Like everyone else, Jeff Preston saw Orientation Week as an opportunity to get acquainted with new friends and the school to which he would dedicate the next seven years of study. But sitting on the sidelines of the opening ceremonies held in the Talbot Bowl, he questioned whether he would fit in to a campus that takes pride in supporting diversity.
Last summer, Preston, a PhD student in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, and other University of Western Ontario students with disabilities raised concerns about the accessibility limitations of O-Week, which is one of Canada’s biggest orientation programs. As a result, the University Students’ Council (USC), which co-ordinates the events, and university administration formed an Orientation Week Accessibility Task Force to review the program.
“I was brought aside and placed on the cement path,” says Preston, recalling his experience. “I wasn’t really part of the cheering process … or the bonding experience.”
Preston has Congenital Muscular Dystrophy and is required to use an electric wheelchair.
He says events held on University Hill pose accessibility restrictions for those with disabilities and special accommodations need to be made to ensure all students feel included in the programming. As well, wheelchair accessible buses were not available for programming held off-campus or for transportation to O-Week events held across the university.
As well, wheelchair accessible portable washrooms were not set up for outdoor events and information about services available to students with disabilities, such as note takers and exam accommodations, was not easily on-hand information for orientation staff.
“There wasn’t a lot of thought put into students with disabilities,” he says, adding alternate programming was not provided for those unable to participate in certain events.
Similarly, Preston says the “culture of O-Week” does not accommodate students with disabilities to take on leadership roles.
The stereotype of a Soph, or upper year student, carrying a refrigerator into a dorm room on move-in day deters many from applying for the position, he says. However, taking on such a position often leads to further involvement in student government or other leadership areas at Western.
The task force review was supported by the Orientation Governance Board and members included various stakeholders from the university, including students with disabilities, senior university administration, USC president Stephen Lecce and other senior managers, the orientation co-ordinator and Sophs.
Lecce says the results of the review, which examined programming venues, literature and information provided to incoming students and training for more than 800 volunteers, will be implemented in Orientation Week 2009.
“It was unfortunate to hear because we pride ourselves on offering the best student experience,” he says. “No one should be left behind.”
Among the many new initiatives designed to improve future Orientation Week events, there is a commitment to improve training and education about the role of a Soph; improve communications surrounding event accommodation and attempt to find solutions to make venues accessible; add information about services for students with disabilities on the O-Week website; and make accommodations for accessible Soph retreats and activities.
“My dream is to get a more diverse group of people involved,” says Susan Grindrod, Associate Vice-President Housing & Ancillary Services and member of the task force, adding Orientation Week will be a stronger program if everyone can take part. “People like Jeff Preston were willing to speak up … it’s a real testament to our students at Western.”
Jeff Rajesky, USC Orientation Co-ordinator, is excited to implement the changes into the program.
“All parties involved have worked hard and taken great steps in improving the program, and I am optimistic that these changes will be beneficial to everyone participating in Orientation Week,” he says.
With Lecce promising no student will be excluded from O-Week events in 2009, Preston is satisfied the necessary changes will be made to improve accessibility.
“I’m thrilled with the response. They’ve taken this seriously,” he says.