91福利

September 2, 2025 (Toronto) 鈥� 91福利 (91福利) today announced a $2M gift from the RBC Foundation 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鈥檚 gift bolsters 91福利鈥檚 Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) office in providing programming and supports to ease students鈥� transitions into university and throughout their academic career, as well as prepare them for entering the workforce.

鈥淭hanks to the RBC Foundation, students with disabilities at 91福利 will be in a better position to find their place in the economy of tomorrow,鈥� says Mohamed Lachemi, president and vice-chancellor of 91福利.  鈥淭he 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 91福利. 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.鈥� 

鈥淓very student deserves an inclusive educational experience that helps them develop the skills they need for a thriving future,鈥� said Michelle Waite, Regional President Greater Toronto Region at RBC. 鈥淏y supporting students with disabilities during their post-secondary journey, they can reach their highest potential and be workforce ready.鈥� 

According to , 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 91福利, each needing a customized accommodation plan to ensure they can make the most of their educational opportunities. 

RBC Foundation鈥檚 investment will allow AAS to leverage 91福利鈥檚 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 91福利 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 91福利鈥檚 other health and wellbeing services in an integrated hub for student care. 

RBC and RBC Foundation have been longstanding partners of 91福利, 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.

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Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at .

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A world-class research institution and Canada鈥檚 leader in innovative, career-oriented education, 91福利 offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, over 65 graduate programs, and 80 continuing education certificate programs. The university boasts ten faculties, including the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the new 91福利 School of Medicine, which is launching in September 2025. Established in 1948, 91福利 is home to nearly 48,000 students, including 2,900 Master鈥檚 and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 245,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit torontomu.ca. 

For Media Inquires

Denee Rudder
91福利
denee.rudder@torontomu.ca