The Cariboo Regional District, like other regional districts in British Columbia, is required to have an accessibility plan to comply with provincial legislation. In British Columbia, accessibility is governed by the Accessible British Columbia Act and the Accessible British Columbia Regulation, which were enacted to promote and enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities in the province.
The Accessibility Act aims to identify, prevent, and remove barriers that may hinder the participation of individuals with disabilities in various aspects of public life. This includes barriers in public facilities, services, employment, communication, and information.
On September 1, 2023, the Cariboo Regional District released its Initial Accessibility Plan. The plan is intended to outline strategies, goals, and actions that the organization will undertake to improve accessibility and make services and facilities more inclusive for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
The plan also commits to further investigation and clarification of actions the regional district can take. By having an accessibility plan, we aim to actively contribute to building a more accessible and inclusive community for all residents and visitors, ensuring that everyone can fully and independently participate in public life and have equal access to services and opportunities.
- Identify Barriers: By conducting accessibility assessments, we can identify barriers in its facilities, services, and communication channels that may be hindering access for persons with disabilities.
- Set Goals and Priorities: The plan allows us to set specific goals and priorities for removing barriers and enhancing accessibility within a defined timeline.
- Allocate Resources: The plan helps allocate resources and funding to address accessibility needs effectively and efficiently.
- Engage the Community: We will strive to engage with the community, including individuals with disabilities and advocacy groups, to gather feedback and input in the development and implementation of the plan.
- Demonstrate Compliance: Having an accessibility plan demonstrates our commitment to complying with provincial accessibility regulations and promoting inclusivity.
Public Feedback Process
The Cariboo Regional District is seeking feedback from the public about its accessibility plan for several reasons:
| 1. Inclusivity and Participation |
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By involving the public, including individuals with disabilities and their advocates, the district aims to ensure that diverse perspectives and experiences are considered in the development and improvement of the accessibility plan. This fosters inclusivity and allows for better representation of the community's needs. |
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2. Identifying Barriers |
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Feedback from the public can help the district identify barriers that may have been overlooked during internal assessments. Public input provides valuable insights into specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing services, facilities, and information. |
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3. Validating Priorities |
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Gathering feedback from the public helps the Cariboo Regional District validate its priorities and understand which accessibility issues are most significant to the community. It allows the district to allocate resources effectively to address the areas that have the most impact on the lives of residents. |
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4. Collaboration and Partnership |
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Engaging the public in the accessibility planning process fosters a sense of collaboration and partnership between the regional district and the community. It demonstrates that the district values the input and ideas of its residents and is committed to working together to create positive change. |
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5. Legal Requirements |
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As part of the accessibility planning process, public consultation may be a legal requirement under provincial accessibility legislation. Seeking public feedback ensures that the district is fulfilling its obligations to involve the community in decision-making related to accessibility. |
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6. Continuous Improvement |
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Accessibility planning is an ongoing process, and public feedback provides a mechanism for continuous improvement. By gathering input from the public, the district can identify emerging issues and make adjustments to the plan to meet changing needs over time. |
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7. Building Trust and Transparency |
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Engaging the public in the accessibility planning process builds trust and transparency. It shows that the district is open to feedback, willing to listen, and committed to taking community input into account when making decisions. |
Read our accessibility plan
Learn more about how we will address physical and virtual barriers while engaging the community on solutions.
Give us your feedback!
You will play a pivotal role in identifying barriers and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Your feedback will help us set meaningful priorities and allocate resources effectively to address critical issues.
