Universal Access Policy
– June 1, 2010
Page 1 of 5
UNIVERSAL ACCESS POLICY
Policy Type:
Management
Initially
Approved:
June 1, 2010
Policy
Sponsor:
Provost & VP
Academic
Last
Revised:
June 1, 2010
Primary
Contact:
Vice-Provost & AVP
Students
Review
Scheduled:
April 2024
Approver:
Board of Governors
A.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Policy is to:
• Articulate Mount Royal's commitment to cultivating a universally accessible and inclusive
learning and working environment.
• Define the systematic approach Mount Royal will use to prevent, identify and remove Barriers.
• Ensure that Mount Royal proactively meets its legal obligation under Albertan and Canadian
law for accommodating differences amongst its students and employees, including individuals
with disabilities.
B.
SCOPE
This Policy applies to all employees (full-time, part-time, casual, contract employees) and, to all
students (full-time, part-time, credit and non-credit) attending classes at Mount Royal, as well as
visitors to the campus.
C.
POLICY STATEMENT
1.
AUTHORITY
1.1
The Board of Governors of Mount Royal has authority over this Policy.
Administration of the Policy is delegated to the institution's senior executive officers
who, in turn, have delegated this authority to the Vice-Provost and AVP, Students,
or designate.
2.
UNIVERSAL ACCCESS
2.1
Universal Access is an approach to the design of all products, processes,
procedures, systems, structure, and environments. The goal is to make these as
usable as possible by as many individuals as possible, regardless of age, ability or
situation. "Universal" does not imply one solution for everyone; rather, it reflects
an awareness of the unique nature of each individual as well as the need to
Universal Access Policy
– June 1, 2010
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accommodate differences. The aim is to create learning and working experiences
to suit the individual and to maximize the individual's ability to progress.
2.2
As a public institution, Mount Royal University has two distinct roles -- it is both a
provider of post-secondary education and an employer. Students and employees
at Mount Royal are entitled to a reasonable opportunity to pursue their education
and work goals in a universally accessible and inclusive environment.
2.3
Post-secondary education is the gateway to the workplace and community for most
Canadians; it is essential that post-secondary education be accessible to all
members of the community, including individuals with disabilities.
3.
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS
3.1
Mount Royal is committed to cultivating a universally accessible environment for
all of its communities through the removal and prevention of accessibility related
Barriers. This approach is informed by Mount Royal’s Vision and Mission
Statements.
3.2
Vision: An exceptional undergraduate educational experience.
3.3
Mission:
We are a community of engaged citizens, providing personalized,
experiential and outcome-based learning in an environment of inclusion, diversity
and respect. Through our focus on teaching and learning informed by scholarship,
we are preparing our graduates for success in their careers and lives.
4.
PRINCIPLES
The following principles are an expression of the institutional commitment to universal
accessibility.
4.1
Mount Royal supports and welcomes all of its communities.
4.2
In recognition of the diverse population it serves, Mount Royal is committed to
creating a respectful and inclusive working and learning environment.
4.3
Mount Royal is committed to reasonable accommodation of individual needs of its
students and employees through the establishment of effective mechanisms (e.g.,
policies, procedures, guidelines, standards and practices).
4.4
Mount Royal supports the full participation of individuals with disabilities (students,
staff, community members) in all aspects of campus life. Mount Royal is committed
to providing a Barrier-free, universally accessible learning and physical
environment within the limits of Undue Hardship.
4.5
Mount Royal will respond in a timely, confidential and sensitive manner to requests
for accommodation.
4.6
Mount Royal promotes awareness, advocacy and understanding within the entire
Mount Royal community on matters regarding persons with disabilities.
4.
UNIVERSAL ACCESS PLAN
4.1
Mount Royal is committed to cultivating a Barrier-free universally accessible
learning and working environment for students and employees.
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– June 1, 2010
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4.2
Despite this objective, Barriers may exist. The role of the Universal Access Plan
is two-fold:
a.
To examine the Mount Royal working and learning environments to
identify any circumstances where Barriers exist; and,
b.
To recommend the ways to eliminate or provide accommodations for
navigating these Barriers for students and/or employees within the limits
of Undue Hardship.
4.3
Framework for Universal Access Plan
a.
The Universal Access Plan will examine the accessibility of products,
processes, procedures, services, systems, structures and environments
in the following areas:
i.
Academic services for students including students with
disabilities;
ii.
Physical facilities used or for use by students and/or employees,
including individuals with disabilities;
iii.
Human Resources including recruitment of and service support
for employees, including those with disabilities;
iv.
Non-academic student support services for students, including
students with disabilities;
v.
Equipment and adaptive technology for students and employees,
including individuals with disabilities;
vi.
Publications, communication and information resources for
students and employees; and,
vii.
Awareness issues for students and employees on academic and
workplace accommodation.
5.
PROCESS
5.1.
The Universal Access Committee has the responsibility to oversee the
development of the Universal Access Plan (the Plan). The Universal Access
Committee reports to its sponsor, the Vice-Provost and AVP, Students.
5.2
The initial Plan will be developed and implemented as resources permit.
5.3.
Progress on the Plan is presented to the Executive Leadership Team annually by
the Vice-Provost and AVP, Students.
5.4
The Plan is updated every five (5) years, or as needed.
Universal Access Policy
– June 1, 2010
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D.
DEFINITIONS
(1)
Barriers:
are structures, designs and/or practices that prevent or
impede a person from accessing a facility or service
(2)
Policy:
means the Universal Access Policy
(3)
Undue Hardship:
as outlined by the Alberta Human Rights Commission, refers
to unreasonable and excessive challenges for the institution
which may include but are not limited to:
(i) unreasonable financial cost of the accommodation(s);
and/or
(ii) students who cannot meet the requirements for entering
or completing the program including bona fide educational
requirements (requirements that are justifiable components
of a program that may limit entry to, or completion of a
program, or a course( and bona fide occupational
requirements (requirements that are justifiable components
of a specific job); and/or
(iii) significant interference with the rights of others; and/or,
(iv) health and safety concerns.
(4)
University:
means Mount Royal University
E.
RELATED POLICIES
• Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities Policy
• Human Rights Policy
F.
RELATED LEGISLATION
•
Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
•
Alberta Health Information Act
•
Alberta Human Rights Act
•
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
G.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
Universal Access Policy
– June 1, 2010
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H.
REVISION HISTORY
Date
(mm/dd/yyyy)
Description of
Change
Sections
Author
(Position Title)
Approver
(Position Title)
06/01/2010
NEW
01/22/2020
Editorial
Template Update
Policy Specialist
University Secretary
06/28/2021
Editorial
Title Changes
University Secretary
University Secretary