Accessibility Plan updated

Our Accessibility Plan has been updated for 2026-2029. This plan has been developed in collaboration with 13 northern school districts and includes a working group and advisory group. Last year we collected feedback on the previous plan and worked with the advisory to update the newest plan.

You can find the full plan at https://www.prn.bc.ca/district/accessibility/ . We have also included an infographic below.

The two plan priorities are

• Barriers to Accessibility – Identify, remove, and prevent barriers that limit full and equal participation in our schools and communities.
• Accessibility and Inclusion Education – Increase awareness, understanding and capacity related to accessibility and inclusion across our district.

Everyone has an opportunity to provide feedback on their accessibility experiences with our district. This is used to identify challenges and barriers to work to improve, and successes to be celebrated.

We are committed to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers so that every student, family, staff member, and community partner feels welcomed, valued, supported, and able to fully participate and experience success in learning and community life.

Identify, remove, and prevent barriers that limit full and equal participation in our schools and communities.

. Physical and built environments can create barriers (e.g., access to buildings, washrooms, parking, and signage)
· Communication and information are not always in accessible formats.
· Technology and digital tools can be challenging to access for some.
· Barriers can be different in rural and remote communities.
. People want more opportunities to share their experiences and ideas.

· Assess and identify barriers in our schools, facilities, programs, services and communications.
· Develop and implement plans to remove and prevent barriers.
· Improve access to information through accessible formats and technologies.
· Consider the unique needs of rural and remote communities.
· Continue to seek feedback and work in partnership with people with lived experience.

Increase awareness, understanding and capacity related to accessibility and inclusion across our district.

· There is a strong interest in increased knowledge and awareness about disability, accessibility and inclusive practices.
· Staff, students and families want more learning opportunities and practical tools
· People shared the importance of respectful language and reducing stigma.
· Inclusive education benefits everyone.
· Ongoing learning and collaboration are needed to build more inclusive school communities across the North.

· Provide ongoing education and learning opportunities for staff, students and families about accessibility and inclusion.
· Share resources, tools and promising practices.
· Promote respectful, person-first language and inclusive attitudes.
· Build awareness through collaboration with community partners and people with lived experience.
· Celebrate and share inclusive practices across our district.