Orientation Accessibility + Inclusion

You can access a range of Orientation accessibility and inclusion supports to enable your participation in Orientation and upcoming academic studies.

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 you to participate in Orientation.

Please check your University of Alberta 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 at your earliest convenience.

PLEASE NOTE: We aim to implement appropriate and reasonable supports for all students’ Orientation participation. If you register for orientation or request support late, support request implementation is when possible, but some support options may not be available.

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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 if these common accessibility and inclusion solutions address your needs.

If you have accessibility or inclusion needs not addressed by these accessibility and inclusion solutions, the Student Equity and Accessibility team will identify alternative solutions for your Orientation participation, including reasonable accommodations where needed.

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Common Orientation Features

Common Orientation accessibility and inclusion features are available to all students and range from:

• digital/e-text handouts,
• presentation technologies,
• participation options,
• microphone use to the availability of calm rooms,
• accessible seating,
• prayer spaces, and
• low-sensory events.

Individual Orientation events will identify available features.

PLEASE NOTE: If you need assistance or cannot locate the accessibility features you need during Orientation, speak to an event leader 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.

During your Orientation events

Event leaders announce details of the available features and signs that direct you to the locations of available features where needed.

This table has no headers. The first column shows an image of an icon, and the second column explains what the icon means.

	Accessible + All-Gender Washrooms University of Alberta 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.
	Accessible Seating Accessible seating is reserved 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.
	Low-Sensory Events Designed for students who prefer a low-sensory experience, low-sensory events offer participation options for students who prefer a low-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.
	Calm Rooms Calm rooms are shared, non-academic spaces where students can take a break from their busy 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.
	Prayer Rooms Prayer rooms are shared, non-academic spaces designated for students’ prayer activities. Visit the prayer spaces at your Orientation activities to participate in your faith/religious observances. Please bring your own prayer mat. All students are welcome. Signs with a kneeling person symbol indicate prayer rooms.

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Low-Sensory Orientation Events Schedule

Calm Rooms

Located in SUB - Carlson Quiet Space

• Wednesday, August 30, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Thursday, August 31, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Friday, September 1, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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 and Community Recreation

Located in the Van Vliet Centre (VVC) Student Lounge: take the entrance closest to the Students’ Union Building

September 5 - 8, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Activities include: 

• cross stitching, 
• origami, 
• and other quiet activities.

More information to come!

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Accommodations for Academic Participation

You can apply for accommodations if you encounter significant medical or non-medical barriers or restrictions to your university participation.

If you wish to request accommodations for your upcoming academic year, we highly recommend applying early–and preferably, well before your first academic term–as it can take considerable time to assess and arrange certain accommodations.

Learn more about and apply for accommodations at the University of Alberta.

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Questions?

Email doshelp@ualberta.ca if you have questions about Orientation accessibility and inclusion or need assistance.