The UNBC Accessibility Plan represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible academic environment.
Our vision for accessibility at UNBC is to create an environment where every person can thrive and contribute meaningfully. In our pursuit of academic excellence, we aspire to integrate accessibility as an inherent part of UNBC. Through innovative initiatives, ongoing collaboration, and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of our community, we aim to lead the way in championing accessibility and promoting a culture that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual. This involves the implementation of inclusive design principles, prioritizing accessibility in all aspects of the University, and thoughtful strategies that actively shape the University to be READY to reimagine how we educate, research, and learn so that we can lead.
Under the theme of Cultivate Curiosity, one of our strategic goals is to nurture an inclusive and accessible University community. In this Accessibility Plan, we outline concrete steps and initiatives that will be implemented to improve equitable access for all members of the UNBC community.
Note that this plan is fluid and may be adjusted due to changes or shifts in community needs and/or priorities.
2024 priorities
Washroom and door functionality
Action: Review and create a plan to repair and update washroom and door functionality/accessibility
Detail: Identify the required budget and a workforce plan to support the repair and updates to current washrooms and door functionality/accessibility on campus.
Accountable Department(s): Facilities and Capital Planning
Review evacuation/emergency preparedness plan
Action: Review the Evacuation / Emergency Preparedness Plan (building by building review)
Detail: The H&S committee will share the current plan and communication process (web, posters, onboarding, drills, etc.). The plan will be updated to include an accessibility lens that includes persons with disabilities.
Accountable Department(s): Safety and Risk
Snow removal
Action: Snow removal on campus
Detail: Understand how snow removal on campus impacts access given a majority of the academic year is during the winter season. Share and implement ideas to improve current procedures. Facilities to share route planning and prioritization and provide avenues for feedback on decision-making and prioritization. The University will need to keep in mind the current constraints of budget/ resources. Increase internal communications to understand the impacts on the University community for “off-routine” activities (procedures here will also be reviewed).
Accountable Department(s): Facilities
Accessibility resources
Action: Accessibility resource bank (continued through 2024 - 2026)
Detail: Establish a resource bank that serves as a publicly accessible centralized repository of materials, tools, and information to support accessibility efforts on campus, accessibility learnings and best practices. Accessibility resources currently exist in the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Library, Access Resource Centre and Human Resources.
Accountable Department(s): Led by the Office of Equity and Inclusion in collaboration with the Library, HR and ARC.
Accessibility training
Action: Accessibility training for employees (continued through 2024 - 2026)
Detail: As accessible resources are created, develop an accessibility training schedule. This is also part of a larger EDI educational Framework. Part of onboarding and organizational development future state. Consider an asset to be shared with students as well.
Accountable Department(s): Human Resources (guided by the Office of Equity and Inclusion)
Onboarding
Action: Inclusive training program for onboarding employees (continued through 2024 - 2025)
Detail: As part of an Equity and Inclusion Educational framework, implement accessibility training at onboarding and as a part of continuous employee development. Training regarding accessibility will be focused on addressing attitudinal barriers faced by those with disabilities. Strategize in Year 1, Implement in Year 2. The University may want to consider a position-based training plan for employee groups.
Accountable Department(s): Human Resources (guided by the Office of Equity and Inclusion)
Recruitment practices
Action: Equitable and inclusive recruitment practice audit (continued through 2024 - 2025)
Detail: Conduct a comprehensive audit of the organization’s recruitment practices ensuring they align with principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, including a focus on accessibility. Confidentiality is critical and may require a third party. Consider in tandem with Applicant Tracking System implementation to ensure equitable practices are embedded into the system.
Accountable Department(s): Human Resources (guided by Office of Equity and Inclusion)
Accessibility webpage
Action: Accessibility webpage (continued through 2024 - 2026)
Detail: Develop and maintain an accessible website dedicated to providing comprehensive information, resources, and support for campus accessibility. This includes a campus accessibility map (information about doors and washrooms). Maintaining up-to-date resources, reviewing content, and adding resources.
Accountable Department(s): Office of Equity and Inclusion, Communications and Marketing
Accessibility guidelines
Action: Develop campus accessibility guidelines (continued through 2024 - 2026)
Detail: Develop and disseminate comprehensive accessibility guidelines for various aspects of campus life, including classrooms, meetings, emails, and documents, to ensure a universally inclusive environment that focuses on the reduction of barriers.
Accountable Department(s): Office of Equity and Inclusion
Procurement accessibility guidelines
Action: Develop campus accessibility guidelines (continued through 2024 - 2026)
Detail: Develop and disseminate comprehensive accessibility guidelines for various aspects of campus life, including classrooms, meetings, emails, and documents, to ensure a universally inclusive environment that focuses on the reduction of barriers.
Accountable Department(s): Office of Equity and Inclusion
Accessible intramurals
Action: Accessible intramural sports
Detail: Partner with EngageSport and the Northern Adapted Sports Association to offer additional opportunities to students to participate in sports on campus.
Accountable Department(s): Athletics, NSC, Student Life, Office of Equity and Inclusion
Parking review
Action: Parking
Details: Review accessible parking options on campus, understand where the barriers exist, and develop solutions to address the barriers to improve accessible parking on campus.
Accountable Department(s): Parking, Facilities and Capital Planning