What’s new at the Accessibility Directorate
Last updated on February 13, 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
On November 18, 2024, I was honoured to be appointed B.C.’s third Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility since the Accessible B.C. Act became law in 2021. I want to acknowledge with deep gratitude the work of my predecessor Susie Chant, who will continue in a new role as Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care. I also want to express my profound sadness at the recent passing of my friend and colleague Dan Coulter on December 12, 2024. As Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility from November 2020 to December 2022, Dan was a dedicated champion for accessibility and inclusion and was deeply committed to serving British Columbians.
I am very proud of the progress our government has made as we work to make B.C. a more accessible and inclusive place for everyone. The Accessible B.C. Act continues to provide an organizing framework to address barriers to the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in our province. Ministries across government are contributing to this work to deliver critical programs and services in a responsive and accessible manner.
As Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, I am looking forward to working in partnership with the community, in particular people with lived experience, to support government’s ongoing work to make B.C. more accessible and inclusive for all people.
Accessibility updates
Implementation of the Accessible British Columbia Act
Accessibility standards development
Under Part 4 of the Accessible B.C. Act, the Provincial Accessibility Committee (PAC) has a key role supporting the development of standards to remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities.
The first two standards being developed are on accessible service delivery and employment accessibility. The proposed standards were developed between January 2023 and April 2024 and released in draft form for public consultation from May 31 to July 31, 2024.
With support from the Accessibility Directorate, PAC is at work reviewing the draft standards and will make any necessary revisions before recommending them to the Minister responsible. A “What We Learned” report detailing the consultation feedback is planned in the coming months.
Accessibility Plan
The Accessible B.C. Act requires government to create and update its Accessibility Plan every three years. As the current 2022-23 to 2024-25 plan (PDF) is wrapping up, work has begun to identify accessibility priorities across government in support of a refreshed Accessibility Plan for government.
Provincial Accessibility Committee recruitment
The Provincial Accessibility Committee consists of up to 11 members, appointed by the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. We are currently seeking two members to join the Provincial Accessibility Committee.
We are also establishing a list of candidates for future vacancies as member term commitments are fulfilled. Visit BC Public Sector Board Applications for the Notice of Position.
Other highlights
- New Fort St. James hospital to open for patients
- More accessible taxis will help people stay connected
- Travel supports increased access to healthcare
- Wonowon Elementary addition, upgrades begin
Accessibility spotlight
Meet the new Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility
What is your role as Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility?
As Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, I assist Minister Sheila Malcolmson to meet our accessibility commitments to British Columbians. That means working with people with lived experience around the province to make B.C. a more accessible and inclusive place for everyone.
One example of that is my role supporting the Provincial Accessibility Committee. PAC members include people with lived experience who help develop and are helping to drive the development of accessibility standards for B.C.
What are your accessibility priorities?
I want to continue to build on the leadership and momentum of previous Parliamentary Secretaries for Accessibility and focus on practical measures to ensure our work lifts everyone up. I want to embed a culture of accessibility in everything we do. I believe that providing education and developing an overall understanding of some of the challenges people with disabilities face day to day will help reduce associated stigma and eliminate discrimination. Building knowledge and compassion is necessary for us to create an accessible and inclusive environment for all.
What is your approach to working with the disability community to advance accessibility in B.C.?
Our efforts must be guided and informed by the lived experience of those among us facing physical or cognitive challenges. I know for many advocates and people with lived experience that this work cannot happen fast enough. As a person dealing with mobility issues myself resulting from a spinal cord injury, I share in that sense of urgency. I also know that I have much to learn from people with disabilities to ensure that I am drawing on the collective wisdom of the entire community to inform my work. I believe our best chance for continued progress is for government, individuals, and organizations to work together towards a shared vision for a truly accessible and inclusive environment.
Important dates
- January 4: World Braille Day
- February 2 to 8: White Cane Week
- March: Community Social Services Awareness Month
- March: Amyloidosis Awareness Month
- March: Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month
- March 3: World Hearing Day
- March 21: World Down Syndrome Day
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Accessibility resources
Contact information
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