Accessibility Advisory Committee

We seek to proactively remove barriers to access and embed Universal Design (UD) in all aspects of Concordia’s physical and virtual environments. Where appropriate, individualized accommodations are provided in academic, work, and other activities to achieve accessibility and inclusion.

Concordia prioritizes UD across all campus environments and experiences.

To move forward with these goals, Concordia University’s Equity Office has established an Accessibility Advisory Committee to assist in overseeing and coordinating institutional efforts regarding accessibility and promoting awareness that accessibility is a shared responsibility across the university.

Our mandate

The Accessibility Advisory Committee will provide a forum for consultation and collaboration on campus-wide initiatives relative to improving the accessibility of the University and its campuses for persons with disabilities whether they are employees, students, visitors, or members of the public. With a focus on accessibility awareness and promotion, committee members will, where possible, consider inclusive practices that extend beyond legislative accessibility requirements and make recommendations with respect to embedding these practices at the University. The committee will also gather feedback on the newly updated accessibility policy (PRVPA-14), which may be considered for future iterations of the policy.

Our guiding principles

Accessibility

The University creates an accessible and inclusive environment through minimizing barriers to participation and by providing accommodations where appropriate. All University members, according to their different roles and responsibilities, will participate and engage in creating an accessible and inclusive University environment.

Universal design

Universal design for learning, or in the built environment, refers to approaches to making the environment accessible for all rather than focussing on the needs of specific individuals. To this end, the University is committed to the principles of universal design to guide the continuing work on accessibility and inclusion throughout the University.

Equity

Persons with disabilities should be treated equitably and afforded similar opportunities as those without disabilities.

Systemic responsibility

Accountability for the prevention and removal of barriers rests with the individual or unit that is responsible for establishing or perpetuating the barrier and the University community as a whole.

Membership (2023-2024)

Anna Barrafato, Accessibility Change Lead, Equity Office (Chair)
Sarah Fakhri, undergraduate student, John Molson School of Business
Lindsay Pereira, graduate student (Arts and Science)
Johanne Cadorette, Manager, Institutional Communications
Dr. Miranda D’Amico, Professor, Education
Pascal Dufour, Architect, Facilities Management
Dr. Irene Feher, part-time instructor, Music
Adelina Feo, Manager, Access Centre for Students with Disabilities (ACSD)
Josephine Guan, Instructional Designer, Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
Dr. Lisa Ostiguy, Special Advisor to the Provost, Campus Life and Supports
Aba Simpson, Architectural Program Coordinator, Facilities Management
Michelle Taylor, Senior Advisor, Benefits
Lisa White, Executive Director, Equity Office

Anna Barrafato, Accessibility Change Lead, Equity Office (Chair)
Sarah Fakhri, undergraduate student, John Molson School of Business
Samreet Kaur, graduate student, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
Dr. Miranda D’Amico, Professor, Education
Pascal Dufour, Architect, Facilities Management
Dr. Irene Feher, part-time instructor, Music
Dr. Lisa Ostiguy, Special Advisor to the Provost, Campus Life and Supports
Stephanie Peccia, Advisor, Access Centre for Students with Disabilities (ACSD)
James Roach, Director, President’s Task Force on Anti-Black Racism, Office of the Provost
Aba Simpson, Architectural Program Coordinator, Facilities Management
Michelle Taylor, Senior Advisor, Benefits
Lisa White, Executive Director, Equity Office