Statement of Organizational Commitment

Northeastern University Toronto (NU Toronto) is committed to treating all persons in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. NU Toronto believes in integration and equal opportunity and is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of disabled persons in a timely manner. It achieves this by, among other actions, preventing and removing barriers to accessibility, including meeting its responsibilities under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA); Ontario’s Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR); and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

This unit-level policy applies to:

  • All employees, volunteers, and student staff affiliated with NU Toronto; and
  • Third parties (contractors, vendors, and other agents) acting on NU Toronto’s behalf in Ontario.

Definitions

  • AODA – the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
  • IASR – Ontario’s Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, O. Reg. 191/11, made under the AODA
  • Design of Public Spaces Standard – the Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment requirements under the IASR
  • WCAG 2.0 Level AA – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, version 2.0, Level AA conformance

Policy

Accessible Customer Service

NU Toronto communicates with disabled persons in ways that consider their disabilities and works with them to determine what method of communication works best for them. Assistive devices, service animals, and support persons are welcome in all areas of NU Toronto’s premises that are open to the public, unless otherwise excluded by law. Where an accessible feature (e.g., an assistive listening system) is temporarily unavailable, NU Toronto posts notice of the disruption and, where reasonable, uses other measures to ensure the disabled person can still access goods, services, and facilities.

Procurement

NU Toronto’s procurement function is centralized through Northeastern University’s procurement operations. Where goods, services, or facilities are being acquired for use at the Toronto campus, NU Toronto will incorporate accessibility criteria and features into the applicable procurement or acquisition process, except where it is not practicable to do so. Where accessibility criteria are not incorporated, NU Toronto will, on request, provide an explanation.

NU Toronto staff initiating procurement requests for goods, services, or facilities intended for use in Ontario are responsible for identifying applicable accessibility requirements at the time of request.

Employment

NU Toronto notifies employees and the public that, on request, it accommodates disabled persons during recruitment and throughout employment. This includes:

  • Notifying job applicants, during recruitment, that accommodations are available on request
  • Consulting with applicants who request accommodation and providing suitable accommodation in a manner that takes their accessibility needs into account
  • Informing NU Toronto employees of its policies for supporting disabled employees, including job accommodation, as soon as practicable after hire and whenever policies change
  • Providing accessible formats and communication support for information that employees need to perform their job
  • Developing Individual Accommodation Plans (IAPs) and, where needed, individualized workplace emergency response information, in consultation with the employee
  • Maintaining a documented return-to-work process for employees experiencing a disability-related absence
  • Taking accessibility needs and accommodation plans into account in performance management, career development, and redeployment

Information and Communications

NU Toronto provides, or arranges for the provision of, accessible formats of information and communication supports for disabled persons, on request, in a timely manner, and at a cost no greater than the cost charged to others.

All internet websites and web content controlled directly by NU Toronto, or through a contract with a third party, conform to WCAG 2.0 Level AA, subject to the exceptions permitted under the IASR.

Accessible emergency procedures and safety information associated with NU Toronto’s Emergency Operations Plan are available on request. See contact information in Accessibility Feedback Process below.

This policy and the Northeastern University Toronto AODA Multi-Year Accessibility Plan are available to the public in an accessible format on request and posted on the Northeastern University Toronto Policy Page.

Accessibility Feedback Process

Feedback on how NU Toronto provides services and employment to disabled persons is welcome and may be submitted:

  • In person (375 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario) or by phone (888-660-6938) to the NU Toronto Associate Dean, who serves as NU Toronto’s AODA Lead
  • By e-mail to the AODA Lead at [email protected]
  • By postal mail to the AODA Lead, 375 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2A5

Accessible formats of information and communication supports for providing feedback are available on request via the intake options listed immediately above. Both feedback, and requests for accessible formats and communication supports, are acknowledged within 3-5 business days and, when either raises a concern, investigated and responded to within 30 calendar days.

Design of Public Spaces

When constructing new, or making significant alterations to, public spaces (accessible pathways, seating, service areas, etc.), NU Toronto’s Operations department meets the accessibility requirements of the AODA’s Design of Public Spaces Standard where applicable. Where a temporary disruption to an accessible element occurs, NU Toronto’s Operations department provides notice and, where reasonable, an alternative.

Responsible Office/Department(s)

NU Toronto

Related Policies

Related Plans and Procedures

Keywords

AODA, accessibility, disability, IASR, WCAG

Version History

  • Last Revision Date: n/a
  • Originally Issued: September 8, 2026
  • Next update: August 2031

Governance

Adopted: September 8, 2026

By: Aliza Lakhani, Managing Director – Global Campuses, Regional Dean and CEO – Toronto Campus, Northeastern University