Post-Secondary Education and Accessibility
Is Higher Learning Really Higher for Everyone?

For many Canadians, college or university is a ticket to opportunity—a place to grow, connect, and prepare for the future. But for students with disabilities, “higher learning” sometimes comes with higher hurdles: buildings that aren’t accessible, learning platforms that don’t work with assistive tech, or attitudes stuck in a previous century.

The Accessibility Audit

Most campuses proudly list their accessibility services. But what does that mean on the ground?

• Are lecture halls and labs physically accessible?
• Are course materials available in multiple formats, from braille to captions to easy-read?
• Do websites, registration systems, and exam software work for everyone—or just for those who can “click here”?

Accommodations: Right or Runaround?

Canadian laws guarantee “reasonable accommodation,” but the process can be…unreasonable.

• Are students required to jump through hoops to get the supports they need?
• Are professors and administrators equipped to help, or is it left to students to advocate for themselves semester after semester?

And what about “invisible” disabilities—mental health, neurodiversity, chronic illness? Are their needs met, or do they fall through the cracks?

Inclusion or Isolation?

Real inclusion means more than just getting through the door.

• Are students with disabilities part of campus life: clubs, athletics, student government?
• Is accessibility baked into campus culture, or an afterthought for “special cases”?
• Do campus leaders listen to feedback—and act on it?

Who’s Responsible for Change?

• Should governments and accreditation bodies enforce higher standards, or should campuses lead the way?
• What can student groups, faculty, and allies do to push for progress?
• How do we move from “accommodating” to actually welcoming all learners?

Let’s Talk About It

Post-secondary education should be a launchpad, not a locked door.
If you’ve navigated these challenges, what worked—and what didn’t? What changes would open up opportunity for more students? Where is your campus leading, and where is it lagging?

Bring your stories, ideas, and questions. Because real progress starts with real conversation.