At McMaster, the Equity and Inclusion Office recognizes that fostering disability inclusion is essential in creating an equitable and diverse community.  Disability Pride Month encourages us to celebrate the diversity of the disability community, while also confronting the social, physical, and systemic barriers that continue to limit participation and access. 

Disability Pride Month is not only a time for recognition, but also an opportunity to grow our collective commitment to disability inclusion and equity. Many members of our campus community are people with disabilities (including 5.7% of McMaster community members who identifies as a person with a disability in the 2023 McMaster Employment Equity Census Survey) and often have experiences that intersect with other aspects of identity, including gender, race, and class. These members of our McMaster community and their experiences should be centered through this month and going forward, so that we ground our decisions and actions in non-ableist approaches, minimize new barriers, and accelerate accessibility. 

We reflect on the ongoing impact of ableism, and the systemic discrimination and social prejudice that marginalize and exclude persons with disabilities. Recognizing and challenging ableism is central to advancing equity and creating spaces where all persons are respected, included and supported.  

At McMaster, we are committed to fostering a campus rooted within accessibility, inclusion and equity, and we invite everyone to reflect, learn and take part in the work of creating a more inclusive future. 

Visit McMaster’s Accessibility Hub 

Check-out McMaster’s Renewed Accessibility Policy