Accessibility in Education

Saint Mary’s University outlines its commitment to creating an inclusive campus by identifying and removing barriers in the Saint Mary’s Accessibility Plan 2022-2025. Visit the SMU Accessibility Planning Page to learn more.

In the Fall 2024 term, Saint Mary's implemented a new Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities policy, offering a framework to ensure students receive the support they are eligible for and entitled to. Read the Academic Accommodations Policy.

Access by Design 2030 outlines Nova Scotia's strategy for creating an accessible, inclusive province by 2030. It details goals, actions, and strategies to remove barriers and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals. This includes actions and mandates for Post-Secondary Institutions across the province.  

The Recommendations to the Minister of Justice on an Accessibility Standard in Education advocate for an accessibility standard in education, focusing on inclusivity and the removal of barriers to ensure equal access for all. The proposal aims to enhance existing policies and frameworks, supporting a more inclusive and equitable education system across various sectors in line with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act. 

The Nova Scotia Post-Secondary Accessibility Framework outlines a shared vision to create inclusive and accessible institutions across the province, focusing on removing barriers and ensuring equity for individuals with disabilities. Read the NS Post-Secondary Accessibility Framework.

Under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, Saint Mary’s University has a legal responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations, ensuring students with disabilities can fully access education and university services. This responsibility is formally defined in the Act as the duty to accommodate, which requires making necessary adjustments to policies, procedures, and learning environments to remove barriers to participation. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis, balancing fairness, dignity, and the principle of undue hardship. 

In alignment with the Accessible Canada Act, Saint Mary’s University is committed to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility across all aspects of university life. The Act sets a federal mandate for a barrier-free Canada by 2040, with a focus on key areas such as education, employment, and built environments. This legislation reinforces the university’s responsibility to foster an inclusive and equitable learning environment, ensuring all students can fully participate in their academic experience.