“It’s in TRU’s vision statement: Kw’seltktnéws. We are all related and interconnected with nature, each other and all things. This interconnection is the heart of TRU and it builds the understanding, empathy, and diversity that are part of creating a truly accessible and inclusive university.
We are proud to unveil our accessibility plan for 2025 to 2028. This plan guides us forward in ensuring equitable access to education for all members of our community.
We are committed to removing barriers that hinder full participation in university life and to creating an environment where every student, faculty member and visitor feels welcome and supported.
Equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism are not only celebrated at TRU, but are woven through the fabric of the university. We are committed to fostering an environment that promotes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that diverse perspectives and experiences are represented and respected. Our goal is to create a space where every individual’s voice is heard, valued, and empowered.
This accessibility plan is not just a document - it is a road map for transformative change. It reflects TRU’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism and serves as a catalyst for building a more accessible and inclusive future. We are dedicated to ensuring TRU embodies Kw’seltktnéws, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.”
Dr. Gillian Balfour
Provost and Vice-President Academic
What we doEnsure compliance with the Accessible British
Columbia Act
- Accessibility Committee - monthly meeting
- Accessibility Plan - the committee is in the final stages of developing an accessibility plan intended to identify, remove, and prevent accessibility barriers. (see Accessibility Plan page)
- Collect feedback - Accessibility Feedback Form - an ongoing tool designed to provide feedback about accessibility issues throughout TRU, and provide feedback about the accessibility plan.
Other activities
- Share resources throughout the TRU community
- Develop learning activities and events throughout the year
- Recognize and celebrate important dates and initiatives, e.g. December 3rd - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Recruitment
The TRU People & Culture advertised within the TRU Connect for an Expression of Interest on being a member of the Accessibility Committee. The Associate Vice-President of People & Culture and the Executive Director Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism then received and reviewed the application of interest. Successful members were then invited to join the Accessibility Committee.
Our messages
Message from Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism
I am honored to serve as TRU’s inaugural Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism. Since the establishment of this office, our work is the beginning of the journey towards embedding the tenets of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI & AR) at TRU.
Faculty, staff, students, and guests are at the forefront of our thoughts when the Office crafts initiatives to establish and strengthen the commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our long-term objective is to guide TRU to being a fully accessible, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. This spans beyond reflecting on our core values and the notion of diversity of thought; it means living them by upholding the principles of equity and inclusion. Through this TRU Accessibility Plan, we are committed to taking concrete actions to eliminate barriers and prevent obstacles, ensuring every member of the TRU community has a fully accessible and inclusive experience.
I am committed to seeing this work at TRU.
Pauline Streete
Co-chair
Message from Accessibility Committee
Members of the Accessibility Committee fully endorse this plan and commit to deconstructing ableism to foster a learning, working, and interacting environment that is safe and barrier-free at TRU.
The committee recognizes this may seem like a gargantuan task. However, to borrow and bring life to the words ‘brick by brick - we will see this plan through, action by action.
Our accessibility story
The importance of equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, is explicitly articulated in TRU’s vision statement and core values. With inclusive excellence and the elimination of achievement gaps included in our strategic priorities, there is a clear commitment at TRU to foster an environment where human rights are respected and all members of our community feel safe to be their authentic selves.
To lead the change necessary to reduce barriers and achieve meaningful inclusion, TRU is proud to have established our Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI & AR), which opened in 2023.
Monitoring and evaluation
Monitoring
An annual monitoring report will be produced and presented at the first Accessibility Committee meeting of each fiscal year.
Evaluating
The Thompson Rivers University Accessibility and Inclusivity Plan is built around the six principles outlined in the Accessible British Columbia Act: inclusion, adaptability, diversity, collaboration, self-determination, and universal design. These principles guide the plan’s focus areas, which include built environment, education, transportation, information and communication, delivery of services and employment.
The organization will review and evaluate the accessibility plan every three years beginning from adoption in year 2025. During each review, TRU will consult with the Accessibility Committee, consider public feedback on the plan, address any identified barriers to accessibility and inclusion at the university. The revised plan, highlighting the progress and status of key priorities, will be made publicly available.
How to give us a feedback
Thompson Rivers University values your feedback regarding accessibility and inclusivity barriers at and within its campuses. “Barriers restrict access and participation in university areas, services, and activities.” Our Accessibility Feedback form is available in alternate formats if needed (email as@tru.ca), and a link can be found at the bottom of TRU’s website.
