2023-2024 Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Update

[Image interpretation]: Diverse group of people gathered dancing and walking in a circle around a globe with individuals climbing on the various continents with hands reaching towards them from the frame of the image signifying the accessibility and disability inclusive community that collectivize to do powerful and important work in this field. Nusrat Mir (2024).

Introductions and Update Overview

Greetings from the Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO) and McMaster Accessibility Advisory Council (MAAC)

What is the Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Update?

In recognition of National AccessAbility Week, the Accessibility Program (AccessMac) Program within the Equity and Inclusion Office, in partnership with the McMaster Accessibility Advisory Council (MAAC), is pleased to announce the seventh annual Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Update (ADIU) for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The ADIU is a comprehensive collection of submissions gathered from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, showcasing both established and innovative projects, initiatives, and efforts in accessibility and disability inclusion across the McMaster University community. With over 30 contributions from various faculties, services, and individuals, this publication reflects a sustained commitment to fostering an inclusive environment—one that promotes access, learning, and meaningful engagement on campus and beyond.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all contributors who continue to advance accessibility and disability inclusion in their respective fields, and we look forward to celebrating and further elevating future projects and initiatives!

Acknowledgements and Thank You

A thank you to the following persons for their current and past contributions to the creation and support of the ADIU 2024-2024:

• Devon Mordell, Accessibility Educational Developer, Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching 

• Paula Hearn, Accessibility Program Manager, Equity and Inclusion Office 

• Jennifer Faubert, Accessibility Educational Developer, Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching 

• Dr. Barrington Walker, Vice-Provost, Equity and Inclusion Office, and Professor of History, McMaster Accessibility Advisory Council Chair 

• Patricia Suleiman, Senior Director, Human Rights and Accessibility, Equity and Inclusion Office 

• Kate Brown, Accessibility / AODA Consultant (Teaching and Learning in the Office of the Provost), and Co-founder of the Update 

• Alise de Bie, Co-founder of the Update 

• Anne Pottier, McMaster Accessibility Advisory Council Past Chair 

Sincerely, 

Miles Riel-Walker 

Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Update Editor,  

Accessibility Projects and Training Coordinator, Accessibility Program, Equity and Inclusion Office