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Home / Admissions / How to apply / Physical accessibility at NSCAD

Physical accessibility at NSCAD

NSCAD University is committed to creating an inclusive and working environment where students, faculty, and staff can participate fully in campus life. 

Across our campuses, we have implemented accessibility features and offer individualized support to reduce barriers and promote equitable access.

Many of NSCAD’s campuses are historic sites and were not originally designed to meet modern accessibility standards. While we have made improvements over time, we acknowledge that physical barriers still exist. NSCAD is actively working toward a long-term plan to create a fully accessible campus and remains committed to ongoing improvements and responsive support. 

Port Campus (Opened in 2007)

Port Campus is NSCAD’s most accessible location, designed with barrier-free movement in mind. 

Accessible Features: 

  • Step-free entrance and wide path of travel throughout 
  • Ramp with handrails access to all floors 
  • Elevator that services all floors 
  • Accessible washrooms on each level 
  • Automatic door openers at main entrances 
  • Accessible parking close to the building 

Limitations: 

  • Some equipment-heavy studios may have reduced circulation space during busy periods 
  • Acoustic and lighting conditions in large open studios can be overstimulating for some users 
  • Long travel distances between certain areas due to the size of the building 

Fountain Campus (Built in 1860, renovated for NSCAD use 1972-1978)

Fountain Campus is a historic property with several accessibility upgrades, but it still has notable limitations. 

Accessible Features: 

  • Ramp access from Granville Street 
  • Elevator access to most teaching floors 
  • Accessible washrooms on select levels 

Limitations: 

  • Some hallways and doorways are narrow and may limit maneuverability for mobility devices 
  • Certain studios and rooms can only be reached using stairs 
  • Uneven floors, thresholds, and changes in grade in some areas 
  • Heavy interior doors without automatic openers in some parts of the building 
  • Limited accessible parking near the entrance 
  • Wayfinding can be challenging due to the layout and age of the building 

Academy Campus (Built in 1877, renovated in 2004 for NSCAD use)

Academy Campus offers partial accessibility due to restrictions on its heritage structure. 

Accessible Features: 

  • Select accessible washrooms 

Limitations: 

  • No elevator access 
  • Most classrooms and studios are only reachable via stairs 
  • Heavy doors without automatic openers in some sections 
  • Limited accessible parking nearby 

On This Page

Introduction

Port Campus (Opened in 2007)

Fountain Campus (Built in 1860, renovated for NSCAD use 1972-1978)

Academy Campus (Built in 1877, renovated in 2004 for NSCAD use)

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