Queen’s Facilities prioritizes snow removal for students with accessibility needs

Accessibility Queen’s gathering information for snow removal program

Image by: Herbert Wang
Facilities clear snow from campus sidewalks.

The University is turning to students to prioritize snow removal for community members with accessibility needs.

In an effort to prioritize snow removal on campus routes which are often taken by individuals who have accessibility needs, a Queen’s Facilities representative met with a committee of the AMS Social Issues Commission and Accessibility Queen’s (AQ) in December to discuss snow clearing strategies used to support students with accessibility needs.

Previously, Queen’s snow removal program, involving Queen’s Facilities crew and a contractor, worked to ensure timely snow removal for the safety of the campus community. Staff also clear portions of City sidewalks on campus.

With input from students through AQ, facilities would be able to prioritize routes above and beyond the Facilities’ regular standard of service, according to a statement from Queen’s Facilities Grounds Manager Philip Wright.

Facilities’ crews try to prioritize areas designated as accessible, such as ramps, entrances, and parking areas. The recognize “some people have more mobility challenges than others,” Wright said.

The University consulted with key groups last year, including Queen’s Residences and AQ, to discuss the university’s snow clearing strategies and identify areas for improvement.

To provide Facilities crews with the information they need, AQ is utilizing social media. The committee posted on Instagram, requesting students with accessibility needs direct message their class schedules and buildings they frequent.

No requests have been submitted since the Instagram post on Jan. 17, Jawahir Al Bayati, HealthSci ’25, shared in an Instagram message from AQ to The Journal.

Tags

Accessibility, facilities, snow, Social Issues Commission

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