We would like to begin by expressing our sincere appreciation for your dedication to creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for all students at McMaster University. We are happy to support your efforts in making your classroom even more welcoming and accessible.

We are the Resource Executives for Maccess, a peer-support club within the McMaster Students Union (MSU) focused on supporting disabled students throughout their university experience. Our role involves connecting students with resources both on and off-campus, educating them about available support, and actively working to improve the accessibility of existing university resources. Although Maccess is a small, student-run club (located in the basement of MUSC, B111), we’ve grown significantly this year and are committed to providing hands-on support for students, helping them advocate for their needs.

We want to acknowledge upfront that this document is not exhaustive, nor is it meant to be a definitive guide. Instead, it reflects the lived experiences of disabled students, highlighting common barriers we’ve encountered in academia and offering potential solutions. While it’s not all-encompassing, this guide provides foundational knowledge about disability, accommodations, and how these issues may arise in your classroom. It includes practical recommendations to enhance equity and inclusion at McMaster University, along with student testimonials that illustrate how even small decisions in your teaching can have a significant impact on students’ experiences.

It’s important to note that the best way to accommodate students is by aligning with their individual preferences. This reduces the burden on students to initiate these conversations and ensures that the accommodations are implemented effectively. We strongly encourage to actively seek feedback from students, creating a classroom environment that is safe, inclusive, and accessible for all.For any questions regarding the formal accommodation process, we recommend reaching out directly to Student Accessibility Services (SAS), as they specialize in this area. However, if you’re interested in discussing the broader concept of disability, what disability justice entails, or how to be a better ally, we are always available for conversation and support.

Thank you for your time and commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment at McMaster.

Allie and Rebecca

Maccess Resource Executives 2024-25