Our priorities

How we will advance this priority

Conduct an audit of accessibility at UVic.

Survey key audiences and users on our services.

Include accessibility as part of the academic program review process.

Create a priority list of buildings for retrofitting.

Implement an accessibility lens on all new builds and renovations.

Through new infrastructure projects, meet or exceed Rick Hansen standards.

Additional information

This priority supports an Equity Action Plan goal:

Conduct a campus-wide gap analysis/needs assessment to understand where accessibility and wellness supports (e.g., accommodations, counselling, etc.) for systemically and historically marginalized members are falling short.

How will we advance this priority

Create and update a repository of definitions related to accessibility.

Create and regularly review a central resource page for people with disabilities.

Develop self-paced courses for faculty, librarians and staff to learn about accessibility.

Educate and engage leaders to champion accessibility work.

Develop universal design for learning (UDL) resources, tools and templates appropriate to disciplines.

Champion student-led events promoting accessibility.

Continue offering accessibility resources for instructors through Learning and Teaching Support and Innovation.

Skill up the Facilities Management planning team to implement an accessibility lens on all new builds and renovations.

Additional information

This priority supports several Equity Action Plan goals:

• Develop and implement accessibility training for all managers, directors and instructors to increase their capacity to support university community members with disabilities.
• Promote and support professional development opportunities and events that build an inclusive campus and culture.
• Incentivize faculty and staff to prioritize building an inclusive and equitable campus including developing performance evaluation tools that incorporate and assess equity, diversity and inclusion skills, competencies and achievements.

How we are advancing this priority

A publicly available and accessible online form for reporting accessibility barriers.

Develop plans to monitor and address feedback. Publish an annual report summarizing feedback received, steps taken to address feedback, and future considerations.

Improve coordination between faculties, CAL and LTSI to support and address challenges of instructors.

How we are advancing this priority

Review and update the Accessibility Plan website regularly.

Commit to transparency and accountability.

Update the Accessibility Committee and UVic community annually on progress towards addressing barriers.

From the Equity Action Plan

Encourage and support instructors and teaching assistants to implement inclusive course design, teaching practices and assessments.

Ensure UVic’s commitments to and resources (accommodations and support) for students and employees with disabilities are featured in all academic and hiring recruitment materials.

Develop a collection of job description templates that are written in plain language, equity-centred and focused on skills.

Increase access to experiential learning for systemically and historically marginalized groups and strengthen university and student connections with the wider community.

Develop and release an inclusive washroom plan with timelines, locations and regular progress reports.

Carry out the Better Data Project to establish clear guidelines and governance concerning the collection of self-identification data to evaluate and inform the actions associated with the EAP.

Update UVic’s Policy on Human Rights, Equity and Fairness to communicate the university’s responsibilities related to equity, diversity and inclusion.