What’s new at the Accessibility Directorate
Last updated on June 26, 2025Get up to date on our quarterly progress with the Accessible B.C. Act and everything else going on at the Accessibility Directorate.
On this page:
A message from Dana Lajeunesse, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility
I was pleased to celebrate my first AccessAbility Week as Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility from May 25 to May 31. AccessAbility Week is a time to recognize the many contributions people with disabilities make to our communities, as well as the people and organizations that support them. It’s also a reminder of all the work still to be done to ensure people with disabilities can participate fully and equitably in their communities.
To celebrate AccessAbility Week, I was pleased to speak with members of the B.C. Public Service about the implementation of the Accessible B.C. Act. It was heartening to learn how many people across the public service are aware of our accessibility efforts and are passionate about supporting this work.
I also delivered a House Statement at the legislature in recognition of AccessAbility Week. As I said in my statement, everyone benefits when our communities are accessible and ensuring inclusion is a shared responsibility. We will continue to use these updates to share ways you can contribute to making B.C. accessible for everyone. Thank you for your continued support and commitment.
Accessibility updates
Implementation of the Accessible British Columbia Act
Public engagement on accessibility standards: What We Learned Report
Two proposed accessibility standards on Accessible Service Delivery and Employment Accessibility were presented for public consultation from May to July, 2024.
The What We Learned Report (PDF, 758 KB) detailing the consultation feedback is now available. More details are shared in the accessibility spotlight.
AccessAbility Week
From May 25 to 31, we celebrated AccessAbility Week to promote accessibility and inclusion and to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities in their communities.
As part of AccessAbility Week 2025, government provided a $450,000 grant to Disability Alliance BC (DABC). These funds will be distributed by DABC to support community accessibility projects across the province. Successful applicants will receive up to $40,000 to fund a year-long project.
Applications will open on August 12, 2025. Learn more about the grant and eligibility criteria at DABC’s website.
BC Accessibility Hub updates
DABC manages the BC Accessibility Hub, supported by funding from the provincial government. The Hub provides resources to prescribed organizations under the Accessible B.C. Regulation to help them meet their accessibility requirements.
DABC recently added additional resources to the Hub, including honoraria guidelines and an interactive map featuring accessibility wins. DABC will also launch a new e-learning opportunity on June 26: Creating Effective Accessibility Committees.
Deafblind intervenor services
In April, the B.C. government announced $645,000 in additional funding to support deafblind intervenor services. Interveners provide specialized communication supports to people who are deafblind, making it easier for them to navigate day-to-day activities, such as grocery shopping, banking and attending appointments. Interveners support individuals who are deafblind using a variety of communication methods, including American Sign Language (both visual and tactile), two-hand manual, voiceover, print-on-palm and large-print notes. The services will be provided through the Wavefront Centre and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Deafblind Community Services.
CanAssist
CanAssist provides personalized technologies to address barriers people with disabilities. CanAssist specifically works to address gaps in existing technologies or services to help people with disabilities find employment and be successful in the workplace.
Visit CanAssist to learn more about the program and how to request customized technology.
Other highlights
- Supportive-living home for people with brain injuries coming to Parksville
- Provincial funding boosts support for deafblind people
- New, adaptive mountain-biking trail opens in Alice Lake Park
- Graduated licensing changes improve accessibility, safety
- Supportive, complex-care homes planned for Nanaimo
- People facing barriers to employment will gain experience for in-demand jobs
- Affordable, accessible homes open in Elkford
- BC Parks improves accessibility, inclusion
- Province reviewing Community Living BC home sharing
- New beds improve care for people with complex mental-health disorders
Accessibility spotlight
Accessibility Standards Public Engagement Report
The Provincial Accessibility Committee (PAC) is developing two proposed standards on Accessible Service Delivery and Employment Accessibility. Both draft standards were presented for public consultation from May 31 to July 31, 2024. Feedback was generally positive about both standards, and people reported that the proposed standards would advance accessibility in the province. The What We Learned Report (PDF, 758 KB) highlights key themes we heard from many respondents.
Public feedback noted ongoing attitudinal barriers and highlighted the need for education and training to support a cultural shift. Other comments highlighted the need to clarify expectations and provide supplementary resources to support implementation, such as templates, guides and clear examples of how to meet requirements.
Feedback received during the engagement has been shared with the Provincial Accessibility Committee and supporting technical committees. PAC is at work reviewing the draft standards and will make any necessary revisions before recommending them to the Minister.
Important dates
- June: Brain Injury Awareness Month
- June: DeafBlind Awareness Month
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The B.C. government has a central site for all public engagement activities. See the active consultations and share your feedback!