THE ACCESSIBLE PATH TO LEADERSHIP ACCESSIBILITY AT GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE

GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REPORT 2006-2007 THE ACCESSIBLE PATH TO LEADERSHIP ACCESSIBILITY AT GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE

GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REPORT 2006-2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS PRESIDENT S MESSAGE...1 EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY: OUR ACCESSIBILITY GOALS... 2 OVERVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS...4 ACCESSIBILITY PLAN: ACHIEVEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS... 6 ACCESSIBLE MEDIA...6 DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF ACCESSIBLE CAMPUS MAPS...6 MANAGERIAL AND STAFF TRAINING & EDUCATION... 7 ACCOMMODATION NEEDS & ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES... 8 FIRE SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS...9 PHYSICAL BARRIERS...10 CLASSROOM AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT...10 HUMAN RESOURCES...11

PRESIDENT S MESSAGE- ANNE SADO At George Brown College, our commitment to removing barriers to those with disabilities extends far beyond compliance with the law. Our commitment is actually about living up to the promise that is George Brown College the promise of a community built upon the principles of equity and access, as laid out in our vision, mission and values statement, the Path to Leadership. This marks the first year that the Accessibility Report falls under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As in previous years, we have continued to develop and implement changes that not only comply with the legislation, but strengthen its underlying principles within our organization. During the course of this academic year, we will hold two open forums in order to share ideas and perspectives on our accessibility plan with all areas of the College community. By choosing a path to equity and accessibility based on dialogue and education, we hope to ensure that all progress we make is inclusive, responsive, and ultimately more rewarding. The elimination of all barriers within our community is a long term goal. By remaining dedicated to an open and meaningful process along the way, we can continue to look forward to making real and rewarding gains in the coming year. Anne Sado President George Brown College 1

GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT GOALS PATH TO LEADERSHIP Inspired by a commitment to achievement through excellence in teaching and applied learning, we will set the benchmark to which all colleges will aspire and be recognized as a key resource in shaping the future of Toronto. With this vibrant and dynamic drive, we will build a seamless bridge between students and employers as we develop workplace-ready graduates, who will be their candidates of choice. Energized by the principles of access and diversity, we will create a community grounded in mutual respect and accountability in everything we do. 2

EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY: GBC ACCESSIBILITY GOALS Our accessibility reports evolve from year to year, but our accessibility goals and commitment to these goals remain entrenched in the educational equity plan for the College. The College s commitment to educational equity aims to: Increase the opportunity for all students, staff and faculty to participate and grow academically, culturally and socially in the College environment Strengthen and diversify the learning process by emphasizing an understanding of the needs of our students with disabilities Educate and inform students, staff and faculty of the importance of equity and access in all facets of College work and study Provide understanding and skills so our students gain valuable insights into how equity and global citizenship are core values in the workplace. OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY The commitment of George Brown College to accessibility goes beyond compliance to become an essential part of our positioning and strategy. We are fully dedicated to meeting any new requirements that will be developed under the new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA); 2005 While the government is moving forward with implementation plans under the new legislation, George Brown college remains committed to continue to plan and meet our stated objectives under the Ontarians with Disability Act 2001 George Brown College has made accessibility a vital part of our vision. We have made a commitment to being closely tied to the cultural, social and economic make up of the city and persons with disabilities are a part of our city We currently provide services to over 1,000 students with disabilities in our academic programs Our Academic Strategy for the next four years articulates the following values: Putting student learning first and preparing them to be outstanding employees and citizens Becoming a learning community where all staff are valued and learning is constantly stimulated and best practices are celebrated. Championing diversity and internationalization so that our curriculum and our behaviour reflect and support our diversity Promoting innovation and scholarship 3

A PROGRESSIVE BEGINNING: OVERVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS FOUNDATION OF POLICES, PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES POLICIES POLICES The College has developed core policies which demonstrate our accessibility commitments. These policies and resources can be found at the following web site, http://www.georgebrown.ca/admin/vpacad/polices/index.html Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment Policy Policy on Disability Services Policy on Employment of Persons with Disabilities Electronic Accessibility Policy and Guidelines Checklist: Planning an Event to Ensure Accessibility Policy on Captioned Media and E-Text PROGRAMS The College supports the following specialized programs: Literacy and Basic Skills Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults: this program is the only college program of its kind in Toronto, with all courses taught in American Sign Language. The program is for deaf and hard of hearing students who want to upgrade English, Math and computer literacy skills The FOR YOU program is an experiential psycho-educational group program for adults currently coping with the impact of mental or emotional health challenges. REDIRECTION THROUGH EDUCATION (RTE) is a supported education program designed for adults 19 years or older who have had emotional or mental health difficulties. ASSISTANT COOK EXTENDED TRAINING (ACET) is a relatively new program that has been launched in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. The ACET s goal is provide persons with disabilities an opportunity to take the first step towards a job in Toronto s food service industry. SERVICES The Disability Services Department works individually with students to develop a set of recommended accommodations and any other services as required. This also includes articulating these accommodations to various partners within the college community. Accommodations include in-class and testing accommodations in partnership with divisional faculty and the Assessment Centre under Educational Resources. Services may include; note-takers, professional or peer tutoring, psycho-educational assessments; photocopy cards for large print, brailed materials, and adaptive technology. 4

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department provides educational support services to deaf, deafened and hard of hearing applicants and students for the Colleges within the Greater Toronto Area (Centennial, George Brown, Humber, Seneca and Sheridan). Services include sign language interpreting; computerized and note-taking; academic advising; program and test taking accommodations; and the loan of assistive listening devices. The Diversity, Equity & Human Rights Services office provides students, staff and faculty with consultation regarding compliance of accommodations and reinforcement on matters related to accommodation and access as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code. TECHNOLOGY In partnership with Disability Services and Educational Resources, the College has two adaptive technology labs with technical service; computer equipment and software, and assistive devices to support the learning needs of students. ACCOUNTABILITIES The accountability for our policies, programs and future planning related to accessibility for persons with disabilities is with our Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) - Committee. This committee meets monthly to ensure that George Brown College maintains our commitment to advance accessibility for all our College members and to ensure that the AODA Committee s annual report objectives are being met. The committee consists of students, staff and faculty of the College with representation from: Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Office, Disability Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Facilities Management, and Educational Resources. The AODA Committee requests input from interested staff, faculty and students and as a requirement under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), prepares and makes available, this report (AODA, Annual Accessibility Report). The committee ensures that this report is posted on the College website, and available in multiple formats upon request. 5

GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE ACCESSIBILITY PLAN FOR 2006-2007 ACHIEVEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS ACCESSIBLE MEDIA ACHIEVEMENTS 2005-2006 Captioned Media and E-Text Policy approved by the Board of Governors Video collection in Learning Commons has increased closed captioned materials from 200 to over 500 closed captioned videos and DVD s. Letter to the College community by the College President supporting the Captioned Media and E-Text Policy and procedures. Continued to partner with stakeholders both internally and externally in support of the requirements of the Policy. Presentation Captioned Media and Electronic Text Policy during staff development week Oct, 2006 Continued work with publishers to get e-text materials to students in a shortened time frame GBC continued to work with other Colleges sharing our best practices related to our Captioned Media and E-Text Policy and procedures GBC considered a leader in captioned media and e-text COMMITMENTS 2006-2007 The College s AODA Committee will continue to support Educational Resources in the integration of the Captioned Media and E-Text Policy within all academic and department practices and procedures. Continue to support the accessible media requirements of divisions and faculty members. Continue to raise awareness through workshops to the College community on the importance and requirements of Captioned Media and E-Text Policy. DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF ACCESSIBLE CAMPUS MAPS ACHIEVEMENTS 2005-2006 COMMITMENTS 2006-2007 Development of online maps featuring accessibility features of college buildings using City of Toronto accessibility symbols Ensured ongoing process of reviewing and improving College mapping Accessibility maps outlining accessibility features of College buildings to be available for download from the college web site. 6

MANAGERIAL AND STAFF TRAINING & EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENTS 2005-2006 Recommendation to create a direct link from the College web site to an AODA Committee web page Wen-do (Women s Self Defense Classes) offered free of charge to all women staff and students, ASL interpreters available spring and fall sessions Faculty of Community & Social Services: Panel Discussion An Overview of the Ontario Human Rights Commission and Accommodation of Students with Disabilities Best Practices in Customer Service to Students with a Disability, presentation to peer facilitators Unheard Voices a one woman play about hearing loss was performed during Professional Development week Literacy and Basic Skills for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults launched their new website Upgrading Program, Access, in American Sign Language Student Storytelling Project: Five students worked with a professional story teller to develop their stories: who they are, how they came to be at GBC, what their struggles have been presented twice to the college community as a performance piece objective education of faculty and staff re: student experience Lunch and Learn: lunch time video series focusing on a variety of diversity and equity topics. This year with a focus on understanding mental illness Special presentation to faculty and staff by the Canadian Mental Health Association Understanding Cross Cultural Mental Health College Wide Event: Performance by Allan Shain; a Comedian, speaker and disability activist whose artistic work is founded on a deep commitment to taking personal responsibility for creating change Folio Project Staff Development Learning Opportunities for Faculty and Staff Equity in the Classroom Specialist Certificate GBC Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Services key organizer of National Conference in Toronto April 2006. Canadian Association for the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in Higher Education 150 participants National Deaf Heritage Week Presentation A Case for a Deaf-Run Legal Clinic; Jennifer Jackson, B.A. (Hons); L.L.B., Executive Director, OAD. COMMITMENTS 2006-2007 AODA Committee to develop a marketing strategy to educate college community on the work we are doing AODA to hold open forums twice a year for all college community members to express ideas and projects related to accessibility at GBC Continued work on education initiatives for entire College community related to access and disability issues; guest speakers, performers and workshops Continued focus on faculty education related to accommodation for students with disabilities 7

ACCOMMODATION NEEDS & ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES ACHIEVEMENTS 2005-2006 The AODA Committee issued a statement to the College Community regarding the requirement of ensuring that all College wide events will routinely book sign language interpreters and computerized note takers or real-time captionists, regardless of any confirmation of accommodation requests. The AODA Committee widely promoted the revised Checklist: Planning an Event to Ensure Accessibility as a College best practice by providing a direct link on the first page of the College s Insite web site. The checklist also included disability access symbols which must be added to any promotional material for the College wide events. COMMITMENTS 2006-2007 Research the feasibility of computer mounted TTY s at the College Develop a list of priority accessibility features that must be included in all new building and/or renovations at the College AODA Committee to report twice a year to College Council 8

FIRE SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ACHIEVEMENTS 2005-2006 The Emergency Preparedness and Safety sub-committee of the AODA Committee made the following recommendations to college Senior Management Designing a communication strategy on emergency preparedness that is accessible for all members of the College and clearly states individual and stakeholder responsibilities Create a web page called First Aid and Emergency Preparedness under Quick Links on the first page of the College web site Research a potential technology solution to the accessibility challenges presented by the yellow emergency boxes Design a workshop for front line staff which teaches basic American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary crucial to emergency situations and other sensitivity issues. COMMITMENTS 2006-2007 Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness Continue to research a solution to the accessibility challenges presented by the Yellow emergency boxes Proposal to have security officer at the front desk at all times Proposal to provide security front desk with a dedicated computer line ensure receipt of email and text messages from College members Review the option of having security supervisors carry a blackberry as an alternative form of communication Emergency assembly areas to be designated and identified on accessible campus maps 9

PHYSICAL BARRIERS ACHIEVEMENTS 2005-2006 Elevator installed at St. James campus to ensure accessibility to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and the second floor St. James Patio Continued to install visual alarms in priority areas Continued washroom renovations in priority areas Maps of College identify accessibility features of buildings Ensured maps that identify accessibility features of buildings can be downloaded from College web site Painted pillars in main College areas a different colour from the floor to improve accessibility features COMMITMENTS 2006-2007 Continue commitment to install more visual alarms on all campuses Continue commitment to renovate washrooms to ensure accessibility features Install yellow strips on glass doors to assist individuals who have low vision Continued input into painting of college to ensure painting and colour choices meet the suggestions in CNIB education materials CLASSROOM AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVEMENTS 2005-2006 College Academic Strategy in second year of implementation Captioned Media and E-Text Policy approved by the College Education of faculty and staff on Captioned Media and E- Text Policy continues Continuation of training of college staff and faculty on accommodation for students with disabilities COMMITMENTS 2006-2007 Maintain focus on expanding knowledge of faculty and staff on issues related to accommodation and diversity issues Continue to offer workshops for staff and faculty with a focus on learning how to make curriculum and classrooms accessible and equitable for everyone 10

HUMAN RESOURCES ACHIEVEMENTS 2005-2006 Human Resources web page added information for staff/ managers related to accommodation concerns for employees Return to Work policy and procedures for GBC staff finalized and implemented Continued training related to managerial responsibilities and human rights, mental health in the workplace, conflict resolution skills, understanding Deaf Culture Continued to collect employment equity data for all new full time staff Employment Equity data for the College presented to the College Board of Governors, Senior Administration and College Council New recruitment language to be used on all external advertising for the College Ongoing training for staff and faculty on human rights in the workplace COMMITMENTS 2006-2007 Continue commitment to employment equity at GBC Sharing of employment equity data with divisions prior to business planning Continue training of hiring committees on non-biased hiring practices Continue overall College training on diversity, respect and work place practices Employment Equity systems review. Review of polices and practices related to hiring practices in order to ensure practices are fair and equitable Hicks Morley on line training for managers 5-6 hour on line course on harassment and discrimination in the workplace and how best to deal with concerns to be brought to managements attention; includes legal understanding as well as communication and conflict resolution skill building 11

GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REPORT 2006-2007