ABOUT US
The SSD is a post-secondary student advocacy group within the University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS). We are dedicated to promoting the full participation, inclusion, and well-being of UVic students who self-identify as having one or more disabilities. Our work focuses on reducing barriers across the social, emotional, and academic aspects of student life.
Our goal is to raise awareness of the barriers and challenges faced by students with disabilities and to advocate for meaningful change within the UVic community. We collaborate with campus partners and stakeholders to advance accessibility and equity, challenge and address institutional discrimination, and foster inclusive, anti-oppressive spaces. We have a lounge space located in the Student Union Building where students can relax and decompress between classes and access our services such as support from our staff, free snacks, use our desktop computers and free black/white printing! We also host a variety of social events and educational workshops for students to connect with one another and resources in the community.
We welcome everyone of all backgrounds and abilities. No diagnosis required!
OUR PEOPLE
Learn all about staff and council!
POLICIES & BYLAWS
Read up on our terms of reference!
VOLUNTEERING
A guide on how to join us!
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
RESOURCES
We offer a variety of resources to support students throughout their university experience.
Visit our Resources page using the button below to explore our growing collection of online materials, including our Accessible Events Guide, recordings of past workshops, and information about both on-campus and community resources. If you have any suggestions on what to add to our resources page, please let us know at edussd@uvic.ca.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’re also happy to help in person. Students are always welcome to visit the SSD Office (SUB B111), where staff can discuss available resources, answer questions, and help connect you with supports that meet your individual needs.
EXPERIENCE
Looking to build your skills, gain experience and make a difference in the disabled student community? The SSD offers a variety of opportunities to get involved. One of the best ways to gain experience is by joining our Council. You can learn more about Council using the button below.
Our Council provides disabled students with the opportunity to serve on the governing body of a non-profit organization. As a Council member, you’ll help make decisions about how student funds are allocated, shape SSD programs and services, and advocate for the needs of disabled students at UVic. Council positions offer valuable experience in areas such as, financial oversight and budgeting, governance and decision-making, meeting procedures and participation, leadership and supervision, community outreach and engagement, and advocacy and representation.
Not interested in serving on Council? We also offer a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year, allowing students to contribute to the SSD community. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your resume, gain leadership experience, or give back to the community, there’s a place for you at the SSD.
SERVICES
What Can we do for you as a Disabled Student?
We offer a wide range of services and supports to help disabled students thrive during their time at UVic.
Community, Events, and Peer Support
Building community is at the heart of what we do. Throughout the year, we host events, workshops, peer support groups, and other programs designed to connect students and foster belonging. Some of our past events have included trips to the Bug Zoo, Butchart Gardens, and the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, as well as craft nights, potlucks, game nights, and more.
Our workshops cover a variety of topics, including:
- Resume and cover letter building
- Creating accessible events
- Neurodiversity and disability awareness
- Intro to Gardening
- Reducing burnout
- Navigating CAL accommodations
- Self-advocacy and student supports
Our Peer Support Groups run each semester and focus on different disability communities and experiences. Past groups have included Autism, ADHD, Chronic Illness, and General Disability peer support groups.
Individual Advocacy and Support
We know that every disabled student has unique needs, and we’re here to help you navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
Our staff can provide support with, navigating accommodations and working with CAL, difficult conversations with professors or university staff, finding housing resources, accessing financial supports, and connecting with campus and community services
While we may not always have every answer, we are committed to helping you explore options, advocate for your needs, and find the support that works best for you. If you’re not sure where to start, stop by and talk with us, we’re happy to help.
Lounge and Respite Room
We operate a student lounge (B111) and a respite room (B126) in the Student Union Building.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Students can access:
- UVic computers
- Free printing
- Snacks, drinks, and light meals
- Study and social space
Our respite room provides a quiet, low-stimulation environment for students who need a place to rest, recharge, or attend to personal needs. Students use the space for a variety of reasons, including taking breaks, attending medical appointments, participating in Zoom meetings, or simply finding a moment of calm during a busy day.
Whether you’re looking for support, community, advocacy, or a place to relax, we’re here for you.
HOW DO WE RUN?
The Society for Students with a Disability (SSD) is led by and for disabled students at UVic.
The SSD is a student-led organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for disabled students at UVic. Our organization is guided by a Council of disabled students who work together to identify priorities, advocate for student needs, and shape the programs and services that best support our community.
The SSD Council consists of 15 elected student representatives. Each year, students run for council positions and are elected by their peers to represent the diverse voices and experiences of disabled students at UVic.
Supporting the Council are two dedicated staff members who help turn ideas into action, provide organizational support, and assist in achieving the Council’s goals and initiatives. Together, the Council and staff work to build a more accessible, inclusive, and supportive campus community for disabled students.
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Society will consist of Full Members and Associate Members.
Full Members of the Society include anyone who:
- is a member in good standing of the UVSS or GSS at UVic,
- and self-identifies as a person with a disability.
Associate Members include anyone who:
- is an alumni member of the Society; or
- is an incoming student who identifies as a student with a disability; or
- is a returning student who identifies as a student with a disability; or
- is a caregiver, care aid, or support worker to a UVic student (incoming or returning), community, or alumni with a disability; or
- is a member of the UVic Community and is accepted by the Collective Council of the Society as an Associate Member.
RIGHTS OF FULL MEMBERS
Full Members of the Society will have the following rights:
- right to be nominated or self-nominate for open Council positions and to hold an Council role if successfully elected into that role;
- UVSS staff are ineligible to be considered full members, regardless of whether they fulfil all other eligibility requirements for full membership.
- to participate in and vote at Annual, Semi-Annual, and Special General Meetings of the Society;
- to attend meetings of the Council, other than in-camera sessions, and speak at such meetings;
- to become a voting member of Society committees;
- to obtain a copy of the Constitution and Bylaws;
- to obtain a copy of all Council minutes within 5 business days of requesting minutes, if no formatting accommodations are requested;
- to obtain, in a timely manner, a copy of any Council minutes or of the Constitution and Bylaws in alternative formats that are reasonably available;
- to have access to the financial records of the Society on giving reasonable notice to the Finance Director; and
- to receive reasonable accommodations at Society events;
- join in learning opportunities and workshops offered by and for the Society.
RIGHTS OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
- Associate Members will have the same rights as Full Members except for the right to vote in Annual, Semi-Annual, and Special General Meetings.
- Associate Members may not be nominated or elected into council roles.
Both members and associate members can access programming and supports that the SSD provides. However, fee-paying members are prioritized.
FUNDING
The SSD is a designated advocacy group through the University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS). The other advocacy organizations present in the UVSS are The Gender Empowerment Centre, Native Students Union, Students of Colour Collective, and UVic Pride.
We receive funding from both undergraduate and graduate student fees; these fees go towards paying our staff, providing programming, advocacy, and other resources to support self-identified Disabled students at the University of Victoria.
To learn more about how the UVSS funding works you can visit their website.
MEETINGS
Meetings are an important part of how the SSD stays connected with our Council and the broader community of disabled students. We use these meetings to discuss ongoing initiatives, gather feedback, and ensure student voices are reflected in our work.
All of our meetings are open to attend, and we encourage anyone interested in learning more about the SSD to join us. We hold Council meetings monthly and #A4A meetings every two weeks. For those who cannot attend, meeting minutes are available on our meeting minutes page for review.
If you have any questions about our meetings or would like information about attending an upcoming session, please contact us at uvicssd@uvic.ca.
COUNCIL & STAFF
Our organization is led by 15 elected Council positions and supported by 2 staff positions.
Council Positions
The Council consists of the following roles:
- Operations Director(s);
- Finance Director;
- UVSS Constituency Representative;
- Graduate Students Representative;
- International Student Representative;
- Outreach Director;
- Communications Director; and
- up to eight (8) Directors of Council at Large
Staff Positions
Our staff team includes:
- Office Coordinator; and
- Education and Administration Coordinator
Learn More
Interested in learning more about these roles and their responsibilities? View our Our People page to meet the team, or explore our Policies & Bylaws page for detailed information about each position and its duties.
