Just Released - Visit the 2022-2023 Annual Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Update Here!
Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo

Celebrating December 3rd’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024

December 3rd is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of persons with disabilities and members of accessibility and disability communities to advocacy and accessibility, inclusion and equity.

This year’s theme is Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.

The university community recognizes the contributions of persons with disabilities at McMaster who have taken on a leadership role — whether as a student leader, an employee supervisor or faculty member.

“The contributions, skill set and perspectives of leaders with disabilities are extremely valuable for ensuring well-rounded decision making, innovative thinking and problem-solving which can lead to more diverse and sustainable outcomes at McMaster,” says Barrington Walker, vice-provost (Equity and Inclusion) and chair of the McMaster Accessibility Advisory Council.  “The McMaster community can stimulate and advance inclusion by investing in persons with disabilities and support their leadership trajectories.” Walker and the advisory council also recognize the contributions of McMaster’s community members and departments for providing area-specific and strategic leadership to continue to make McMaster a more disability inclusive and accessible campus.

Find more information in the latest Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Update, which has information on many and diverse initiatives taking place across campus. McMaster’s Accessibility Advisory Council, comprising leaders from across the university, has continuously guided the implementation and ensured McMaster’s compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

To commemorate Dec. 3, university and community partners are organizing events across campus over several days, starting this week and going into the start of December. These events will contribute to creating disability-inclusive spaces and dialogues, while reflecting on and upholding the university’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible campus.

Access the Daily News Article!

 

A person in the centre with blue, orange, red and green arms wrapped around them. To the left there is is the label International Day of Persons with Disabilities, that is the 3rd of December.

Events for International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

Expandable List

Join us on November 27th for a screening of Soop on Wheels in celebration of Indigenous Disability Awareness Month and International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Join us for a screening of the movie “Soop on Wheels”, a documentary about Everett Soop, an Indigenous cartoonist with a disability. Directed by Sandy Greer, this film explores Everett’s journey of resilience, creativity, and the power of humor in overcoming barriers.

Date: November 27, 2024, from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Location: Burke Science Building, Room 119 (BSB 119)

Hosted by: Indigenous Education Council, Faculty of Science, and AccessMac

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on Indigenous perspectives, disability, and equity.

Free & Accessible! Captioning and ASL will be provided.

Click to Register Here

Image of a middle-aged man with a hat and mustache

Join us for a Webinar – Access by Design: Empowering Inclusive Web Experiences

In this interactive session, we’ll unpack the fundamentals of web accessibility, why it matters, and the initiatives underway at McMaster to make our online spaces more inclusive. Get inspired by live demonstrations from student team members, showcasing real-world examples of accessibility in action. 

Who should attend:

This event is open to all university students and staff! The following community members may find the session most interesting: 

  • Community members who are responsible for managing website content. 
  • Those interested in learning more about web accessibility. 

Date: Monday, December 2, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Register Here

Cost: Free

Hosted by: AccessMac and University Technology Services

Accessibility:

Closed captioning will be provided during the seminar for all attendees. Additional accessibility-related accommodation can be arranged upon request. Please let us know in advance in the registration form linked above so we can ensure your accessibility needs are met.  

A person walks across a sidewalk lined with trees, in front of McMaster's Museum of Art

Date: November 27th, 2024 from 12:00-1:00pm

Location: Mills Library, Room 304 (Community Room)

Hosted by: The School of Graduate Studies

This event introduces disability-identifying graduate students and allies to a new project aimed at supportive grad school navigation, resources, and community connection.

Find community, learn about plans ahead, and help to co-create resources to support you while navigating graduate school with a disability.

Refreshments: Boxed lunches will be served

Optional activity: Bracelet making

Resource spotlight: Library resources for graduate students

Who is the event for?

Any McMaster graduate student who identifies as neurodiverse, neurospicy or disabled – and allies. If you are seeking resources or curious about what support is available during your graduate school journey, this event is for you!

Join us for refreshments and to learn more about the Grads are Rad project goals, plans for the coming months, and ways to get involved.

Register Here

Register using this online form

Accessibility

  • This event is wheelchair accessible.
  • All-gender washrooms are adjacent to the space.
  • A range of seating options are available.
  • Accessible Building Map
  • Dietary restrictions to be noted via registration form

For additional questions about the event or about accessibility, please contact: sastransition@mcmaster.ca

Sign up to receive email updates about Grads are Rad project.

Grads are Rad is funded through the Partnered in Teaching and Learning Grant and in collaboration with the Student Success Centre (SSC).

#DisabilityDay #IDPD #IDAM2024

Join the McMaster Employee Accessibility Network to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd. We will be focusing on this year’s theme which is “Persons with Disabilities in Leadership”.

Open to McMaster employees who identify as having a disability, chronic health conditions, and/or access disability-related accommodations.

Date: Tuesday, December 3rd; 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Microsoft Teams – Email hearnp1@mcmaster.ca to receive the meeting link

Date: December 3, 2024; 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m

Location: MUSC 311/313

Hosted by: MSU Maccess and AccessMac

Join us on December 3rd as we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a special event dedicated to amplifying the leadership and voices of individuals with disabilities. Before your fall exams start, come engage in a relaxed, drop-in at any time to this interactive space where you can chat, play board games, and express your creativity through art. A community art paper wall will be available for participants to share drawings and words that represent disability, empowerment and inclusion.

The event will feature a personal talk by a member of our campus community Katherine Hesson-Bolton who will share their lived experience as a person with disability, reflecting on the importance of leadership, inclusion, and resilience. Enjoy snacks and drinks, connections and gift card giveaways!

This is a drop-in event! 

 

‘Tis the (Exam) Season: SAS Study Hall

 

Date: December 3rd, 2024; 5:00 p.m to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Campus Accessible Tech Space (CATS) Mills Library, L212

Hosted by: Student Accessibility Services & Library Accessibility Services

Registration Deadline: December 3, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.

Click to Register Here

Join us on December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in the Campus Accessible Tech Space (CATS) in Mills Library for an evening of independent study, in a quiet and accessible space that is exclusive for SAS-registered students. Prep for your exams, check out the CATS space, and learn how the Library can support your accessible learning needs!

As a special bonus, you can visit the ‘Tis the (Exam) Season: Films and Frosting event, just around the corner in Mills L215 for a study break! Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks, and you can spend some time frosting a cookie or playing games!

This event is a partnership between Student Accessibility Services and Library Accessibility Services.

‘Tis the (Exam) Season: Drop-In

 

Date: December 3rd, 2024; 5:00 p.m to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Mills Library, L215

Hosted by: Student Accessibility Services & Library Accessibility Services

Registration Deadline: December 3, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.

The Academic Skills and Writing Hub in Mills Library is opening after hours to spread some holiday cheer! With exam season upon us, take this opportunity to unwind and enjoy some holiday-themed fun, and check out what could be your new favourite study spot. Join us to frost some holiday cookies, play some games, sip on hot chocolate, and snag a goody bag with resources and treats!

Attention students registered with SAS: SAS will be hosting a concurrent event around the corner in the Mills CATS space to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities! For more information and to register, follow this link: ‘Tis the (Exam) Season: SAS Study Hall

This is an event happening in Mills Library, as a collab between SSC, SAS, and the LAS team. Details and registration in the link above.

Date: December 4th, 2024; 4:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m.

Location: Academic and Writing Skills Hub in Mills Library, L215

Hosted by: Student Accessibility Services

Are you an SAS or Access student? Join SAS and Access for a combined Study Hall to get prepared for your exams!

Click Here to Register

This event is designed to be an evening of independent exam prep, in a dedicated quiet and accessible space in Mills Library, with free food and de-stressing activities to help fuel your studying.

Bring your friends and drop in for some dedicated focus time!

For questions, please email: SAStransition@mcmaster.ca 
This event is a partnership between Student Accessibility Services and McMaster’s Access Program.

Date: December 5 and 6, 2024

Location: Zoom (Online)

Hosted by: MacPherson Institute

Click Here to Register

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join us for the annual Innovations in Education Conference, hosted virtually by the MacPherson Institute at McMaster University. This year’s theme, “Creating Belonging Through Inclusive and Accessible Learning Experiences,” will delve into strategies for fostering learning environments where all students feel valued and supported.

Highlights of the conference include:

  • Keynote Speakers:
    • Kate Crane, Educational Developer (Online Pedagogy), Dalhousie University
    • Alpha Abebe, Associate Professor, McMaster University
  • Featured Panel Discussion with:
    • Kim Dej, Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), McMaster University
    • Catherine Anderson, Associate Professor, McMaster University
    • Katie Moisse, Associate Professor, McMaster University
    • Kate Brown, Accessibility and AODA Consultant, McMaster University
    • Mahadeo Sukhai, Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore innovative practices in equity, inclusion, and accessibility in education.

Cost: $50 for general admission and FREE for students with a valid student ID.

Date: December 3, 2024; 11:30 a.m ET to 12:20 p.m. ET

Hosted by: Student Success Centre, Career Access Professional Services

Location: Online

Presented by: Tanya Kett, M.Ed., CCDP, CPC, Career Counsellor, Student Success Centre

Learn how to advocate for your accommodation needs and gain insight on when and how to disclose.
If you’re not sure about attending this session live Online during this timeslot, you may request a recording.
To do so, 1) register for this session on OSCARPlus, then 2) email careeraccess@mcmaster.ca with the subject line “Request for recording- Accommodations and Disclosure in the Workplace”.

This event in being brought to you as part of Career Access Professional Services (CAPS).  We can help you navigate barriers to employment. This includes assistance with workplace accommodations, guidance on how and when to disclose a disability and more. Plus, our CAPS employer team has connections with inclusive employers and community partners to support your career development and workplace transition.

If you have an accommodation need for an event/planned meeting, please email careeraccess@mcmaster.ca. Should you require any materials sent in an alternate/accessible format, please advise.

Date: December 2, 2024; 12:00 p.m. (EST)

Hosted by: Lime Connect

Location: Zoom (Online)

We invite you to join us as we observe the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Hear from Lime Connect’s Global Board Chair, Mike MacKay and our NextGen Junior Board Chair, Jonathan Goldstein, as they explore disability and the themes of leadership, inclusion, and disability as a competitive advantage in the workplace. 

Click here to RSVP via Zoom

Student and Alumni (career services up to five years after graduation) can review OSCARplus SSC Events, Non-SSC Event Calendar for additional postings ranging from

events, mentorship, employer and peer networking, and scholarship opportunities hosted by Lime Connect. To meet with a Career Access Professional Services (CAPS) Career Counsellor, Centre, please email mailto:careeraccess@mcmaster.ca

The Student Success Centre’s Career Access Professional Services (CAPS) are for students and alumni (up to five years after graduation) who identify as a person with a disability or someone who has been forcibly displaced. Our goal is to help you overcome employment barriers. We’ll help you access opportunities and support in ways that work for you, regardless of where you are in your career journey.