours and gentle imagery bring joy, energy, and a welcoming atmosphere to the room, helping it feel like a space students can truly enjoy and feel at ease in."
The main room was expanded by removing a back wall, creating room for accessible lockers, individual workspaces, sensory walls, dimmable lighting, and dedicated storage. Additionally, a semi-private office provides a calm environment for tasks such as scribing, feeding, or de-escalating panic attacks supporting students with a wide range of physical and sensory needs.
Located conveniently near the de Maisonneuve Boulevard West entrance and elevators, the space offers a transitional area for students with reduced mobility. It also serves students who benefit from quiet study breaks or need assistance from student attendants. Importantly, it now better accommodates students with sensory sensitivities and severe anxiety by providing a peaceful, calming environment.
Christine summarized Dawson's approach to accessibility: "Dawson welcomes and accommodates students with disabilities by working with them in order to evaluate their needs and remove barriers that can cause them significant and persistent limitations."
Planning began in March, construction began July 2 and the room opened to students Nov. 18. This renovation exemplifies Dawson's commitment to creating inclusive, accessible environments that support diverse student needs physically, emotionally, and academically.
Photo: from left to right: Dawson employees involved in renovating the 2H.02 room Maxwell Jones, Samuel Vallery Saint-Hilaire, Elias Azar, Inhwa Choi, Diane Gauvin, Geoff Kloos and Christine Lister.
