Accessibility Initiatives

TCard Services, in consultation with the University Registrar’s Office (URO), the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office (SGDO), the Multifaith Centre, tri-campus TCard offices, FIPP Office, and students who wear full face coverings for religious reasons, reviewed the requirements for taking and storing student TCard photos.

This led to the development of Exception Guidelines for students requesting exceptions due to sincerely held creed beliefs or practices. These guidelines address the requirement to save TCard photos for uses such as exam invigilation, meal plans and facilities access.

The TCard website and instructions on RXP Student TCard Photo Reports were updated to reflect these new guidelines, ensuring respect and accommodation for all students.

Additionally, in fall 2023, TCard Services, in collaboration with U of T Libraries (UTL) and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), launched a tri-campus pilot project to enhance accessibility for TCard holders with limited/low vision or blindness.

This initiative, with input from Accessibility Services and the AODA office, introduced Braille stickers for TCards. These stickers help users identify the front and top of the card, making it easier to swipe or scan for access to services like library stacks. The pilot, started in early 2024, made Braille stickers available at all TCard offices for new and existing cardholders, provided by CNIB. We will continue to monitor the progress of the initiative.