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.

1. 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.
2. Set Goals and Priorities: The plan allows us to set specific goals and priorities for removing barriers and enhancing accessibility within a defined timeline.
3. Allocate Resources: The plan helps allocate resources and funding to address accessibility needs effectively and efficiently.
4. 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.
5. Demonstrate Compliance: Having an accessibility plan demonstrates our commitment to complying with provincial accessibility regulations and promoting inclusivity.