UVic's Accessibility Plan
The Accessible British Columbia Act provides an opportunity for us to review and improve accessibility from a pan-university lens. This Accessibility Plan is a framework for all areas of campus. Together, we can create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all.
Access-centred. Access first.
Access-centred means that accessibility is a process that is forever changing versus a static state of being. Access is a constant process that changes in each space and with each individual.
Accessibility means that all people can take part in their communities through work, play and other daily activities. Accessibility is important for everyone, especially people with disabilities. Accessibility is about removing barriers and increasing inclusion and independence for everyone.
Our three-year plan
The Accessibility Plan includes guiding principles and existing resources. It summarizes consultations, barriers, and priorities for the next three years to address those barriers.
We commit to addressing and removing barriers that hinder full and equal participation of people with disabilities. This will take time and the efforts of many. The good news is that we have successes, plans and policies that we can build on, including through the Equity Action Plan.
Assess
An audit will help us gain a better understanding of our baseline, so we can measure progress in a transparent way.
Educate
UVic will expand on the work already underway to advance and support accessibility and inclusion, including through training and awareness efforts.
Collect and address feedback
We have created a publicly available online form and will develop plans to monitor and address ongoing feedback.
Monitor and update
Feedback gathered through the online form will inform future iterations of the Accessibility Plan, as will the Accessibility Committee.
Additional actions and priorities
We have identified several priorities from the Equity Action Plan related to the Accessibility Plan.
Territory acknowledgement
We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
By removing barriers and fostering accessibility, we change the narrative. Through this plan and process, we hope new themes emerge about the experiences of persons with disabilities—themes of hope, and of progress.
Let’s work together to ensure that UVic is more accessible and inclusive.