Description: Statement of Commitment: Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities. Has associated guideline.

Statement of Commitment:

1. York University’s Mission Statement commits the institution to accessibility and social justice. In advancement of the mission, the university aims to be an environment which respects the dignity and worth of all persons.
2. In recognition of their abilities and contributions to York University, the university is committed to preventing, minimizing and removing the barriers to participation by persons with disabilities in the activities of the university including employment, study or social activity.
3. While all individuals are expected to satisfy the requirements of their program of study or their employment and to aspire to do so at a level of excellence, the university recognizes that persons with disabilities may require reasonable accommodation to enable them to do so. It is the responsibility of each member of the York community, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, volunteers and their representative organizations to play a part in creating an equitable and inclusive environment, in the identification and minimizing of barriers, and in the accommodation processes.
4. In working towards its goals to provide access to persons with disabilities, York will act conscientiously and in keeping with its own policies and with relevant legislation. For purposes of this statement, the statutory definition of the term “disability” is that provided by the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act 2005, attached as an appendix hereto, and any amendments made thereto from time to time.

Appendix A

Policy on Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

Definition of the Term “Disability”

The Accessibility For Ontarians with Disabilities (“AODA”) uses the Ontario Human Rights Code definition of “disability” which is:

• any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device
• a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability
• a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language.
• a mental disorder, or
• an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (“handicap”).