Ramping up accessibility

Ramping up accessibility

By Communications Staff

October 5, 2016

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[Duncan McArthur Hall ramp]
A new concrete ramp with a 3.6 per cent slope now leads to the front entrance of Duncan McArthur Hall. The ramp provides ease of use for all persons, including people who require the use of an assistive mobility aid.

The university officially unveiled a number of accessibility improvements at Duncan McArthur Hall during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 5.

[Jill Scott and Dave Stewart]
Jill Scott, Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), and Dave Stewart, a volunteer who attended the event on behalf of Kingston and the Islands MP Mark Gerretsen, cut the ribbon to mark the completion of the accessibility upgrades at Duncan McArthur Hall. The project received support from the Enabling Accessibility Fund, which is administered by Employment and Social Development Canada.

鈥淨ueen鈥檚 is committed to improving our buildings and grounds, in order to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities,鈥 says Teri Shearer, Queen鈥檚 Deputy Provost. 鈥淚 would like to thank the Government of Canada for its support of these upgrades, which will benefit not only students, staff, and faculty, but the broader public who access Duncan McArthur Hall for various community events, performances, and activities.鈥

The project was made possible with funds from Queen鈥檚 and the Enabling Accessibility Fund, which is administered by Employment and Social Development Canada. 

This past summer, Queen鈥檚 undertook a number of upgrades to the exterior of Duncan McArthur Hall, which houses Queen鈥檚 Faculty of Education. The building includes an auditorium and gymnasium that the community can book for performances and events. The improvements include: 

鈥    A new concrete accessible ramp leading to the building鈥檚 front entrance.
鈥    Two new accessible picnic table platforms.
鈥    Redesign of the parking ticket machine dispenser to remove barriers.
鈥    The installation of several curb cuts that allow persons with disabilities to cross the street in a safe and barrier-free manner.

鈥淚t is not uncommon these days to see people are often more disabled by the society they live in than their disability itself. Disabilities exist not because of a person鈥檚 body and diagnosis, but because their broader environments are not accessible. The ability to access education, both physically and mentally, is not only an issue of basic human rights, but also one of basic humanity,鈥 says Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands. 鈥淭his new, inclusive environment will allow people of different physical abilities to share space and activities, and ultimately make this environment accessible to all.鈥

David Grightmire, a community representative who sits on the Queen鈥檚 Built Environment Working Group, speaks during the event on Oct. 5.

The improvements are part of Queen's ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility on campus. Queen鈥檚 is currently conducting an accessibility audit of the university鈥檚 built environment. The information gathered during the audit will help Queen鈥檚 identify and remove further barriers across campus.

鈥淭he successful implementation of these outdoor accessibility features has not only removed barriers, but has greatly improved the accessible journey sequence to the building and grounds,鈥 says Yvonne Holland, Director, Queen鈥檚 Campus Planning and Development. 

鈥淚n all of our programs, we value and teach accessibility and inclusivity for all learners,鈥 adds Rebecca Luce-Kapler, Dean, Queen鈥檚 Faculty of Education. 鈥淲e feel it鈥檚 important that these values are reflected in the environment where our programs are delivered.鈥

 

 

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