Accessibility Services expands programming space

Posted June 1, 2023

By Sarah Ryeland-Etienne

The team at Accessibility Services now has a larger space to offer events, programming and more. Recently re-named nanda-gikendan, an Ojibwe term that means “learning” or “seeking to learn”, the space is located on the fourth floor of 455 Spadina Ave., directly beside the main Accessibility Services office.

nanda-gikendan and the resources within it are a way for the Accessibility Services team to honour the students who show up as their whole, embodied selves and learn in a multitude of diverse ways. It is also an important part of Accessibility Services’ Indigenization of Space Initiative, which works together with Wecheehetowin: Answering the Call, U of T’s response to Truth and Reconciliation.

“We’re proud of our new space and the way we can serve our community within it,” says Michael Nicholson, Director of Accessibility Services. “nanda-gikendan is equipped with whiteboards, smart boards, TVs, adjustable lamps, chairs, sit-to-stand desks and folding tables that allow us to provide the services and resources our students need to thrive.”

The team is also able to use an Owl Labs Meeting Camera to host in-person and online events simultaneously.

Decorated with plants and cheerfully coloured walls, nanda-gikendan has already hosted events such as Transition Day, The Inter-University Disability Issues Association (IDIA) winter professional development, Learning Skills workshops and more.

“We look forward to using our space to its fullest potential in the coming years,” says Nicholson. “With the right resources and support, there’s no limit to what students of every ability can achieve.”

To learn more about Accessibility Services, their resources and spaces, visit accessibility.utoronto.ca.

Check out their office tour on TikTok.