UPEI recognized for improving campus accessibility
The University of Prince Edward Island was recognized by the PEI chapter of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA-PEI) at their annual awards and recognition night, May 19, for efforts in making the campus more accessible.
Representatives from UPEI's Accessibility Services department were on hand to accept the ‘Partners in Progress' award.
Jodi LeBlanc, accessibility services coordinator at UPEI, said, 'It is so encouraging to receive this award. Not only does this recognition affirm the progress that the University has been making over the last few years in improving campus accessibility for students, staff and faculty, and the community, but it also drives us to continue this important work.'
'UPEI is entering the sixth year of a seven-year plan to improve accessibility,' said Paul Cudmore, executive director of CPA-PEI. 'We're proud to have partnered with UPEI on a number of their plan initiatives, including an accessible washroom for Main Building and sports equipment for, and access to the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. It is fitting that we commend them for their efforts with the ‘Partners in Progress' Award.'
In fact, the Sports Centre at UPEI is the only fitness facility in the province that features accessible fitness equipment. Angela Marchbank, fitness and wellness coordinator at UPEI, said that discussions with Cudmore led to UPEI investing in equipment from the Cybex Total Access product line that people with disabilities can use for their fitness program: chest press, overhead press, rowing, and lat pull down machines. A funding partnership with the CPA-PEI also allowed UPEI to make improvements to the front doors allowing access to the building.
The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company and the Confederation Centre of the Arts were also recognized at the event for promoting and improving accessibility. After the awards were presented, Cassie Campbell, two-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time world women's hockey champion, addressed the audience as part of CPA Month. Campbell was born in Ontario and is now a CBC Hockey Night in Canada host based in Alberta; her parents and extended family are from Prince Edward Island.
