Forum Info

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) 

at the Common Ground Food Forum

Other questions that you don’t see the answer to below?

If you have a question, somebody else has the same one, too!

Please reach out if you have any questions about inclusion, diversity or other accommodations required to attend, that need to be addressed before you can submit your contribution idea.  Please contact commonground@dal.ca.

Forum organizers will continue to add information to this section as it becomes available.

For BIPOC participants:

Common Ground Forum presenters are committed to centering perspectives and voices from BIPOC participants coast-to-coast-to-coast.

BIPOC participants may want to know that Orillia is a predominantly white community. A notable Indigenous community is present, and their knowledge will be highlighted at the forum. If you are Indigenous and would like to connect specifically with the local Indigenous community, please let us know.

Information about communication

Languages?

The forum will have professional simultaneous interpretation across French and English for as many sessions as possible to foster connections.  People are encouraged to present and share knowledge in both French and English.

Interested in Hearing support?

There is no ASL available for the forum.
There is space that can be reserved at the front for better hearing.  Please indicate this is a request when you register. If you require additional support, please let us know.

Link to Orillia Campus Information

Want to ensure there are rest areas?

There will be a couple of quiet spaces for rejuvenation and juicing up electronics.

There is also some seating in hallways, in the residence hall, and outside. 

Concerned about finding your way?

There will be an information table and bilingual signage to help navigate the space.  

There will also be a whiteboard that is updated daily.  

Concerned about getting around the space?

All classrooms are accessible.

There is a wheelchair available for emergency transfer if needed.

Seating in all classrooms is detached.

Seating in the lecture halls is attached swivel seats; however, there are some pull-out chairs as well for larger participants.

There are only a few wheelchair-accessible resident rooms (perhaps 5 in total).

Concerned about where to stay? 

Approximately 200 rooms on campus will be booked, with preference given to people with mobility challenges.

There will also be a block of rooms booked at the nearest hotel, which has a direct bus route to Orillia campus and is a 30-minute walk away/15 minutes by electric wheelchair. 

Sensitive to lighting?

Classrooms, hallways, dining room, and lecture rooms all have overhead, bright fluorescent lights.   

Residence Rooms have bright overhead lights and lamps in each room.  

Sensitive to scents?

Orillia campus is designated as a scent-free environment.  While this cannot be guaranteed, efforts are made to inform people on  campus to refrain from using products with scents.

Looking for gender neutral and/or accessible washrooms? 

Gender neutral and accessible washrooms are available in residence.

Gender-neutral and accessible washrooms will be marked by signage in the main buildings.

Concerns about Masking/Heath and Safety?

Orillia campus is not designated as a mask-required zone.  It is a public building and there is no ability to designate it as a masked zone (unless there is an active mandate in place).

Forum organizers acknowledge that creating safe space includes supporting people with compromised immunity and we strongly ask everyone with any concern of illness, no matter how small, to either not attend or to wear a well-fitting mask at all times that covers their nose, mouth and chin in all forum spaces.     

Sanitizer is available for participants at key locations (entrance to the academic area and food areas, throughout the building).

Information about Transportation 

Link to Transportation Information

Cost?  $3.10 per ride – Need to pay exact amount – no change given.

Is the Orillia service accessible?  Yes, each bus has a ramp option.

How will I get to Orillia?

More information will be forthcoming with registration package, but for folks flying into Toronto, there are options:

– from Pearson Airport to Union Station

– from Union Station by Go Bus or Train to Barrie

– transfer onto Northland buses that go right to the residence building.