Building an Inclusive & Accessible Community

What is a disability?

“Disability” covers a broad range and degree of conditions, some visible and others not. A disability may have been present from birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time. It includes physical, mental, and learning disabilities, mental disorders, hearing or vision disabilities, epilepsy, drug and alcohol dependencies, environmental sensitivities, as well as other conditions.

The Ontario Human Rights Code defines disability as:

• any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical coordination, 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 development disability,
• a learning disability, or 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.

What is the difference between accessibility and accommodation?

Accessibility is the degree to which persons with disabilities can access a device, service or environment without barriers. Accessibility is also a process - it is the proactive identification, removal and prevention of barriers to persons with disabilities.

Accommodation differs from accessibility in that it is a reactive process. It is an individualized adaptation or adjustment made to provide a person with a disability with equitable and non-discriminatory opportunities for participation.

What does “duty to accommodate” mean?

This term describes the legal obligation to address or correct situations of adverse impact discrimination by providing reasonable accommodation. A duty to accommodate is part of the University's larger duty to not discriminate. Duty to accommodate means accommodation must be provided in a manner that respects general principles such as dignity of the person, individualization, integration and full participation. Where the duty exists, it requires only that a "reasonable accommodation" be made and only to the point of "undue hardship".

What does it mean when it is said that “organizations are required to accommodate someone to the point of undue hardship”?

As defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code, organizations are required to accommodate someone with a disability to the point of undue hardship. There are only three factors to consider in assessing undue hardship: cost, outside sources of funding and health and safety requirements, if any. Evidence to demonstrate undue hardship must be objective, real, direct and, in the case of cost, quantifiable.

Accessible Restrooms

Where are the accessible washrooms on campus?

Please click here for a full list of all accessible washroom locations on campus.

Do I need a key to use any of the accessible washrooms on campus?

No, none of the accessible washrooms on campus require card or key access.

Can these washrooms be used at any time?

These washrooms are available for use whenever the respective building is open.

Are any of these washrooms equipped with emergency telephones, etc

The private, accessible washrooms present on each floor of the Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) building contain emergency telephones that can be used to contact Security Services, paramedics or 911, if necessary.

Parking

Where can I find accessible parking on campus?

Accessible parking on campus is available for those with accessible parking permits and for campus visitors. See below for more information:

Accessible Parking Permit

Accessible Permit parking spaces are located in the following gated parking lots: All vehicles must display the Ontario Disabled Parking Placard as well as the issued McMaster University Accessible Parking Permit.

• Lot B, C, D and E.
• Lot G, Lot F
• Stadium Parking Garage
• Lot J
• Lot I
• Lot Q

Visitor Accessible Parking

Visitor Accessible Parking is located within the following lots, upon paying the required fee: $5.00 per day. All vehicles must display the Ontario (MTO) Disabled Parking Placard as well as a McMaster daily parking permit:

• Lot B, C, D and E.
• Stadium Parking Garage
• Lot F
• Lot J
• Lot I
• Lot Q

For further information, please visit http://parking.mcmaster.ca/ for campus maps detailing parking lot locations.

Who should I contact if I require accessible parking on campus however none is available near the building/entrance I must use?

If you require immediate assistance to park near an entrance in order to exit your vehicle, please contact either Parking & Transit Services at extension 24232 Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm. After hours, please contact Security Services at extension 24281.

Who should I contact if I suspect accessible parking is being misused?

If you suspect accessible parking is being misused please contact Security and Parking Services at extension 24232 Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm. After hours, please contact Security Services at ext. 24281. You may also attend the parking office in person at E.T. Clarke Centre Room 102.

Evacuation Situations

What is the fire evacuation procedure for persons with physical disabilities who cannot exit the building via the staircase on their own and do not have anyone to assist them?

Where possible, all individuals should attempt to exit the building via their closest exit. If this is not possible, be familiar with the following guidelines:

Within most buildings on campus, persons with disabilities who cannot exit a building via the stairs on their own and do not have anyone to assist them shall take refuge in a safe area – such as an enclosed stairwell. At this point notification should be made to Security and Parking Services who will in turn, notify the Hamilton Emergency Services On main campus (all buildings excluding the hospital), can reach Security Services by dialing ‘88’ from any land line, or by dialing 905-522-4135 from your cell phone. Individuals should clearly state to the dispatcher their exact location and identify that they are unable to exit the building. All individuals should follow the instruction of the trained emergency personnel, be it Hamilton Emergency Services, Security Services, Fire Wardens or Community Advisors.

In residence, a comprehensive list is kept of all students with disabilities, even those requiring temporary accommodations, who would be unable to evacuate the building. Security Services is made aware of names, buildings and room numbers of these students in order to escort them out during emergencies.

I’ve recently incurred an injury or impairment that impedes me from walking up and down stairs safely. Should I tell someone?

Yes. In non-residence buildings, individuals should notify their supervisor or instructor. In residence buildings, individuals should notify their Residence Manager. As students with temporary mobility issues are identified the Residence Manager notifies Security Services who integrate this information into their emergency response protocols.

What buildings on campus have a dual emergency alarm system using both noise and strobe lighting?

The following buildings on campus have a dual emergency alarm system in place that alerts the public of emergencies using both an alarm and strobe lights:

Residences:

Bates Residence
Brandon Hall
Edwards Hall

Les Prince Hall
Mary E. Keyes Residence
McKay Hall

Moulton Hall
Wallingford Hall
Woodstock Hall

Non-Residence:

Communications Research Laboratory (CRL)
David Braley Athletic Centre (DBAC)
General Science Building (GSB)
Gilmour Hall (GH)
Information Technology Building (ITB)
Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS)
Wentworth House (WH)

John Hodgins Engineering Building (JHE)
McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC)
Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning & Discovery (MDCL)
Mills Library
Ronald V. Joyce Stadium

Do any elevators on campus operate during fire drills?

No, elevators in all buildings on campus do not operate during a fire drill or emergency; during a fire alarm all elevators are locked and remain stationed at the ground floor until they are reset. This is separate from scheduled fire bell testing, during which elevators remain in operation.

If I have a question regarding emergency procedures who should I contact?

Christopher Hurley, Health and Safety Specialist
Human Resources Services
hurleyc@mcmaster.ca
905 525 9140 ext 26309

Security Inquiries
Security and Parking Services
905 525 9140 ext 24281

Residence Managers
Housing and Conference Services
905 525 9140 ext 24875