Accessibility Plan

Areas of Focus

Highlights critical areas for accessibility improvements and ongoing attention.

What we found

The survey led by TRU Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Anti-Racism received 61 responses. The summary indicates that nearly 50% of respondents have either experienced or are aware of barriers in the areas of Education, Transportation, Information and Communication, the Built Environment, and Delivery of Services.

What we heard and action taken

The accessibility feedback form is designed to collect feedback on accessibility barriers from individuals at TRU and ensuring their experiences and needs are captured effectively. When respondents provide their contact information, the Accessibility Committee actively follows up to address their feedback and concerns. Similarly, the online feedback form collects data in the same six key areas as the comprehensive survey, allowing for a consistent and thorough analysis of individuals experiences.

Area of focus	Focus area response	Action taken
Employment	3
Delivery of services	8
The Built Environment	3
Information and Communication	2
Transportation	1
Education	1

Three-year action plan

Provides a structured timeline for implementing key initiatives.

Summary

Priority - Information and Communication: Information and Communication is an area of focus; thus, TRU will continue raising awareness about the Accessibility Feedback form and actively collect information on the six key focus areas. The Accessibility Committee will continue to inform and educate faculties, staff, and student; about the importance of eliminating barriers. The Accessibility Committee will maintain managing feedback, categorizing responses, and ensure prompt and appropriate follow-up to all submissions.

Priority - Delivery of Services, Education, and Employment: TRU is committed to continually maintaining and improving access to education and employment opportunities by addressing and removing barriers. We will integrate accessibility and inclusion into every aspect of service delivery, ensuring that individuals with diverse abilities are supported. This approach will be applied to the development, promotion, and execution of services, fostering an environment where everyone has equitable access to education and employment.

Priority - Built Environment and Transportation: TRU will pursue the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) Accessibility Certification to reinforce its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. This certification will demonstrate that TRU prioritizes the needs of all individuals, ensuring a fully accessible and barrier-free environment and public space. Achieving the RHF Accessibility Certification will provide assurance to prospective students, faculty, and staff that TRU is dedicated to creating an inclusive space, including transportation as define, where everyone can learn and work without limitations. Additionally, the certification will register TRU as an accessible site in the Rick Hansen Foundation registry.

Detailed plan

A detailed plan will be formed based on Accessible British Columbia Act six principles that guide the key focus areas where the information and evaluation of accessibility and inclusivity of the summary list section above. The following key focus areas contain detailed actions as a start but is not inclusive.

Information and communication are central to the success of any accessibility and inclusion plan. At TRU, this focus area encompasses various forms of media, including print and web design. The information and communication strategy is aligned with the six guiding principles of the Accessible British Columbia Act: inclusion, adaptability, diversity, collaboration, self-determination, and universal design. These principles ensure that information is accessible across multiple formats, including print, digital, and other media platforms.

Actions

• Develop communication materials that support a variety of formats and mediums for TRU information, services, and programs.
• Continue to increase awareness about the Accessibility Committee, the Accessibility Feedback form and importance of identifying and removing barriers for faculty, staff and students.
• Continue to investigate, review, and implement resources and processes to support multiple methods of communication, print and web efforts, projects, and programs
• Continue to engage and collaborate with agencies and organizations working in the accessibility field to gather insights and lived experiences from people with diverse abilities to inform future work.
• Continue to promote and improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in publications and materials at TRU.

The delivery of services encompasses a wide range of areas, including student services, counseling, the medical clinic, IT services, faculty support, professional development, and the bookstore. The education focus area addresses key aspects such as access to technology, curriculum, course materials, co-op programs, and exams. The employment focus area is dedicated to providing employee accommodations and ensuring accessibility throughout the hiring, interview, and training processes.

Actions

• Continue to apply an accessibility and inclusion lens when developing delivery of services, education, and employment opportunities particularly for individuals with diverse abilities.
• Continue to develop, deliver, and promote integrated and adapted programming for students that accommodate diverse abilities.
• Continue offering regular training opportunities for faculty, staff, and students on diversity, inclusion and accessibility to foster a more supportive and understanding environment.

Built Environment and Transportation connect with each of the six principles in the ABCA and impacts the everyday life of people with diverse abilities as they connect at TRU.

Actions

• Continue to ensure all TRU buildings and facilities are accessible and inclusive
• Continue to support universal design
• Continue to prioritize timely snow removal, particularly in locations of concern for people with diverse abilities.
• Continue to seek the advice of the Accessibility Committee on key projects and major developments
• Continue to apply an accessibility lens to transportation projects and plans that navigate space, provide access to parking, transit stops, and pathways between buildings.