Help us Sign the Petition
Students for Barrier-Free Access (SBA) is writing to ask for your support regarding an urgent issue occurring at the University of Toronto. Post-secondary institutions across North America have been adopting university-mandated leave of absence policy (UMLAP). This policy gives the university the ability to use excessive discretionary power, lacks transparency, increases stress for students’ who…
Surviving Together; A Self-Advocacy Workshop for Disabled Students
Join Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) for a short workshop on self-advocacy in post-secondary settings. Topics covered in this workshop: navigating academic accommodationsself-advocacy tipsintroduction to campus resources and services for disabled studentsintroduction to Students for Barrier-Free Access’ resources and services Date: Tuesday October 6, 2020Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm Register here: https://forms.gle/aLw4vcmYN5xvY6v97This workshop will take place over Zoom.…
Games Night with SBA
Join SBA members for games night! This will be an opportunity to hang out, meet new people, and share some laughs. We’ll be playing a multi-player drawing and guessing game using Skribbl.io in conjunction with Zoom. You do not need to create a user account on the Skribbli.io site, but please do register using the…
SBA Film Night & Online Discussion (A Queer Orientation Event)
Join the SBA Centre on Thursday September 24 for a Watch Party! We will be screening a selection of animated short films covering themes of disability, race, sexuality, gender, and love. The screening will be followed by an online chat. You are welcome to join for just the screening or just the chat afterwards. Date:…
Save the Date: SBA Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Date: Wednesday, October 14th, 2020Time: 6-8pmLocation: Online via Zoom Save the date for Students for Barrier-free Access’ Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is an opportunity to meet our team, learn about what SBA has been doing over the past year, and vote on bylaw changes and our new Board of Directors. Are you interested…
Games Night with SBA
Join SBA members for games night! This will be an opportunity to hang out, meet new people, and share some laughs. We’ll be playing a multi-player drawing and guessing game using Skribbl.io in conjunction with Zoom. You do not need to create a user account on the Skribbli.io site, but please do register using the…
Know Your Rights Workshop for Disabled Students and Advocates
Do you want to learn more about the University’s duty to accommodate and your rights as a disabled student? Not sure about what to do when your access needs are not being met? Join Students for Barrier-free Access’ (SBA) for a free Know Your Rights workshop for disabled students and student advocates. We are thrilled…
Surviving Together: A Self-Advocacy Workshop for Disabled Students
Surviving Together; A Self-Advocacy Workshop for Disabled Students Join Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) for an informational workshop for disabled students and student advocates. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, full-time or part-time, new or returning, an international or transfer student, this session is for you! Come meet other disabled students and SBA members,…
Our Voices, Our Stories, Our Spaces: Literary Open House
Our Voices, Our Stories, Our Spaces: Literary Open House Date: September 26thTime: 4pm – 7:30pmLocation: 563 Spadina Crescent (North Borden Building – Accessible Entrance & Elevator @ Rear of Building) Literary Open House Come to North Borden and explore, draft, read and print your way through three floors of media and literature based activities. With…
Zine Making Workshop
Join RyeACCESS and Students for Barrier-free Access for a Zine-Making Workshop! Participants in the workshop will have an opportunity to learn about zine making, as well as create their own. All materials will be provided. No previous experience necessary. This workshop is open to members of the RyeACCESS community, the SBA community, and the wider…
Exam Destressor: Painting with SBA!
EXAM DESTRESSOR: Painting with SBA! Take a break from exams with SBA! Join us on Friday, April 20th for an afternoon of group painting. No artistic experience is required.Come by to unwind, make new friends and contemplate the life that awaits you post-exams!If painting isn’t for you, feel free to stop by anyway for snacks and conversation!…
Communities of Care; DIY Care Kits
Communities of Care; DIY Care Kits Join Students for Barrier-free Access for a low-key afternoon of snacks, conversation, and community care. We will be providing supplies, including tea, stickers, and treats, for folks to make and decorate care kits. Come by and make a care kit for yourself and/or for someone you love. Free! Everyone is…
Statement of Solidarity with UTSU Staff, Vita Carlino and Maria Galvez
Students for Barrier-Free Access at The University of Toronto- STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH UTSU Staff, Vita Carlino and Maria Galvez The staff and board at Students for Barrier-Free Access (SBA) at The University of Toronto extend our solidarity and support with the staff of UTSU, and in particular, Vita Carlino, Previous Clubs and Service Groups’…
Peer Support Group for Graduate Students With Disabilities
The Peer Support Group for Graduate Students with Disabilities has been created to build a community for students with disabilities. Through this Peer Support Group we hope to create space for students to: meet old friends/colleagues and make new friendsde-stressengage in group discussionsshare skills and learn new oneslearn from each other’s experiences navigating grad schoolsocialize…
TRACX2017 – What’s Left? Confronting the Alt-Right
TRACX 2017 – What’s Left? Confronting the Alt Right This year’s symposium is titled “What’s Left? Coalition-Building and Countering the Alt-Right” and will be co-hosted by the Toronto Research and Action Community Exchange collective along with Opirg Toronto and SBA Centre. The symposium portion is organized to showcase research with a community organizing focus from students, non-students and community groups.…
QT2SBIPOC Fall Social
QT2SBIPOC Fall Social (with snacks!) Join Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) for a fall social for Queer, Trans and Two-Spirit, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (QT2SBIPOC). There will also be activities, including games, colouring and crafting. We will have snacks (including vegan and gluten free options). Join us for the treats, stay for the…
Resisting Ableism in Activism; Working Towards Inclusive Community Organizing
Resisting Ableism in Activism; Working Towards Inclusive Community Organizing In a social justice culture where individualism and independence are privileged, and where attending lengthy or late-night meetings and participating in marches and rallies are seen as the the ultimate way of showing your support or commitment to the struggle, conversations around accessibility as a community…
SBA Annual General Meeting
We will be having our Annual General Meeting on June 28th, 2017. It is a great opportunity to meet with outgoing, returning, and newly elected SBA Board of Directors.Registration Time: 6pmAGM Time: 6:30-8:30pmLocation: OISE Room 5150Access information: ASL, captioning, a light supper, active listener, debrief/private at OISE 5160 and TTC tokens provided. Accessible and all gender washrooms available…
QT2SBIPOC Summer Social (With Ice Cream!)
QT2SBIPOC Summer Social (with Ice Cream!) Join Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) and the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Trans* People of the University of Toronto (LGBTOUT) for a summer social for Queer, Trans and Two-Spirit, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (QT2SBIPOC). We will have ice cream (including vegan and gluten free ice cream), fruit…
TRACKX Symposium Call for Proposals: What’s Left? Confronting the Alt-Right
The Toronto Research and Action Community Exchange (TRACX) Collective runs a two part program originally started by Opirg Toronto to build space for student and community research on social and environmental justice issues. The first component is a research portion. Through this research we work to facilitate connections between campus resources and community organizations working for social change. Through…
SBA Nominations Period Extension! Also, Our Annual General Meeting
SBA Board Nominations Students For Barrier-Free Access (SBA) is a student-run non-profit organization that advocates for access and the rights of students with disabilities at the University of Toronto. We work to encourage new ways of thinking that challenges dominant understandings of disability and to advocate for education that is socially, environmentally, and financially accessible. In…
The Muslims are Coming!
The Muslims Are Coming! This event is part of a series which aims to create a critical conversation space for people who have some connection to Muslim identity including through family, history, and/or culture. People who identify as practicing, non-practicing, or something in between are all welcome. Using a combination of short video clips of poetry, prose, and comedy, as…
Open Meeting of the SBA Anti-Sexual Violence Committee – April 4, 2017
Open Meeting of the SBA Anti-Sexual Violence Committee Join the SBA Anti-Sexual Violence Committee for a discussion on U of T’s new Sexual Violence Policy, and the University’s goals for the education and prevention of sexual violence. The Expert Panel on Education and Prevention of Sexual Violence at U of T is currently holding consultations…
Vegan Cooking Class with U of T Veg Club and Students for Barrier-Free Access
Vegan Cooking Class with U of T Veg Club and Students for Barrier-free Access Are you a beginner in the kitchen and wanting to learn some hands-on cooking skills? Considering switching to a plant-based diet but aren’t sure where to start? Love to cook but want to learn low-strain techniques for food preparation? Join the…
Surviving Together; A Self-Advocacy Workshop for Disabled Students – February
Surviving Together; A Self-Advocacy Workshop for Disabled Students Join Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) and the University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union (UTMSU) for a student-run orientation for disabled students and student advocates. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, full-time or part-time, new or returning, an international or transfer student, this orientation is…
QT2SBIPOC Discussion Night
Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) and the Centre for Women and Trans People (CWTP) at U of T invites you to join us for the first night of a new series of events that works to create space for community building, critical conversation, and support for Queer, Trans and Two-Spirit, Black, Indigenous and People of…
SBA Office Closures – Feb 14th, 17th, 20th
Office Closure Notice – Multiple dates Please note that the SBA Centre will be closed on Tuesday February 14th from 12pm-2pm in order to attend the 12th Annual Strawberry Ceremony. SBA members who would like to join us and travel together to the Strawberry Ceremony should arrive at the SBA Centre by 12pm. TTC tokens will be provided. More information…
Surviving Together; A Self-Advocacy Workshop for Disabled Students [January]
Surviving Together; A Self-Advocacy Workshop for Disabled Students Join Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) for a student-run orientation for disabled students and student advocates. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, full-time or part-time, new or returning, an international or transfer student, this orientation is for you! Come meet other disabled students and SBA…
The Muslims are Coming! Film Screening of Naz & Maalik
The Muslims Are Coming!The Muslims Are Coming! This event is part of a series which aims to create a critical conversation space for people who have some connection to Muslim identity including through family, history, and/or culture. People who identify as practicing, non-practicing, or something in between are all welcome. This space centres the experiences…
Winter ASL 101 Classes – Sign Up
Interested learning American Sign Language and Deaf Culture? Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Trans People of the University of Toronto (LGBTOUT) and Students for Barrier-Free Access (SBA) will be offering a course that covers ASL basics, an introduction to Deaf Culture, and social justice signs. To learn more about LGBTOUT and SBA, please visit: https://lgbtout.wordpress.com/ and uoftsba.com Classes will…
SBA-CWTP Cookie Exchange
SBA-CWTP Cookie Exchange and Social Join Students for Barrier-free Access and the Centre for Women and Trans People at U of T for a cookie exchange and social. This will be a relaxed and fun evening of cookie decorating, button-making, and socializing. Cookie exchange guide: A cookie exchange allows participants to bring in a batch…
U of T’s New Learning Portal Drop-In Testing Session
UofT’s New Learning Portal Drop-in Testing Session – Feedback Needed U of T’s current Learning Portal hasn’t changed much in the last decade. Feedback from the University community is that the web interface for the Portal is clunky and out of date, and it doesn’t flow the way people would like. It’s also hard for…
Around the Kitchen Table
Around the Kitchen Table; An Evening of Community Cooking Join Students for Barrier-free Access and the Centre for Women and Trans People for a fun, participatory evening of community cooking. We’ll cook and share a delicious meal, and help clean up together. You don’t have to have any experience with cooking to join us and…
SBA Open House
SBA Open House Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) invites all students, alumni, and community members to join us at our Open House. Hang out, eat some yummy food, and check out our office, resource library, lounge, computer lab, and study room which are free to use for all members during office hours. Meet our awesome…
Surviving Together; A Self-Advocacy Workshop for Disabled Students
Join Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) for a student-run orientation for disabled students and student advocates. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, full-time or part-time, new or returning, an international or transfer student, this orientation is for you!Come meet other disabled students and SBA members, enjoy a meal with us, and learn more…
Caribana Patio Lime!
Join the Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students, Black Students’ Association at UofT, Students for Barrier Free Access (SBA), African Students’ Association (ASA), UT Graduate Students’ Union, Scarborough Campus Students’ Union, Caribbean Connections UTSC and UTM Students’ Union (UTMSU) for a Caribana celebration! Featuring music, performances, art, free food and more! All are welcome! This is…
SBA Summer Scholarships – Apply Now!
Welcome to the summer edition of the SBA Scholarships. The deadline for this term is June 29th, 2016. Our scholarships include: Individual Student, Event Fund, Conference Travel Bursary, and ASL bursary. Please remember that all documentation should be in submitted as a word document (.doc or .docx) to ensure the accessibility for reviewing your application. For…
Volunteer Call-Out!
Volunteer Call-Out! SBA is looking for volunteers for the summer! There are many ways to get involved, including joining one of our committees, doing research or writing to support one of our campaigns, or helping out at events and with outreach. Our volunteer opportunities are meant to be flexible in order to meet our volunteers’…
2016-2017 SBA Board of Directors Nomination Package Now Available
This package contains information regarding the roles and responsibilities of SBA’s board of directors, general questions, and the nomination form. We are looking for members who have a demonstrated interest in social and disability justice who can commit to SBA for a period of one year. While being on the board does carry with it…
Join SBA for an Open Forum with Accessibility Services
There are very few open spaces where students with disabilities can talk about access needs, barriers to access at the University of Toronto, and our personal experiences with on-campus accommodations. In order to address this gap, Students for Barrier-free Access and Accessibility Services have been working together to create spaces where these conversations can happen.…
End of Term Dinner and De-Stress Night
Join Students for Barrier-free Access and the Centre for Women and Trans People to celebrate the end of the winter term – or the beginning of the summer term! Instead of our usual cooking night, we’ll enjoy a catered meal, play games, colour, listen to music, and clean up together. Free! Everyone welcome!Date: Monday May…
SBA Get Your Access On Scholarships – Winter Edition
It’s time for the Winter Round of Get Your Access On Scholarship! You have until March 11th to apply. For more information, refer to the descriptions below or to the attached application forms. All applications have a deadline of March 11th, 2016 unless otherwise noted. Please remember to submit all forms as a word document. Student Scholarship This is an individual, financial student scholarship to…
Write it Out! With SBA – Winter Edition
Write it Out! Join Students for Barrier-free Access for Write It Out!, our weekly group writing/study sessions. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, student life can be isolating. Often our work is personal, complicated, and self-directed. Write it Out! helps bridge the solitude by bringing people together for mutual support as we work through our studies and individual projects.The first session will be Thursday…
Disabled Students’ Orientation
Join us for a student-run orientation for disabled students and allies. Whether you are full-time or part-time, new or returning, an international or transfer student, this orientation is for you! Topics covered at the orientation will include an overview of accessible space at University of Toronto’s St George Campus, a discussion on Accessibility Services and…
SBA Votes!
SBA Votes! The University of Toronto Students’ Union will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday October 7, 2015 from 5:30-10:00PM at the OISE Auditorium (G162). These elections are really important and the issues that will be voted on affect SBA members, such as changes to voting practices that may impact access to the…
Disability, Madness and Sexual Violence: An Anti-Colonial BIPOC Discussion
Please join us for a discussion on sexual violence, disability, and madness as BIPOC students and the barriers we face from in the university. We will talk about the challenges of working through the colonial and settler colonial practices that structure university classroom, bureaucracy and “best practices”. What are the gaps we fall through as disabled and mad BIPOC survivors as a consequence of…
Postponed: Panel – Queer & Trans BIPOC Disability Activisms
Due to unforeseen circumstances this panel discussion, which was scheduled for Monday September 21, has been postponed. We are committed to making sure that this panel takes place and will announce a new date as soon as we can. Thank you all for your support and interest and we hope that you will join us…
Fall Advocacy Committee Meeting and Report-Back
Come join Students for Barrier-Free Access for our Fall Advocacy Committee Meeting and Report-Back. At this meeting you will find out more about our 2014-2015 advocacy initiatives and learn about our upcoming campaigns, such as our work around Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD). This meeting is your opportunity to help shape our advocacy goals…
Postponed: Panel – Queer & Trans BIPOC Disability Activisms
Due to unforeseen circumstances this panel discussion will be postponed. We are committed to making sure that this panel takes place and will announce a new date as soon as we can. Thank you all for your support and interest and we hope that you will join us then. Queer & Trans BIPOC Disability Activisms…
SBA Open House
SBA invites all students, alumni, and community members to join us at our Open House. Come by and check out office, resource library, lounge, computer lab, and study room that are all free to use during our regular office hours. Come meet our awesome coordinators and our amazing and dedicated board members! Hang out, eat…
ASL 101 Classes – Sign up Now!
Students for Barrier-Free Access will be hosting ASL (American Sign Language) 101 this fall. If you want to learn a new language and interested in learning more about Deaf culture, sign up today! Classes will run weekly starting on Tuesday September 22nd from 6pm-9pm and run until November 24th, 2015. Classes are Free and open to…
Previous Events
The following are just some of the events that have taken place at the centre since 2014! The Muslims Are Coming!Open Meeting of the SBA Anti-Sexual Violence Committee – April 4, 2017Surviving Together; A Self-Advocacy Workshop for Disabled StudentsVegan Cooking Class with U of T Veg Club and Students for Barrier-free AccessQT2SBIPOC Discussion NightThe Muslims…
Scholarship Extension
We are currently in our summer semestre edition of Get Your Access On! scholarship program. We have extended our deadline to July 22nd, 2015. Remember, if you are a disabled student at UofT, you are eligible to apply to the student scholarship. Also make sure to check out our conference travel bursary and event fund!…
Volunteer and Advocacy Coordinator Position
Students for Barrier-Free Access (SBA) is a student-funded, volunteer driven, non-profit that advocates for equity, access, and the rights of graduate and undergraduate disabled students. SBA operates a drop-in centre with bookable study rooms, a computer lab with accessible software (Dragon, Kurzweil, Jaws, ect.), and a social space for students and community members. Through our…
2015-2016 AGM and Board Nominations
It has been a busy year of organizing workshops, an inter-campus disability conference, a successful GSU levy campaign, and providing our membership with scholarships and bursaries! Furthermore, we’ve expanded our in-house programming and continue to provide a great space to meet and network with fellow students and peers. If you would like a chance to direct some…
Game Night!
From March 10th to March 12th, UTGSU held its elections and this year SBA sought a graduate student levy. We are proud to announce that our referendum question garnered nearly 82% yes votes! If you wish to celebrate our successful levy campaign, join us on Monday, March 30th for a great night of video, board, and card…
Graduate Student Levy
Students for Barrier-Free Access are seeking a Graduate Student Union Levy in this years referendum! With this, we hope to increase our staff, our programming, and our financial scholarships and bursaries for students at the University of Toronto! Please see below for our question. Preamble Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) is a University of Toronto…
SBA Statement of Solidarity CUPE 3902
March 10th, 2015 Update On March 09, 2015 SBA implemented a strike protocol and therefore will be operating with reduced hours as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday we will be open from 1-5pm. March 1st, 2015 Update On Friday, February 28th, 2015 CUPE 3902 membership voted to not accessible the proposed bargain and therefore are now on…
Disability and Employment Roundtable
Are you nearing graduation and want to learn about the current job market? Join in on the conversation with past University of Toronto alumni and employers on February 25th. Refreshments will be served. Where: Career Centre, 214 College St. 1st Floor When: February 25th, 2015 5:30-7:30pm
Reclaiming Our Minds and Bodies: Intermingling Disability Communities
Mark your calendars: February 27th, 28th, and March 1st the Reclaiming Our Minds and Bodies: Intermingling Disability Communities Conference will be taking place. This three day conference brings together activists, academics, community members and service providers to explore and honour multiple understandings of disabilities. Join us for a large variety of workshops, panels, and performances!…
Pub Night
Join Students for Barrier-Free Access for some pub fare and socializing this January as our way of saying welcome back for a new year and new term!We will be offering appetizers (vegetarian options will be made available!) and soft drinks for those who join us. We will not be serving alcohol but you are more…
Nutrition Workshop
Want to explore nutrition, eating healthy on campus & meal planning? In partnership with the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, check out this workshop! This seminar will allow you to assess your nutrition know-how and will provide you with easy ways to improve your diet, prepare your meals, boost your energy level, and prevent…
Students for Barrier-Free Access 