Gulf Islands School District Three-Year Accessibility Plan (2026–2029)

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

School District No. 64 (Gulf Islands) is committed to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility for students, staff, families, and community members.

In accordance with the Accessible British Columbia Act, the district has established an Accessibility Group, developed this Accessibility Plan, and created a mechanism for the public to provide feedback on accessibility. Accessibility is an ongoing process, and the district is committed to continuous improvement informed by the lived experiences of people with disabilities.

2. Purpose of the Accessibility Plan

This Accessibility Plan outlines the actions School District 64 will take to improve accessibility across programs, services, facilities, and information flow.

The plan was developed in consultation with the district’s Accessibility Group and reflects the principles of the Accessible British Columbia Act, including inclusion, adaptability, diversity, collaboration, self-determination, and universal design.

3. Legislative Context

This Accessibility Plan has been developed in accordance with the Accessible British Columbia Act (2021) and the Accessible British Columbia Regulation.

Under the Act, School District 64 is required to:

• Establish an Accessibility Group
• Develop and publicly post an Accessibility Plan
• Maintain a mechanism for receiving and responding to accessibility feedback

4. Guiding Principles

Accessibility work within School District 64 is guided by the principles set out in the Accessible British Columbia Act:

• Inclusion – People with disabilities are able to participate fully in the school community
• Adaptability – Accessibility approaches evolve as needs, services, technology, and understanding change
• Diversity – Accessibility work reflects the varied experiences and intersecting identities of people with disabilities
• Collaboration – Accessibility is a shared responsibility across the district and community
• Self-Determination – People with disabilities are supported to make informed choices about their own lives
• Universal Design – Environments, services, and information are designed to be usable by the widest range of people possible

5. Accessibility Group

School District 64 has established an Accessibility Group in accordance with the Accessible British Columbia Act.

The Accessibility Group:

• Includes people with disabilities and individuals who support or work alongside people with disabilities
• Reflects the diversity of the district community, including Indigenous representation
• Reviews feedback from accessibility reports
• Categorizes the nature of identified barriers
• The Group reviews feedback from accessibility reports, categorizes the nature of identified barriers, and submits information and recommendations to senior district administration.

The Accessibility Group operates under approved Terms of Reference and supports the implementation and ongoing refinement of this plan.

6. Consultation and Engagement

The district is committed to meaningful consultation with people with disabilities and the broader school community.

Consultation informing this plan includes:

• Feedback received through the district’s accessibility feedback mechanism
• Input and lived-experience perspectives from Accessibility Group members
• Ongoing engagement with students, staff, families, and community members

Consultation will continue throughout the life of this plan to ensure accessibility actions remain responsive, practical, and relevant.

7. Identifying Accessibility Barriers

School District 64 recognizes that barriers to accessibility may include, but are not limited to:

• Attitudinal barriers
• Physical or environmental barriers
• Sensory barriers
• Information and communication barriers
• Systemic barriers, including policies, procedures, and practices
• Technological barriers

Barriers are identified through feedback, consultation, and ongoing review of district environments, services, and practices.

8. Accessibility Priorities and Actions (2026–2029)

Over the three-year period of this plan, School District 64 will prioritize actions that strengthen accessibility practices across the district. Key areas of focus include:

• Increasing awareness and understanding of accessibility and disability inclusion among students, staff, and the broader school community
• Supporting consistent use of the Accessibility Reporting Tool across all district sites to identify, track, and respond to accessibility barriers
• Recommending professional learning opportunities and initiatives that further embed accessibility principles into the day-to-day work of the district

Specific actions, timelines, and responsibilities will be reviewed annually and refined as needed based on feedback, capacity, and emerging needs.

9. Accessibility Feedback

The district welcomes feedback about accessibility barriers experienced when accessing district programs, services, buildings, information, or supports.

Feedback:

• May be submitted anonymously
• Is reviewed by the Accessibility Group
• Informs recommendations and ongoing accessibility improvements

 CLICK HERE TO REPORT AN ACCESSIBILITY BARRIER  

Individuals who require assistance to provide feedback, request alternate formats, or need communication supports may contact their school principal or email the district accessibility leads.

10. Monitoring, Review, and Updates

The Accessibility Group will:

• Review accessibility feedback and identified barriers and provides recommendations to district leadership.
• Receive progress updates on accessibility actions

This Accessibility Plan will be reviewed annually, with a comprehensive review at least once every three years, in consultation with the Accessibility Group.

11. Accessible Formats and Contact Information

This Accessibility Plan is available in alternate formats upon request.

Questions, requests for alternate formats, or accessibility-related concerns may be directed to: SD64 Accessibility - Email: accessiblesd64@sd64.org

- Back to the Accessibility main page

- Accessibility Group, Terms of Reference