The college's website has been enhanced to be compatible with screen-reading software.

The iStudent and iCan portals improve access to information such as announcements, surveys, documents, policies and links to relevant sites and organizations.

Accessibility feedback mechanism is included on the front page of the college's website.

On-line access to important college policies and procedures.

AccessAbility Services' webpage highlights its services including how to access information in alternate formats.

College policies are updated and posted on the iStudent and iCan portals.

The student Information Request Card in the Academic Calendar offers college information in DVD format and information specifically on AccessAbility Services.

All course outlines include a statement directing students with physical, mobility, visual, auditory, medical and/or learning disabilities to AccessAbility Services and list the department's location and phone number.

Continue to work towards having course outlines accessible on-line through the iStudent portal.

Beat the Rush and Summer Transition & Orientation sessions are offered during the summer months for students to access AccessAbility services and other student services before semester start-up.

Equipment and Technology

AccessAbility Services provide qualified staff, training and access to assistive devices, learning aids and the necessary equipment and adaptive technology to improve educational access.

Library catalogue can be searched using automated software or via remote access.

Budgets for renewal of adaptive technology and specialized equipment and programs are limited. Funds for equipment maintenance must be carefully managed.

Staff assistance is required to access items on some library shelves and in cabinets.

Costs to replace and improve AccessAbility Services equipment and resources will be considered as part of the regular budget process.

AccessAbility Services and Financial Aid staff continue to explore alternative funding sources for specialized equipment for students who are ineligible for OSAP.

AccessAbility Services offers a Loan Closet for students who are not eligible for OSAP to borrow assistive devices such as laptops, spell checkers and pocket PC's.

Most learning aids, adaptive technology and software used by students with disabilities are sold by the Campus Shop so that students are not required to shop off-campus. A Campus Shop staff member is designated to provide individual assistance to students who require specialized advice.

AccessAbility Services and the Counselling department continue to enhance services to students at the Aviation, Commerce Court and Parry Sound campuses.

Accessible study areas are located in areas of the College Drive and Commerce Court libraries that provide adequate maneuvering space.

Physical Facilities

All campuses are accessible with designated parking for persons with physical disabilities. Flexible parking permits are available.

All campuses have electronic doors, elevators, specially equipped water fountains and washrooms.

Public telephones adapted for persons who are hard of hearing and a TDD system have been installed.

Physical facilities that provide accessibility to college buildings and facilities must be in good working order and kept clear of snow, ice and other obstacles. Ramps must be cleared and sanded.

Some offices do not have electronic doors.

Some interior signage at College Drive campus is small and may be difficult to read.

Signs identifying where to find accessible washrooms are not always clearly visible.

Lighting in some first floor corridors may be a barrier for people with limited vision.

Maintenance of aging buildings could cause potential physical barriers.

Removal and prevention of barriers continue to be considered as part of the regular facilities renewal budget process. Examples include accessible classroom design, electronic doors, extra power outlets in classrooms for assistive devices and more electronic classrooms that support the educational needs of students and faculty with disabilities. Five new electronic classrooms have been installed at College Drive for fall 2010. The Counselling Office at College Drive has installed an electronic door.

Security staff check all existing accessibility equipment (door operators, entrance ramps, lighting, telephones, etc.) during routine patrols of college facilities to ensure that they are properly maintained.

In collaboration with Nipissing University, the annual accessibility audit is combined with the women's campus safety audit. These audits review safety and accessibility of college facilities in order to identify, remove and prevent barriers and safety concerns. Staff and students with disabilities are encouraged to participate.

The Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee makes recommendations to the college concerning barriers that impact on health and safety.

New building projects, such as the Parry Sound campus and Learning Library will meet all accessibility standards.

Staff and students are encouraged to report building maintenance issues to College Facilities so that concerns are addressed promptly.

New building projects, such as the Parry Sound campus and Learning Library will meet all accessibility standards.

Policies, Procedures & Practices

Human Resources department leads the college in meeting requirements to accommodate employees with disabilities.

New policies and procedures addressing Recruitment and Hiring (October 2009) and Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (November 2009) ensure the college's commitment to promote the rights of all persons to equal opportunity in employment, education, accommodation or business dealings with the college.

Ensure college policies, procedures and practices meet required accessibility standards.

Ensure that time frames and requirements of academic policies are flexible to accommodate students with disabilities and that staff who manage these policies are sensitive to the needs of students with disabilities

All college staff and departments continue to promote the Respectful College Community policy that includes protection of human rights for people with disabilities. All students and new employees receive copies of the policy.

Professional development for employees concerning accessibility issues continues to be made available through The Learning Centre, AccessAbility Services, Canadore Innovations and external conferences or courses.

The college and union locals continue their shared commitment to the college's Return to Work policy for full time staff that supports the accommodation of injured or ill employees in returning to work.

Departments continue to update operational policies and job descriptions that reflect the core principles of accessible customer service.

The college has implemented mandatory accessible customer service employee training as required by the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service.

Awareness Issues for Faculty and Staff

AccessAbuility Services provide exceptional support to all faculty including Guides on Learning Disabilities, A Day Planner Guide to Success, orientation and information kits, accommodation guidance and advice, and class visits by AccessAbility Services staff.

Orientation for new faculty and staff includes workshops on AccessAbility Services to support the early identification of students at risk.

Professional development support and opportunities on accessibility awareness and accessible customer service should continue to be actively promoted for all staff.

Ensure that all employees are aware that professional development funding is available for training on accessibility standards and issues to help employees understand the principles of accessible services and accommodation.

AccessAbility Services continue its Summer Transition & Orientation program for students with learning disabilities. Individualized academic pathways are developed with identified special needs students to help them achieve their educational goals.

With the leadership of AccessAbility Services and Staff Development, and through Innovations Canadore workshops, the academic division of the college is working to incorporate principles of Universal Instructional Design in all programs.

Learning Styles seminars and discussion forums are offered to the college community by counsellors and AccessAbility Services staff to share best practices, increase awareness and keep lines of communication open.

All college departments continue to promote and support accessible customer service to people with various kinds of disabilities focusing on the core principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity.

Student Support Services

The college offers 8 fully accessible units in The Education Centre's residence complex.

AccessAbility Services and Financial Aid ensure that OSAP eligible students have access to available bursaries for students with disabilities for the purchase of equipment and services.

Student activities may not be accessible to students with disabilities.

Athletics Department and Residence staff continue to explore recreational activities that will be inclusive of students with disabilities, relying on advice from secondary schools, community groups, School of Recreation and students with disabilities

Cafeteria condiment counter will be lowered to become more accessible.