Our Commitment to Accessibility

Accessibility refers to the degree of ease with which people of all abilities can participate fully without encountering barriers. School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) is committed to removing barriers and creating environments that provide accessible and empowering opportunities for all students and staff in our diverse community. 

Terms to Know

Disability: The state of being unable to participate fully and equally in society as a result of the interaction between an impairment and a barrier. 

Impairment: A physical, sensory, mental, intellectual, cognitive limitation, whether permanent or temporary or episodic. 

Inclusion: "An attitude and approach that embraces diversity and differences and promotes equal opportunities for all. Inclusion is not just about people with disabilities. When our communities include and embrace everyone, we are ALL better able to reach our full potential." - Inclusion BC

Accessibility: The state of having programs, services and environments that allow all individuals to participate fully in society without encountering barriers.

Barrier: Anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of their disability. This includes architectural, attitudinal, information, communications, policy or practice, and technological barriers. 

Accessibility Reporting Mechanism

As part of the Accessible BC Act, SD5 is inviting feedback from community members, students and staff regarding accessibility in our organization. We would appreciate hearing any recommendations you have to make our schools and facilities more accessible in the areas of built environments, attitudes, policies, practices, communication and technology. Please use this form to provide your input.

References and Resources

Global, Canadian and Local Accessibility Context and Legislation

• Accessible British Columbia Act
• BC Accessibility Legislation Plan Language Summary
• British Columbia Framework for Accessibility Legislation
• Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Canada Ratifies UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Accessibility Planning Resources for Schools and School Boards

• A Guide to Creating Accessible Play Spaces (Rick Hansen Foundation)
• Accessible Resource Centre – BC
• Auditory Outreach Provincial Resource Program
• BC Accessibility Hub
• Brain Injury Canada
• Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
• Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
• Canadian Hearing Services
• Gifted Children’s Association of BC
• Kelty Mental Health (BC Children’s Hospital)
• Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
• Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
• Provincial Inclusion Outreach Program (Complex Needs)
• Special Education Technology BC (SET BC)
• Spinal Cord Injury Canada
• Standards Council of Canada
• Tourette Canada
• Universal Design