Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

At Centennial College, we are committed to creating accessible and inclusive learning, working and living environments for people with disabilities.

The College has taken a strategic approach toward implementing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Its goal was to achieve full accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodations, employment, structures and premises on or before January 1, 2025. Significant work was done to meet this deadline, however, there is still work to be done for it to be fully realized.

Centennial College recognizes that cultivating and sustaining a truly accessible and inclusive community does not end with compliance with the AODA’s requirements. It requires ongoing monitoring, evaluation and active participation of people with disabilities, along with the broader community. We also recognize that ensuring accessibility is a shared responsibility across all members of the College community.

The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP) 2026 to 2031 captures:

• The College’s ongoing commitment to identifying and removing barriers experienced by people with disabilities.
• The College’s accessibility goals and key priorities toward a barrier-free College where all community members feel valued, welcomed, and experience a sense of belonging, with equitable opportunities that contribute to shaping the College.

Centennial College’s ongoing commitments to accessibility

1. Expansion of online and hybrid programming.
2. Offering adaptive and accessible work environments.
3. Ensuring fair and accessible employment practices.
4. Providing Compliance Training for employees on accessible practices, Ontario’s accessibility laws and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
5. Providing accessible customer service to people with disabilities.
6. Making information and communication accessible to people with disabilities.
7. Providing accessible procurement processes.
8. Meeting accessibility laws concerning buildings and public spaces.

Proactive. The MYAP prioritizes proactive, rather than reactive, accessibility efforts.

Shared Reponsiblity. The MYAP emphasizes a shared responsibility across all Departments and Divisions in honouring its commitment to accessibility. The MYAP engaged with diverse perspectives in its creation. Actively involving employees and students with disabilities in the development process was especially important, as accessibility is experienced differently by each individual.

Iterative. The path toward accessibility is not always straightforward. Accessibility and inclusion are constantly evolving due to several factors, which include economic, social and political realities. The College will conduct an ongoing review of the MYAP, and make changes as needed. Students and employees with disabilities were actively consulted, and their perspectives helped to inform its creation. Individual surveys and interviews were used to consult with students and employees. Progress and accomplishments of the following goals will be captured in the Accessibility Status Report (ASR).

Embed Accountability and Quality Assurance to Advance Accessibility
Centennial College will strengthen its commitment to accessibility by integrating clear accountability structures, consistent monitoring and quality assurance measures across all Departments and Divisions.

• Priority 1: Implement an Institutional Strategy to Identify and Address Physical Access Barriers
  Develop, implement and monitor a college wide strategy that proactively identifies, communicates and prioritizes accessibility barriers across the physical environment. This strategy will guide coordinated action, ensure transparency and support continuous improvement.
• Priority 2: Integrate Accessibility Benchmarks into Annual Business Planning
  As part of the College’s fiscal year business planning processes, a minimum of five (5) per cent of Departments and Divisions growing by two (2) per cent annually will establish at least one (1) accessibility related benchmark, and report annually on its progress or completion. Updates will be reflected in the ASR for the MYAP. This will be monitored by the College’s AODA Committee.
• Priority 3: Develop Departmental/Divisional Public-Facing Accessibility Statements
  A minimum of five (5) per cent of Departments and Divisions, growing by two (2) per cent annually, will develop and maintain a public facing Accessibility Statement. Statements will outline the commitment of each area towards accessibility, and provide instructions for requesting accessible services and/or information. Each Department/Division will identify contact persons for questions or feedback, and summarize accessible practices utilized. Departments and Divisions will be responsible for updating their Statements as needed. This will be monitored by the College’s AODA Committee.

Cultivate a Learning Culture Grounded in Accessibility
Centennial College will strengthen its organizational capacity by fostering continuous learning, shared responsibility and sector informed accessibility practices across all Departments and Divisions.

• Priority 1: Expand Accessible Learning Participation
  A minimum of five (5) per cent of Departments and Divisions will participate in accessibility‑focused learning opportunities annually, with participation increasing by two (2) per cent each subsequent year. Learning will include a range of formal and informal opportunities, delivered through multiple modalities, aligned with emerging research, legislative requirements and sector trends. Progress and outcomes will be documented each year in the ASR for the MYAP. This will be monitored by the College’s AODA Committee.
• Priority 2: Strengthen Internal and External Partnerships
  Each year, the College will establish or maintain at least two (2) partnerships with internal or external stakeholders to support the reciprocal exchange of accessibility knowledge, resources and expertise. These partnerships will enhance the quality and reach of accessibility learning opportunities for the Centennial community. Details on partnership activities and impacts will be included in the annual ASR for the MYAP. This will be monitored by the College’s AODA Committee.

Centennial College's Accessibility Plan Working Group has developed a plan to remove and prevent barriers to participation by people with disabilities in all aspects of college life.

• Centennial College Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2015-2020 [PDF]
• Centennial College Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2013-2015 [PDF]
• Centennial College Accessibility Plan 2012 - 2013 [PDF]
• Centennial College Accessibility Plan 2009 - 2010 [PDF]
• Centennial College Accessibility Plan 2008 - 2009 [PDF]
• Centennial College Accessibility Plan 2007 - 2008 [PDF]
• AODA Customer Service Policy Statement [PDF]