Frequently asked questions about the Accessible B.C. Regulation for organizations

Learn more about what the Accessible B.C. Regulation means for included organizations.

On this page:

• What is the Accessible British Columbia Regulation?
• When does the regulation come into effect?
• When will organizations be required to meet the requirements?
• Are there requirements about the composition of accessibility committees?
• What should the accessibility plan contain?
• Are organizations required to submit accessibility plans to government?
• What strategies can help organizations tailor Part 3 requirements to their organization?
• What support or resources are available to help my organization comply with Part 3 requirements?
• Does being listed in the regulation automatically mean that future accessibility standards will apply to our organization?
• Will our organization be required to make physical upgrades to our building(s)?
• Where can I learn more about the Accessible B.C. Act?

What is the Accessible British Columbia Regulation?

It requires organizations listed in the regulation to meet the requirements of Part 3 of the Accessible British Columbia Act. Government and listed organizations must establish:

1. An accessibility committee
2. An accessibility plan
3. A tool to receive feedback on accessibility

When does the regulation come into effect?

The regulation comes into effect Sept. 1, 2022.

When will organizations be required to meet the requirements?

All organizations will have at least one year from when they are listed in the regulation to when they must comply. For organizations in the first phase, they must comply by September 1, 2023. For organizations in the second phase, this date is September 1, 2024.

Are there requirements about the composition of accessibility committees?

Accessibility committees, to the extent possible, should have at least half of its members:

• Be persons with disabilities
• Represent a disability-serving organization

Membership should also reflect the diversity of British Columbians and have Indigenous representation. Committees may include members from inside or outside of the organization.

What should the accessibility plan contain?

An accessibility plan should outline how the organization will identify, remove and prevent barriers to people in the organization or interacting with it. The plan must be reviewed and updated at least once every three years.

In developing or updating their plan, an organization must consult with its accessibility committee and consider specified principles:

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

In updating their plan, an organization must also consider comments received through its public feedback mechanism.

Are organizations required to submit accessibility plans to government?

No. Organizations are not required to submit accessibility plans to government. However, organizations must make their accessibility plan available to the public, for example by publishing it on their website.

What strategies can help organizations tailor Part 3 requirements to their organization?

There are several strategies the organization could use to come into compliance, including:

• Organizations that have an existing accessibility committee, plan or public feedback tool may use them
• Organizations may adapt an existing plan (such as a diversity and inclusion plan), committee, or feedback tool
• Two or more organizations could work together to develop an accessibility plan, committee, or public feedback tool jointly.

The intent is to avoid potential duplication of work and encourage collaboration. For example, some local organizations may already be pooling accessibility resources and merging related advisory committees (like North Shore Advisory Committee on Disability Issues).

What support or resources are available to help my organization comply with Part 3 requirements?

Government is providing $3 million over three years to support organizations to meet the legal requirements. Funds will be administered by Disability Alliance of BC. 

Does being listed in the regulation automatically mean that future accessibility standards will apply to our organization?

No. The requirements under Part 3 of the Act are for:

• An accessibility committee
• An accessibility plan
• A tool to receive feedback on accessibility

The Accessible B.C. Act establishes a process for accessibility standards to be developed and adopted as regulations. Each regulation will clearly identify which organizations or class of organization it applies to.

Will our organization be required to make physical upgrades to our building(s)?

No. While organizations are encouraged to make upgrades that will enhance accessibility, physical upgrades are not required under the Accessible British Columbia Regulation.

Where can I learn more about the Accessible B.C. Act?

For more information about the Accessible B.C. Act please consult:

• Accessible B.C. Act (full Act)
• Accessible B.C. Act (in force)
• Accessible B.C. Regulation comes into force September 1, 2022
• Plain Language summary of the Accessible B.C. Act
• Timeline for implementation (PDF)