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Division of Equity, People and Culture
Home » York University Accessibility Fund

York University Accessibility Fund

About the Fund

The York University Accessibility Fund supports efforts to reduce and remove barriers for persons with disabilities participating in academic, social, cultural, and community activities at York University. 

The Fund is intended to support proactive accessibility planning and to supplement costs that enable more inclusive participation in university‑related events, initiatives, and activities. 

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Accessibility Resources

Accessibility resources and support services are available to assist with accessibility planning and accommodation-related questions.

Event Space Assessment Report
Accessibility information and observations for selected York University event spaces.

Accessibility Hub (AODA Office)
1050 Kaneff Tower, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
416-736-2100 ext. 20512
aodainfo@yorku.ca

Student Accessibility Services
W128 Bennett Centre for Student Services
416-736-5755
sasinfo@yorku.ca

Event Planning Tools

York University offers resources to help event organizers identify accessibility considerations, understand venue features, and support inclusive participation. Event planners are encouraged to review these resources early in the planning process.

Apply to the Accessibility Fund

The York University Accessibility Fund Application is for individuals or groups seeking supplemental funding to enhance accessibility at York University.

For questions, contact equity@yorku.ca.

Apply to the York University Accessibility Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

All members of the York University community—including students, faculty, and staff—are eligible to apply. 

Applications may be submitted for events and initiatives hosted on York’s campuses or for York‑affiliated activities taking place elsewhere, where accessibility supports are required. 

Applicants are encouraged to consider accessibility early in the planning process. 

Before submitting an application, please reflect on the following: 

  • Have accessibility needs been considered as part of your event or activity planning? 
  • Have relevant accessibility resources or supports at York been consulted? 
  • Have other potential funding sources been explored? 

Incorporating accessibility at the outset helps create more inclusive experiences and supports timely assessment of funding requests.

The Accessibility Fund can be used to support a range of accessibility‑related needs. Examples include (but are not limited to): 

  • Accessible formats for materials (e.g., large print, plain‑language summaries) 
  • Temporary accessibility supports for events or activities 
  • Disability awareness or accessibility‑related educational initiatives 
  • Accessibility supports for conferences, symposia, and extra‑ or co‑curricular activities 
  • Sign language interpretation (e.g., ASL/LSQ) and live captioning 
  • Attendant care or support persons required for participation 
  • Assistive listening technologies or communication supports 
  • Temporary adjustments to event layouts or furnishings to improve access 
  • Wayfinding or navigation supports on campus 
  • Proactive accessibility measures integrated into event planning 
  • Accessibility assessments or planning supports related to event spaces 

Eligible expenses are intended to support inclusive participation and proactive accessibility planning, and may vary depending on the nature of the event and identified access needs. 

These examples are intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive.

The following are not eligible for support through the Accessibility Fund: 

  • Expenses that should otherwise be funded through Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security supports for students with disabilities (i.e., diagnostic assessment of disability, supports required for course participation).  
  • Renovations or permanent retrofits to the built environment (e.g., classrooms, washrooms, residences) 
  • Ongoing operational costs that are part of a unit’s regular budget responsibilities 

This section is intended to help applicants determine whether their request aligns with the Fund’s purpose.

Questions?

For questions about eligibility, the application process, or accessibility supports related to the Fund, please reach out to our team.

equity@yorku.ca