Orientation Accessibility + Inclusion
You can access a range of orientation accessibility and inclusion supports to enable your participation in orientation and upcoming academic studies.
On This Page
Orientation Participation: What To Expect
Orientation programming includes a variety of events in different settings and with types of participation. Examples of events and related involvement may include:
Campus tours:
- outdoors for 30-60 minutes,
- listen to tour guides,
- access tour script on your electronic device,
- ask and respond to questions.
Food events (e.g., BBQ, picnic):
- Move around indoor or outdoor sites to collect food,
- sit at tables or on the ground,
- eat food,
- speak to and interact with individuals,
- view or read presentation materials,
- listen to presenters.
Large presentations:
- sit in a large classroom or outdoor space,
- view or read presentation materials,
- listen to presenters,
- ask and respond to questions.
Online events and materials:
- access your electronic device synchronously (e.g., live) or on your own time,
- view or read presentation materials,
- listen to presenters,
- view or read digital materials (i.e., webpages, e-courses, videos)
- complete online tasks,
- ask and respond to questions.
Small group interactive activities:
- talk to and interact with a group of students indoors or outdoors,
- listen to and follow instructions,
- play interactive in-person games.
Tabling events:
- navigate around large indoor or outdoor sites,
- speak to and interact with a range of individuals,
- view, read and collect handouts.
The examples above are not exhaustive, and your orientation programming may include different types of events or participation. Accessibility and inclusion solutions (including individual accommodations) are available to support your participation.
Tell Us About Your Accessibility + Inclusion Needs
When you register for orientation, you can indicate that you have accessibility and inclusion needs. The Student Equity and Accessibility team will email you to learn more about your needs, request additional information or documentation required to understand your needs (if applicable) and organize appropriate solutions for your orientation participation.
Please check your U of A email account frequently for emails about your accessibility and inclusion needs.
Have you already registered for orientation? You can still tell us about your accessibility and inclusion needs. Please email the Student Equity and Accessibility team at doshelp@ualberta.ca for assistance right away.
Please Note: We aim to implement reasonable accessibility and inclusion solutions (including individual accommodations) for all students’ orientation participation. If you register for orientation or request accessibility/inclusion support after August 1, you might have limited access to some accessibility/inclusion solutions (including individual accommodations).
Access Accessibility + Inclusion Solutions
Many accessibility and inclusion solutions have been incorporated into orientation and are available to all students participating in orientation. The Student Equity and Accessibility team will let you know about solutions addressing your needs.
If these solutions do not address your accessibility or inclusion needs, the Student Equity and Accessibility team will work with you to identify alternative solutions for your orientation participation, including reasonable accommodations where needed.
Common Accessibility + Inclusion Features in Orientation Programming
Common orientation accessibility and inclusion features are available to all students and may include:
- digital/e-text handouts,
- presentation technologies,
- participation options,
- microphone use,
- access to calm rooms,
- accessible seating,
- access to prayer spaces and
- low-sensory events.
The list above is not exhaustive. Individual orientation events will identify available features.
Please Note: If you need assistance or cannot locate the accessibility features during orientation, speak to a staff member or volunteer at your orientation event right away.
Before Orientation
Familiarize yourself with the common accessibility and inclusion features listed below, and identify the ones you wish to access at your orientation events.
If you have questions about the accessibility and inclusion features or need assistance with accommodations, email the Student Equity and Accessibility team at doshelp@ualberta.ca.
During your Orientation events
Event leaders will announce details of the available features, and signage will direct you to the locations of available features.
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Accessible + All-Gender Washrooms¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ campuses offer multiple accessible and all-gender washrooms in various buildings. These non-gendered single washrooms have accessible controls for access and door locking with an emergency alert button. Signs with universal toilet and wheelchair symbols indicate accessible and all-gender washrooms. |
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Accessible SeatingAccessible seating is available at orientation events to ensure that individuals with mobility challenges and specific needs are comfortable and able to participate. Identify and use the accessible seating areas at your Orientation events. Signs with a seated person symbol indicate accessible seating. |
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Low Sensory EventsLow-sensory events offer participation options for students who prefer a low- or reduced-sensory experience. These events may include dimmed lighting, reduced noise, timed entry or other sensory-friendly options. See the Low Sensory Events schedule for more information. Signs with a closed-eye symbol indicate a low sensory event. |
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Calm RoomsCalm rooms are shared, low-sensory, non-academic spaces where students can take a break from their orientation activities. Visit the calm rooms at your orientation events to destress, take a breath, be creative and recharge! All students are welcome. Signs with a crescent moon indicate calm rooms. |
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Prayer RoomsPrayer rooms are shared, non-academic spaces available for student prayer. You can visit these prayer spaces during orientation to practice your faith or religious observances. Please remember to bring your prayer mat. All students are welcome. Signs with a kneeling person symbol indicate prayer rooms. |
Low-Sensory Orientation Events Schedule
Calm Rooms
Expect Calm Room dates and locations in July.
This space intends to support student wellness during orientation by providing a venue for students to engage in quiet activities to decompress.
Experience this space to take care of yourself and take a break from orientation programming when needed.
Zen Spaces
Hosted by Campus & Community Recreation
Located in the Van Vliet Centre (VVC) Student Lounge: take the entrance closest to the Students’ Union Building
September 2 - 5, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Activities include:
- embroidery,
- make your own plant,
- and other quiet activities.
More information to come!
Accommodations for University Participation
If you experience medical or non-medical barriers or restrictions to your university participation, apply for accommodations today!
Accommodations are available to eligible students to support all aspects of their student experiences--inside and outside the classroom. Accommodation services range from exam, classroom and experiential learning accommodations to adaptive technologies, alternate formats, CART, ALS interpreting, parking, housing and more.
If you wish to request accommodations for your upcoming academic year, apply early—and, preferably, well before your first academic term—as assessing and arranging certain accommodations can take considerable time.
Learn more and apply now for accommodations