Able York

At least thirty years old, Able York is a York University student organization that is committed to creating and maintaining a barrier-free society in the form of disability awareness, accessibility, inclusion, equity, equality, accountability, legal activism and mobilization. Able York was founded in 1990 by the Graduate Students Association (GSA). The students at the GSA felt that the York campus needed to have a presence on disability organizing, and as a result, the GSA formally started a brand new student organization called Able York and sectioned off a part of their lounge to house the newly formed group. This sectioned-off space was given a new address in which Able York was, and still to this day, is located at 4-29 Student Centre next to the GSA. A lease was drawn up upon which the GSA declared that the room would always belong to Able York until the students decide to dissolve its activity in which case the physical space would be returned to the GSA, which has not happened yet. We are now moving into the year of 2023, and Able York still exists strong and dedicated. Since its inception, Able York has become an integral part of the York community by participating on administrative committees, organizing events, offering services, forging relationships with other groups both on and off campus, teaching and engaging in advocacy, creating friendships, and most importantly making accessibility a reality. As now also part of our mission, we endeavor to preserve our history and continue the legacy of the founders of Able York, and seek out individuals who are committed to access and consciousness-raising.