Accessibility Group - Terms of Reference
Effective: September 5, 2023
1. Authority
The Accessibility Group is established pursuant to School District 64 (Gulf Islands) Board Committees Policy/Procedure 120 and in accordance with the Accessible British Columbia Act (2021).
The Group supports the district’s obligations under the Act to promote accessibility and ensure the full and meaningful participation of people with disabilities.
2. Purpose
The purpose of the Accessibility Group is to support accessibility across School District 64 by reviewing accessibility feedback, identifying and categorizing barriers, and providing recommendations to appropriate district staff and leadership. The Group submits findings and recommendations to relevant parties, including school principals, operations staff, and senior district administration.
3. Definitions
Definitions are drawn from the Accessible British Columbia Act (2021):
- Disability: An inability to participate fully and equally in society as a result of the interaction of an impairment and a barrier.
- Barrier: Anything that hinders the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities.
- Impairment: A physical, sensory, intellectual, or cognitive limitation that may be permanent, temporary, or episodic.
4. Scope and Responsibilities
The Accessibility Group supports the implementation of the Accessible British Columbia Act within School District 64 by: Reviewing feedback received through the district’s accessibility feedback mechanism
- Recommending strategies to remove existing barriers and prevent new barriers
- Providing advice on the development, implementation, and communication of accessibility-related initiatives
- Reviewing and recommending revisions to the district’s Accessibility Plan on an annual basis
5. Membership
Membership of the Accessibility Group will, to the extent possible, reflect the diversity of persons with disabilities and equity-seeking groups, including Indigenous peoples, as outlined in the Accessible British Columbia Act.
In accordance with the Act:
- At least 50% of members will be persons with disabilities, individuals who support persons with disabilities, or individuals from organizations that support persons with disabilities.
Membership will be reviewed annually to support broad representation from across the district’s five island communities.
The Group may include representation from:
- District Administration (1)
- Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (1)
- Support Staff (1–2)
- Teaching Staff (1–2)
- Administrative Staff (2)
- Parent (1)
- Community Member (1–2)
- Student (1)
6. Meetings
The Accessibility Group will meet three times per year. Meetings may be held in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format to support accessibility.
7. Term
These Terms of Reference are in effect from September 2023 to June 2026 and will be reviewed for renewal at that time. If members of the Accessibility Group discontinue their position, expressions of interest will be obtained to ensure full representation.
- Back to the Accessibility main page
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