Linda Rohr, Dean of the Faculty of Human Kinetics, Paula van Wyk, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Human Kinetics, Cherie Gagnon, University of Windsor Accessibility Manager, Clinton Beckford, University of Windsor Vice-President, People, Equity, and Inclusion, Gillian Heisz, University of Windsor Vice-President, Finance and Operations, Irek Kusmierczyk, Windsor-Tecumseh Member of Parliament, Danny Castellan, University of Windsor Projects and Construction Manager, Veronika Mogyorody, Professor Emeritus in the School of Creative Arts and founder of the interdisciplinary Visual Arts and the Built Environment program, Anna Beneteau, graduate student in the Faculty of Human Kinetics and Kaye Johnson, University of Windsor Executive Director of the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility cut the ceremonial ribbon at the new accessible entrance at the University of Windsor's Human Kinetics Building on Monday, July 15, 2024. (Photo by UWindsor)
WINDSOR, Ont. — The Human Kinetics Building at the University of Windsor has undergone a major transformation of its front entrance designed to be welcoming and accessible.
The new space, which officially opened Monday, July 15, was constructed using Universal Design principles, prioritizing equity and human diversity to ensure the space meets the needs of as many people as possible.
“When you make your spaces accessible for everyone, it communicates that you are welcome here,” said Cherie Gagnon, accessibility manager in the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility (OHREA), who helped lead the project.
“We were expecting you, and we want you here. It is the first way that we communicate to people that they belong on our campus.”
The project was realized with a competitive $722,800 grant from the Employment and Social Development Department of the Government of Canada through the EnAbling Accessibility Fund (EAF). The application was by OHREA, with assistance from facilities services, the Accessible Built Environment Committee (ABEC), and Human Kinetics faculty.
“I'm very thankful that we were successful with that application, and the University came on board to pick up the balance of the project,” said Jess Dixon, UWindsor Kinesiology Department Head. “And here we are, with this beautiful new entrance to our facilities.”
The main entrance now features a long ramp with a gentle slope, resting areas with benches, recessed lighting, light posts, and a snow-melting system for winter safety. Stairs running through the middle offer autonomy and choice.
“We have to think about how bodies move through space,” Gagnon noted. “When people meet or connect, it's important they're visible to others, so we emphasized using shared common areas. Even in the entryway, these casual interactions and 'water cooler' conversations are important.”
The total cost of the project was approximately $2 million, reflecting a significant investment in accessibility and inclusivity at the University of Windsor.