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By Craig Leroux, Senior Communications Officer

Queen's launches its new Accessibility Hub next week as part of its efforts to build a more accessible, inclusive campus community. The Hub will be a central, online gateway to accessibility information and resources, as well as an online community for feedback and discussion around accessibility issues.

"Queen's strives to be a truly inclusive community and improving accessibility is a key part of ensuring that the university is welcoming and supportive of everyone." says Alan Harrison, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). "The Hub is an important step forward, allowing students, faculty, staff and visitors to more easily find the accessibility resources and supports available across the university."

The launch event for the Accessibility Hub will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 3 pm in the Alan G. Green Fireplace Reading Room of Stauffer Library. It will feature a keynote address by Queen's alumna and Disability Advocate Melissa Vassallo (Artsci'02), who will share the story of how she became a person living with disabilities and talk about the importance of creating an environment where everyone has a full and enriching Queen’s experience.

“Ms. Vassallo is a remarkable and inspiring woman, and I am thrilled that she will be on hand for the launch of the Accessibility Hub,” says Heidi Penning, Equity Advisory. “It’s a great opportunity for the Queen’s community to hear her speak and learn more about accessibility at Queen’s.

In addition to the Accessibility Hub, a blue folder entitled “ACCESS Queen’s” was recently distributed to staff and faculty. The folder highlights the university’s commitment to accessibility, and provides information on Queen’s accessibility resources and initiatives.

“Like the hub, the blue folder is a resource, a way to quickly find services for the classroom, the office, and around campus,” says Ms. Penning. “It also highlights the multiyear process that Queen’s is undertaking to come into compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which is an important piece of legislation to eliminate barriers and build inclusivity.”