Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) announced a $2M gift from the RBC Foundation on September 9 that will expand and elevate programming for students with disabilities, improving opportunities for access, inclusion, and success. With back-to-school in full swing, RBC's gift bolsters TMU's Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) office in providing programming and supports to ease students' transitions into university and throughout their academic career, as well as prepare them for entering the workforce.
"Thanks to the RBC Foundation, students with disabilities at TMU will be in a better position to find their place in the economy of tomorrow," says Mohamed Lachemi, president and vice-chancellor of TMU. "The AAS suite of programs and services for students with disabilities is recognized as one of the best in post-secondary education, and why many students choose TMU. RBC Foundation is empowering us to extend our offering, giving students with disabilities better opportunities to build employment-ready skills to help them to thrive in the workplace as well as in their education."
"Every student deserves an inclusive educational experience that helps them develop the skills they need for a thriving future," said Michelle Waite, Regional President Greater Toronto Region at RBC. "By supporting students with disabilities during their post-secondary journey, they can reach their highest potential and be workforce ready."
According to Statistics Canada, the gap between the employment rates of persons with and without disabilities tended to be considerably lower at higher levels of educational attainment. Improving access to post-secondary education for people with disabilities not only narrows the employment gap, it also improves equity and enables economic empowerment.
Demand for AAS accessibility services surges at the beginning of each semester. Between August and September, approximately 1,300 new students with disabilities register with TMU, each needing a customized accommodation plan to ensure they can make the most of their educational opportunities.
RBC Foundation's investment will allow AAS to leverage TMU's career-engaged learning, improving access for students with disabilities. For the first time, AAS will provide work-integrated learning support alongside accommodation support, and foster student engagement in these opportunities as part of a complete learning plan. This connection will create new resources and practical opportunities for skills development for TMU students with disabilities (and their future employers), contributing to more equitable prosperity.
Over the last five years, student demand for AAS has increased by 54%. The university, its students, and donors such as RBC Foundation are making strategic investments in programming across student wellness through a new model of inter-professional connected care aimed at improved student success. This vision will take shape in 2026 in the new Student Wellbeing Centre (SWC), where AAS will join TMU's other health and wellbeing services in an integrated hub for student care.
RBC and RBC Foundation have been longstanding partners of TMU, enhancing lives through support of research and education in disability studies, immigrant diversity and inclusion, and more. With this latest investment, RBC Foundation helps ensure that students with disabilities can acquire the education, skills and experience they need to thrive.
