IDeA Competition

AODA, accessible campus, accessibility, barriers to accessibility, Ontario, IDeA competition, COU, Ontario universities The Innovative Designs for Accessibility (IDeA) student competition is aimed to inspire undergraduate students to develop innovative, cost-effective, and practical solutions to accessibility-related issues in the community. It was created by COU and the Government of Ontario in response to the goal of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to make Ontario the most accessible province by 2025, and is now run by Universities Canada.

Working individually or in teams, university students are encouraged to collaborate with industry, government, and community partners, including members of the disability community, to identify an accessibility-related issue, develop a plan to address the issue, and implement an innovative and unique solution, with input and guidance from academic and industry experts. For more information on the competition, visit Universities Canada.

“Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists,
 — Rachel Olivero, Diversity Officer for the

Greater Essex County District School Board