Since 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been celebrated
annually around the world on December 3.

Meant to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights
of persons with disabilities, the goal of the day is to foster full and effective
participation in society.

Staff at McMaster's Centre for Student Development (CSD), who assist more than 1000
students each year, try to achieve that same goal on a daily basis. According to Tim
Nolan, CSD's manager of disability services, the centre exists to break down barriers
and promote accessibility on campus.

“Getting a university degree is tough work no matter who you are, but it's even tougher
for those with disabilities,” he said. “We're here to help mitigate issues that exist in the
university environment so that students can focus on what's important, which is getting
their education.”

CSD provides assistance for both students and faculty through services such as note
taking, accommodation for in-class tests and exams and mentoring programs.

The centre was also amongst the first to promote awareness of disability issues
through student story-based poster campaigns, the most recent of which is currently
running on campus.

“It's really important to bring awareness to the sorts of issues we deal with every day,”
said Cavan Boland, CSD's disability awareness coordinator and third-year commerce
student. “A significant number of students use our services to assist them during their
time on campus.”