Universal Design and Accessible Public Spaces

A 2014-2015 Disability, Human Rights and the Law Seminar with guests John Radford (Professor, York University, Critical Disability Studies), Mélanie Benard (Disability Rights Activist), and Béatrice Vizkelety (Visiting Fellow, McGill Faculty of Law).

Abstract

Barrier-free environment is an evolving concept that benefits everyone, not only people with recognized disabilities. Making buildings and other physical spaces accessible to people with disabilities is about more than just building ramps. From bathrooms to crowded classrooms, from stop announcements on the bus to elevators in buildings, how do Canada, and Montreal in particular, “stack up on the ground”? The session will engage with the concept of universal design and explore the extent to which the physical environment is accessible for people with disabilities.

The event follows the format of a teaching seminar and required reading resources will be circulated ahead of time. RSVP to chrlp.law [at] mcgill.ca by October 15. A light lunch will be provided.

For more information: www.mcgill.ca/humanrights/events/disability-seminar-series

About the series

Built environments and accessibility of persons with disabilities: The concept of “built environment” refers to all environments constructed by humans. Built environments are not only physical constructs but also social, legal and economic constructs such as families, schools and workplaces. This seminar series will provide insights into the reality of different environments, whether or not people with disabilities are fully able to benefit from them, and the barriers that may be preventing full and equal access.