Audit underway at University of Manitoba to determine needed accessibility upgrades
The entrance was marked, accessible. A reporter using crutches tried to activate the push button at the door of Saint Paul’s College at the University of Manitoba. It didn't work.
A steady stream of students exited Saint Paul’s College, and it didn’t take long before someone held the door for the reporter. Once inside, he noticed two sets of stairs, one going up and one going down. A sign marked Library pointed down the stairs.
“Persons should have barrier-free access to places, events and functions and to things that will give them equality of opportunity”, according to the Accessibility for Manitobans Act 2(2). It became law in December 2013.
There were no signs for an elevator. When the reporter asked someone where an elevator might be, that person did not have an answer. The reporter and his attendant made their way slowly down the flight of stairs in the direction of the library.
Signs pointing toward the library were clear, but with the flight of stairs, it was inaccessible by way of the entrance the reporter used.
Since 2017 the University of Manitoba has been conducting an audit on the accessibility of its buildings with the help of the Consultant Team, Level Playing Field. It has identified 111 buildings that are not fully accessible for people with reduced mobility.
On his return trip from the library, the reporter took another direction. Following the accessibility signs, he hoped to avoid the stairs and find an elevator to take him back to the level where his car was parked.
He found a lift and took it up to the second floor. Opening the heavy door, he expected to find a hallway leading to the accessible exit. Instead, he found himself standing in front of a classroom where a class was in session.
On page 24 of The University of Manitoba Student Accessibility Handbook for Faculty and Staff, it states that students with a mobility impairment may want to sit at the front of the classroom to avoid stairs and be near an exit. That’s why the reporter using crutches found himself looking at a room full of students Friday morning.
According to Carolyn Christie, Director of Student Accessibility Services at the University of Manitoba, accessibility needs change as the student population changes. After two years away, students are back on campus. This is reflected in the accessibility needs of current students.
According to Christie, the audit currently underway will determine the changes that must be made to make all University of Manitoba campuses more accessible. Upgrades include repairing cement that has shifted, fixing accessible door buttons and upgrading wheelchair lifts and elevators. New buildings are built to be as barrier-free as possible.
As a result of the findings, the university will implement a plan prioritizing accessibility projects for the immediate term (1–2years), mid-term (3–5 years) and long term (6–10 years).
The University of Manitoba’s goals are necessary and encouraging but may take anywhere from two to 10 years to meet. In the meantime, students with reduced mobility must continue to face the challenge of navigating the university campus while avoiding barriers to accessibility.