In our efforts to support equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), OSPE has identified accessibility as a top priority. An inclusive society supports participation from people of all abilities – and to highlight the importance of accessibility, OSPE is rebranding our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force as the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Task Force.
The engineering community has a unique role to play in this space. Engineers are responsible for designing products, technologies, and physical spaces that are not only functional, but accessible. Recognizing accessibility as a key component of our EDI efforts highlights our ongoing work in this space, and challenges engineers to keep accessibility considerations at the forefront of their work.
As our world changes, emerging technologies present new opportunities for engineers to lead in this space. Civil engineers are accustomed to including ramps, elevators, and other accessibility features in their designs. But engineers working in tech, for instance, are responsible for developing digital systems with voice-activated interfaces and other alternative input methods.
Identifying accessibility as a key part of our EDI strategy will create space for people with disabilities in our community and in society at large. Stay tuned for updates as we work towards a more inclusive, diverse, and accessible Ontario.
