Message – International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, 2025
Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we join communities across the globe in recognizing this year’s theme outlined by the United Nations: “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”
As expressed through this theme, McMaster community members with disabilities continue to experience discrimination and exclusion within our society and community. They often face denial of dignity and agency, and often experience socio-economic challenges as they remain excluded from accessing social, employment and educational spaces.
It remains imperative that McMaster continues to evolve and progress in including persons with disabilities within our classrooms, within our support services, within our residences, within our workplaces, and within our social spaces. This year, 2025, marks the 20th anniversary since the launch of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA, 2005). These commitments and standards should continue to guide and strengthen our accessible infrastructure, expand inclusive teaching and learning practices, and ensure students, staff, and faculty with disabilities have equitable opportunities to thrive at McMaster.
This requires intentional approaches that will break down barriers, both attitudinal and physical. We are reminded that accessibility and inclusion are not add-ons, they are foundational to the wellbeing, success, and full participation of every member of our university community.
Building a truly disability-inclusive campus requires partnership. It means listening to lived experiences, engaging in collaborative problem-solving, and embedding accessibility into our everyday decisions. By fostering an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully, we not only uphold human rights, we also advance the social progress that enriches our university and society as a whole.
To commemorate and celebrate Dec. 3rd, campus and community partners are organizing events across campus. These events will contribute to creating disability-inclusive spaces and dialogues, while reflecting on and upholding the university’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible campus. Progress can only come when we expand our learning, when we demonstrate empathy, and when we are intentional in our daily practices.
To learn more and to register for events, please visit the?International Day of Persons with Disabilities Event Page.
To expand your knowledge around disability inclusion and accessibility, the Accessibility Programs invites you to visit the Accessibility Hub to access trainings, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act resources, and access to policies and procedures.
Are you a person with a disability or someone who requires accommodations? The following may be of interest:
Contact: email access@mcmaster.ca to indicate interest to join this group.
Contact: email Maccess at maccess@msu.mcmaster.ca??