Accessibility Resources
At Saint Mary's University, we are committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive, accessible and supportive for all students. We strive to remove barriers and prioritize initiatives that support Universal Design in the post-secondary experience, allowing students with disabilities the opportunities to thrive academically and personally. Discover a range of intersectional accessibility resources from Saint Mary’s and beyond, designed to support students who experience disability. This list connects you with tools, services and information to enhance your academic journey and overall experience.
Resources at SMU
The Student Health Clinic is located on the fourth (4th) floor of the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre. The dedicated team offers family practice services to Canadian and International Saint Mary’s students and alumni up to one year after graduation.
The clinic offers support for anxiety management, prescriptions, 2SLGBTQIA-specific health, specialist referrals, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and more.
The Patrick Power Library, located at 5946 Inglis Street, offers a variety of Accessibility resources including an Accessibility Guide, which includes help navigating the library, information on their assistive technology workstations, and accessibility analysis documents to help navigate the levels of accessibility for both physical and virtual resources and texts.
The Counselling Centre is located on the fourth (4th) floor of the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre. The team is comprised of mental health clinicians, including a clinician who is WPATH certified with extensive experience supporting members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, a mental health educator and a secretary.
Services through The Counselling Centre include individual counselling for Saint Mary’s students who are registered and attending classes for the current academic semester, peer based support (annually from September to April) and educational programming, among other services and resources.
Connect with The Counselling Centre at counselling@smu.ca
The Studio for Teaching and Learning is a resource unit that supports the work of students, faculty and staff. Through this Centre students can gain access to writing tutorials, one-on-one tutoring, writing resources and more. Faculty can find support for universal course design, teaching practice and professional learning. The Studio also hosts a variety of events throughout the year to help enhance the experience of community members here at Saint Mary’s.
The Sexual Violence Support Centre (SVSC), located on the fourth floor (4th) of the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre offers resources and supports to students, staff and faculty who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence. They provide supportive counselling, coordination of accommodations, referrals to campus and community supports and information about reporting (as well as assistance through the reporting process if the person chooses to report).
The SVSC operates from a trauma-informed, survivor-centric and holistic framework that recognizes the individual, systemic and cultural impacts of sexual and gender-based violence and works to support the individuals in culturally responsive ways. The SVSC welcomes students, staff and faculty from all communities to access support.
The Accessibility Lead for Saint Mary’s University leads the implementation and ongoing evolution of the University’s Accessibility Plan with an emphasis on continuous improvement. To connect with the Accessibility Lead, email smuaccessibility@smu.ca.
The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre offers entrepreneurial based programs designed for students with disabilities:
For those living with self-identified disabilities who might like to earn some money while building transferable skills for success in job hunting and in employment, the Access Ability program offers the Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) Program. In addition to a completion certificate, participants earn money for each attended session.
Learn more about the Access Ability Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate Program.
For those living with self-identified disabilities who are interested in getting paid while gaining knowledge and skills in starting their own business, the Access Ability Entrepreneurship academic program, through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, offers the guidance, knowledge, and resources for your business to thrive.
Learn more about the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Stream.
The Accessibility Peer Success Coach is an upper-year student who is registered with The Fred Smithers Centre. You can book one-on-one appointments virtually or in-person with the Accessibility Peer Success Coach to ask questions or discuss your university experience.
For interpreting services outside of academic related accommodations, such as SMU community events, please reach out to the Manager of Interpreting Services by email to ashley.n.campbell@smu.ca.
The Student Health Clinic is located on the fourth (4th) floor of the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre. The dedicated team offers family practice services to Canadian and International Saint Mary’s students and alumni up to one year after graduation.
The clinic offers support for anxiety management, prescriptions, 2SLGBTQIA-specific health, specialist referrals, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and more.
The Patrick Power Library, located at 5946 Inglis Street, offers a variety of Accessibility resources including an Accessibility Guide, which includes help navigating the library, information on their assistive technology workstations, and accessibility analysis documents to help navigate the levels of accessibility for both physical and virtual resources and texts.
The Counselling Centre is located on the fourth (4th) floor of the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre. The team is comprised of mental health clinicians, including a clinician who is WPATH certified with extensive experience supporting members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, a mental health educator and a secretary.
Services through The Counselling Centre include individual counselling for Saint Mary’s students who are registered and attending classes for the current academic semester, peer based support (annually from September to April) and educational programming, among other services and resources.
Connect with The Counselling Centre at counselling@smu.ca
The Studio for Teaching and Learning is a resource unit that supports the work of students, faculty and staff. Through this Centre students can gain access to writing tutorials, one-on-one tutoring, writing resources and more. Faculty can find support for universal course design, teaching practice and professional learning. The Studio also hosts a variety of events throughout the year to help enhance the experience of community members here at Saint Mary’s.
The Sexual Violence Support Centre (SVSC), located on the fourth floor (4th) of the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre offers resources and supports to students, staff and faculty who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence. They provide supportive counselling, coordination of accommodations, referrals to campus and community supports and information about reporting (as well as assistance through the reporting process if the person chooses to report).
The SVSC operates from a trauma-informed, survivor-centric and holistic framework that recognizes the individual, systemic and cultural impacts of sexual and gender-based violence and works to support the individuals in culturally responsive ways. The SVSC welcomes students, staff and faculty from all communities to access support.
The Accessibility Lead for Saint Mary’s University leads the implementation and ongoing evolution of the University’s Accessibility Plan with an emphasis on continuous improvement. To connect with the Accessibility Lead, email smuaccessibility@smu.ca.
The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre offers entrepreneurial based programs designed for students with disabilities:
For those living with self-identified disabilities who might like to earn some money while building transferable skills for success in job hunting and in employment, the Access Ability program offers the Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) Program. In addition to a completion certificate, participants earn money for each attended session.
Learn more about the Access Ability Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate Program.
For those living with self-identified disabilities who are interested in getting paid while gaining knowledge and skills in starting their own business, the Access Ability Entrepreneurship academic program, through the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, offers the guidance, knowledge, and resources for your business to thrive.
Learn more about the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Stream.
The Accessibility Peer Success Coach is an upper-year student who is registered with The Fred Smithers Centre. You can book one-on-one appointments virtually or in-person with the Accessibility Peer Success Coach to ask questions or discuss your university experience.
For interpreting services outside of academic related accommodations, such as SMU community events, please reach out to the Manager of Interpreting Services by email to ashley.n.campbell@smu.ca.
Resources in Nova Scotia
Access-A-Bus is a shared ride, door-to-door, transit service for people who are unable to use the conventional transit system due to physical or cognitive disabilities. View the Halifax Transit Access-A-Bus page to see if you qualify & start your application.
The Accessible Transit Service Handbook provides essential information on accessible transportation options across the province, helping individuals with disabilities navigate available services. Download the handbook here to learn more.
Government of Canada Accessibility Standards Canada has a critical mandate to help achieve a barrier-free Canada by 2040. This will be done by:
- Developing accessibility standards;
- Advancing accessibility research; and
- Sharing information related to accessibility.
The Psychologists at Green Leaf Psychological in Halifax provide a full range of therapy including mental health counselling (in-person and online) and assessment services for adolescents and adults. They are accepting new clients and you can book an appointment at Green Leaf Psychological Services today.
Autism Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that builds understanding, acceptance and inclusion for people on the autism spectrum through leadership, advocacy, education, training and programming. You can learn more about autism and learn more about autism assessments on the Autism Nova Scotia website.
ADHD Nova Scotia provides some great common signs and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and offers a variety of services and supports on neurodiversity.
The Nova Scotia provincial government has made a commitment to creating an accessible province for people with disabilities, focusing on eliminating barriers across all areas of life. Access by Design 2030 outlines Nova Scotia's framework for achieving full accessibility by 2030, focusing on key areas like the built environment, education (including post-secondary institutions such as Saint Mary’s University), employment, and transportation. It emphasizes developing standards, building awareness, and fostering collaboration with partners, while ensuring compliance with the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia (LDANS) is a non-profit association offering advocacy, support and referral services to children, parents, professionals and others dealing with learning disabilities.
ReachAbility is a great organization that offers ‘many services to the few.’ There are several different programs, including self-management, employment and pre-employment programs. They are dedicated to providing compassionate support to people experiencing disability.