Thread by @VictoriaSCosby

COVID-19 Proved that Accessibility is Possible in Universities - So Why is it Going Away?
Victoria Seta Cosby, Doctoral Candidate
Queen’s University, History Department
#PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc

Just before the provincial wide shut-down of universities in March 2020, I received some devastating news. My knee injury would require reconstructive surgery, and I would be unable to walk for months. #PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc

When everything shut down, I was, selfishly, relieved. I was able to continue with working as a teaching assistant (later a teaching fellow). My injury forced me to move home to my parents’ house in a different city. #PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc

The fall and winter online terms were a major relief. I was able to live at home during my surgical recovery, where my support system was. And I didn’t lose my job and my resume building positions at the university. #PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc

I made my preferences to remain remote clear to my department in for the 2021-2022 school year. But was informed that with things returning to ‘normal’, my options were to lose my job or to return to Kingston. #PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc

Luckily for me, I have mostly recovered my mobility at this point. So, I will return to campus, though I will be residing in accessible housing that I cannot afford on my meager stipend. #PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc

But it brings about an important question. How many chronically ill and/or disabled graduate students are failed by the university’s insistence regarding in-person teaching and learning? #PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc

The COVID-19 teaching protocols have shown that hybrid teaching and learning is possible. #PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc

We as a community need to work with our chronically ill/disabled peers to create teaching and learning environments that are more accessible. This may mean flexibility between online and in-person classes. #PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc

I am not an expert on disability. I experienced a temporary disability and have a permanently disabled parent. What I can say for certain is that the university is missing out because of exclusionary policies. #PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc

For more info: blog.oup.com/2021/05/access… I also suggest @Imani_Barbarin @twitchyspoonie #PandemicMethodologies #CdnHist @CndHistAssoc