1993

Office for Students with Disabilities opens

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) opened its doors as an independent unit in an accessible space in 1993. Starting with around 90 students, it has grown to support approximately 2,500 and also provides a range of services to faculty and staff.

The OSD provides support for people with disabilities, mental health conditions and chronic illnesses.  In collaboration with campus partners, OSD supports the implementation of inclusive pedagogical practices and Universal Design for Learning in line with the Policy on the Rights of Students with Disabilities, which was adopted in 1995 and is currently being updated.

As an older campus – much of which is located on a steep hill – and with a severe winter climate, McGill’s original infrastructure poses challenges for people with physical disabilities. However, the University has made considerable progress in improving accessibility to its physical spaces, and in providing accommodations for those that use them.