Photo courtesy of University of Alberta
We are very proud to celebrate Carmela Spadafora, one of the amazing individuals we support, for her incredible impact on accessibility at the University of Alberta. While attending HUM 101 classes through the University of Alberta’s Community Service-Learning program, Carmela experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating campus using Edmonton Transit Service’s (ETS) Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS).
Determined to improve the system for herself and her peers, Carmela challenged the status quo by leading a working group and conducting a survey to gather feedback from DATS users. Feedback from DATS users highlighted key issues, such as unclear pick-up locations, poorly marked stops, and safety concerns, that often made getting to class stressful and unreliable.
Using this data, Carmela collaborated with University of Alberta staff and volunteers to create actionable recommendations for over 50 DATS stops across campus. Changes now underway include pre-defined service locations, updated campus maps, searchable DATS stop lists, and new signage to make navigating campus easier and safer for everyone.
Carmela’s initiative is a powerful example of how community-led research can drive real change. Her work is helping make the University of Alberta a more inclusive and welcoming campus for all students.
This project reminds us that with the right support, individuals who speak up and challenge barriers can transform communities. Carmela’s determination shows that people with diverse abilities can lead, innovate, and create meaningful change, demonstrating that inclusion allows everyone to contribute and thrive.
Read more about Carmela’s Citizen Science on the University of Alberta’s website here.
