The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) Accessibility Community invites proposals for the Accessibility Symposium 2.0.  This free event will be hosted virtually by Zoom, on: 

• Tuesday June 17th, 2025 9:30am to 12:30pm Eastern
• Wednesday June 18th, 9:30am to 12:30pm Eastern
• Thursday June 19th, 9:30am to 12:30pm Eastern

Symposium overview

Around the world, post-secondary libraries are recognizing accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities as a shared priority. In Ontario, 2025 was intended to mark a compliance milestone for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). However, we recognize that much work remains to be done. This symposium seeks presentations and discussions that will reflect on the progress made over the past 20 years and envision a more ambitious and inclusive future for accessibility in academic libraries. 

Proposed topics

The symposium planning committee is seeking proposals for presentations and panel talks that explore critical topics in improving accessibility and the experiences of people with disabilities using, and working in, libraries in Ontario's post-secondary landscape. We invite proposals from librarians, library staff, faculty, students,  and community members, on topics relating to:

• Changes and developments related to the provision of alternative formats 
• Post-secondary education standards and compliance in higher education
• Addressing physical barriers and creating accessible spaces in libraries
• Advancements in assistive technologies, including artificial intelligence
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and beyond
• Accessibility legislation, such as The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• Evaluating progress and ongoing challenges in removing accessibility barriers in post-secondary libraries (for example, since the AODA deadline for a full accessible Ontario has passed on January 1, 2025)
• Accessible procurement
• Employment: recruitment, retention, and accommodations in libraries
• Lived experiences and user-centred perspectives 

This symposium is open to attendees from beyond Ontario. While we invite proposals on initiatives or issues beyond Ontario, we especially welcome submissions that will encourage growth in Ontario post-secondary libraries.  We are committed to centering disabled voices and encourage submissions that highlight the experiences and contributions of disabled individuals in the library community.

Session formats

Proposed sessions can take the form of:

• Presentations (25 minutes, with questions and answer)
• Panel presentation (50 minute, with questions and answer)

The presentation portion of sessions may be recorded and archived for long term preservation and sharing. Captioning will be provided.

Submission details

Please complete the form to submit a proposal: https://forms.office.com/r/9Khis7bwcw

Submission deadline: Please submit your proposal by 9am EDT on April 22nd, 2025 

Questions can be emailed to Symposium Planning Committee  accessibilitysymposium2025@gmail.com

Mark Weiler, PhD (he & him)

JAWS certified and Web Accessibility Specialist

Web & User Experience Librarian

Wilfrid Laurier University

Waterloo, Ontario

548-889-5056

Notices

Upcoming Laurier Library workshops & events