The Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union (TRUSU) Equity Committee is set to host a free Disability Inclusion and Awareness Training session that is open to all students, staff, and community members.
This vital training aims to provide participants with essential tools to foster inclusive, accessible environments for individuals with disabilities.
The session will be facilitated by experts from the Victoria Disability Resource Centre (VDRC), a respected organization that has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
The two-hour long training, which will take place November 16 at 6 p.m. is already filled, but opportunities to participate in other training created by the Equity Committee continue to grow.
The night is designed to educate participants on the core principles of disability inclusion, making it a valuable opportunity for those looking to enhance their understanding of accessibility in both personal and professional settings.
“This training is part of a broader program that will continue in March,” Azul-Sky Billy, Equity Coordinator, said. “The [training] in March will focus on the LGBTQ+ Community.”
The session will cover a wide range of topics, including an introduction to disability, disability etiquette, and unconscious bias.
Attendees will also learn about effective communication strategies and inclusive language, which are key components in creating a respectful and equitable environment.
“You can expect to learn about all the etiquette surrounding disabilities, both mental and physical, and learn how to respond to and act around people with disabilities,” accessibility representative Keegan Buckley-Boyer said.
One of the session’s highlights will focus on intersectionality, exploring how multiple aspects of identity—including disability, race, gender, and socioeconomic status—intersect to create unique experiences of privilege and marginalization.
Participants will engage in discussions and activities designed to challenge assumptions, increase empathy, and develop practical strategies for addressing barriers faced by people with disabilities.
“Programs like these are meant to be trainings that are not available to everyone,” Buckley-Boyer said. “We are making them free so it’s not a burden to sign up; everyone can learn and apply those learnings to real life.”
The training is part of TRUSU’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the university community and beyond.
“There is desire there, but sometimes it’s hard to find the avenues of which you get to learn, and that’s a big reason why equity training is important on campus,” Billy said.
The success of last year’s training resulted in this year’s 25 seats being filled within the day. The committee opened more seats, which have also been filled.
Students and faculty interested in participating in future training are encouraged to follow TRUSU’s social media. For more information, visit TRUSU’s website.
Don’t miss out on future opportunities to make a positive impact on your community.