Today@Dal

What It’s Like is a series launching for Dalhousie Accessibility Week, one that provides members of the Dal community with an opportunity to share their first-person perspective on living with a disability. People are welcome to share with their name or anonymously.

Submitted by Julie Mann:

Tell us a little about yourself and your role here at Dal. 

Hello! My name is Julie Mann and I’m a Department Administrative Assistant in the Pharmacology Department. I started in this role on August 1, 2023 and already love my time here being in the Department as well as at Dalhousie University.

What do you wish people knew about your disability?

I am a white and red cane user due to limited peripheral vision which makes walking straight to my destination easy, but turning corners or seeing people beside me a little more difficult. I don’t speak for everyone who uses a cane, but I have been diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa for over seven years now and I am open to sharing my experience – my vision – to those who are interested. I understand that people who are uncomfortable or don’t know how to proceed when they see someone with a cane, it is because lack of experience. I want people to know that I can help answer those questions.

What accessibility changes would have the biggest impact on your experience here at Dal?

I found during my first couple of months here that an online map of each building with their own rooms would be beneficial, whether interactive or digital map of each building. For example, in Sir. Charles Tupper building, a map of each floor access and easy access to rooms would be easier to navigate earlier around independently.

Interested in sharing your own experiences?

We'd love to hear from you. Please take a look at our questions below and how to submit them. Please note that you can choose to remain anonymous if you wish. (Note: names will be visible to individuals receiving submissions by email).

Our questions for you:
 

• Tell us a little about yourself and your role here at Dal. (Note: If remaining anonymous, this prompt can be skipped — or, simply share as much detail as you feel comfortable doing).
  
  
• What do you wish people knew about your disability?
  
  
• What accessibility changes would have the biggest impact on your experience here at Dal?

If you’re interested in sharing your experiences navigating university life with a visible or invisible disability, please contact us at today@dal.ca with answers to the above questions or to set up a short interview.