Accessibility plan, committee, and feedback

Local governments are among over 750 public sector organizations listed in the Accessible B.C. Regulation. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has been working on the development of:

• Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee 
• Accessibility plan
• Tool to receive feedback on accessibility

What is Accessibility?

Accessibility means that all people can participate in their communities through work, play, and other daily activities. Accessibility is important for everyone, especially people with disabilities. Accessibility is about removing barriers and increasing inclusion and independence for everyone.

What are we already doing?

• The RDOS has enacted a Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee, initially comprised of staff, to spearhead the development of the accessibility plan.
• The RDOS has created an email address as a feedback mechanism.
• On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the RDOS Corporate Services Committee voted unanimously to provide a letter of support to Advocate Accessibility Partners in their efforts to get provincial government change with respect to having ASL interpretation for all emergency briefings. As a result of working with this group, closed captioning is available during online RDOS meetings, and RDOS staff are working to improve the accuracy of captions on the Webex and YouTube platforms.  
• The Pioneer Park Enhancement Initiative in Electoral Area "I" (Kaleden) will focus on upgrades to the pathway system which will improve accessibility to the park and its facilities. 

Recognition of AccessAbility Week
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is May 26 to June 1, 2024. AccessAbility Week is dedicated to promoting inclusion and accessibility, while also celebrating the people in the disability community who are working to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility. 

“The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen recognizes the important contributions and leadership of people with disabilities in Canada,” said RDOS Chair Mark Pendergraft. “This includes ongoing efforts to make communities more accessible and inclusive.” 

The RDOS recently established an internal Accessibility Advisory Committee which is gathering community feedback. The committee is launching an accessibility survey to help develop a regional accessibility plan. With input from across the RDOS, the committee is working to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to Regional District services, facilities, and information. 

Click the link to take the RDOS Accessibility survey or visit https://rdosregionalconnections.ca/accessibility. 

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is open until Friday, June 21, 2024. 

What will come from the plan, committee and feedback?

The British Columbia Accessibility Act aims to make the province more accessible for people with disabilities. The act outlines a framework for developing accessibility standards in areas such as the built environment, information and communication technologies, transportation, and more. 

Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee will assist in identifying barriers to individuals in or interacting with the regional district and will advise the organization on how to remove and prevent barriers to individuals. The Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee will be advising the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen on the following priorities:

• Culture of accessibility and inclusion
• Information and communication
• Buildings, parks and public spaces
• Employment in local government
• Delivery of programs and services
• Health and education

Regional Accessibility plan

The Regional Accessibility Plan will outline how the RDOS will identify, remove, and prevent barriers to people in the organization or interacting with it. In developing or updating the plan, the RDOS will consider the specified principles:

• Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Diversity
• Collaboration
• Self-determination
• Universal design

The RDOS will consult with the Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee in updating the accessibility plan and the RDOS will consider any comments received and consult with the committee. During the development and for updates to the accessibility plan, the RDOS will consult with its committee and will consider any public feedback and comments received.

Collecting Feedback on Accessibility

We encourage public feedback related to accessibility in your community. The Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee will review the received feedback and is dedicated to detecting barriers, reviewing the accessibility of physical and online amenities, and enhancing regional spaces. Below are ways to provide feedback. Make sure to include:

• What you were trying to access
• Where the barrier happened and what the barrier was
• Any recommendations you might have

By Email
Email your feedback to accessibility@rdos.bc.ca

By Mail
Write to:

   Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee
   Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
   101 Martin Street, Penticton
   British Columbia, V2A 5J9

Definitions

as outlined in the Accessible British Columbia Act :

Barrier: A barrier is anything that hinders the full and equal participation in society of a person with an impairment. Barriers can be caused by environments, attitudes, practices, policies, information, communications or technologies.

Disability: A disability is a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities.

Impairment: Includes a physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive impairment, whether permanent, temporary or episodic.

RDOS Corporate Services Committee meeting, Thursday, November 16, 2023.

Photo: (l to r)

Arlene Brenner, Advocate Accessibility Partners

Janice Lyons, Advocate Accessibility Partners

Marie Clarke, COI Certified American Sign Language (ASL)/English Interpreter

Protecting your personal information is an obligation the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen takes seriously. Our practices have been designed to ensure compliance with the privacy provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (British Columbia) ("FIPPA"). Any personal or proprietary information you provide to us through this website or other RDOS managed public engagement websites (https://rdosregionalconnections.ca), the purpose of which is to provide feedback or other pertinent information to the RDOS, is collected, used and disclosed in accordance with FIPPA.

Questions about the collection, use or disclosure of this personal information can be directed to:
Corporate Officer
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
101 Martin Street
Penticton, BC
250-492-0237