The Accessibility Plan outlines Selkirk College’s commitment and approach to improving accessibility in accordance with the Accessible British Columbia Act. It provides strategic direction and will be supported by ongoing implementation work across the college.
Guiding Framework and Principles
We are guided by the six principles of accessibility as defined in the Act:
- Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Diversity
- Collaboration
- Self-determination
- Universal Design
Plan Timeline and Focus Areas
Our Accessibility Plan is organized into two initial years of foundation-building, with ongoing implementation and followed by three-year cycles of review and renewal.
Phase 1: 2026-2028
Build Shared Understanding
In this phase, Selkirk College will focus on building a shared understanding of accessibility across all levels of the institution. This includes:
- Developing a common language and vision for accessibility.
- Facilitating college-wide engagement and learning opportunities.
- Identifying accessibility champions and networks across the college.
- Gathering broad input on perceived and experienced barriers.
Develop Shared Methodology
This will focus on developing a college-wide repeatable methodology for identifying and documenting barriers. This foundation will support evidence-based planning, evaluation and continuous improvement. Anticipated work includes:
- Researching and adapting models for barrier assessment.
- Piloting barrier-identification processes in targeted areas.
- Assessing pilot projects and preparing for college-wide implementation.
Phase 2: 2028+
After the foundation years, Selkirk College will:
- Engage in regular updates and reviews of this plan every three years.
- Provide opportunities for ongoing engagement and learning opportunities.
- Refine our accessibility goals based on collected data and lived experiences.
- Deepen integration of accessibility into strategic planning and daily practice.
Governance and Accountability
- Executive Responsibility: Vice-president, finance and corporate services
- Implementation: Leaders and departments across the college, as assigned
- Advisory and Monitoring: Accessibility Committee
For any questions about the plan, please contact the executive assistant to the vice-president, finance and corporate services.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
We recognize that accessibility is a shared responsibility and an ongoing journey. We will continue to learn from our community and adapt our approach to ensure everyone has equitable access to learning, work, and participation at Selkirk College.
As required by the Act, Selkirk College has developed mechanisms to receive and respond to feedback from the public, students, and employees regarding accessibility:
- Digital form
- Print form
- Phone line
Accessibility Committee
The Accessibility Committee was established in 2023. The committee's work is guided first by the legislation and second by Selkirk College's mission, vision, values and strategic commitments.
The committee includes (at minimum):
- One or more individuals with lived experience of disability.
- A representative engaged with staff accessibility and policy.
- A representative engaged with student accessibility and policy.
- A representative with lived experience in Indigenous knowing.
Background and Context
The Selkirk College Accessibility Plan has been developed to enhance and grow our work in meeting our core values of community, access, respect, and excellence. This plan also affirms our obligations under the Accessible British Columbia Act, which received royal assent on June 17, 2021.
According to Disability Alliance BC's guide, Developing Your First Accessibility Plan (2023): Part 3 of the Act describes requirements for government and other Prescribed Organizations to address accessibility. Part 3 of the Accessible British Columbia Act requires organizations listed in the regulation to:
- Establish an accessibility committee.
- Develop an accessibility plan.
- Create a tool to receive public feedback on accessibility.
As a prescribed organization, Selkirk College is committed to meeting these legislative requirements and going beyond compliance to ensure we fulfill our commitments to learners, employees and the broader community.
Definitions and Policy Foundations
All definitions in this document are drawn from: