On April 14, 2022, an Order in Council under the Accessible British Columbia Act, S.B.C 2021 c. 19, established that provisions of the Act will be applicable to many organizations, effective September 1, 2023.
The Act requires prescribed organizations to establish an accessibility committee to assist in identifying barriers to individuals in or interacting with the organization and advise the organization on how to remove and prevent those barriers. Accessibility committees must be representative and diverse.
In addition, prescribed organizations must also develop an accessibility plan identifying, preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and inclusion. The accessibility plan must be created through consultation with the organization’s accessibility committee and must be reviewed and updated every three years. Organizations also must also create a mechanism to receive feedback on their respective accessibility plans and barriers to accessibility from members of the public.
The prescribed organizations as of September 1, 2023 are:
- school districts;
- independent schools;
- post-secondary education institutions;
- municipalities and municipal police departments;
- public libraries; and
- regional districts.
The Regulation also includes a schedule of named organizations that will be prescribed organizations effective September 1, 2023 and September 1, 2024, including health authorities.
Prescribed organizations may wish to start reviewing their respective accessibility policies, conduct an assessment of barriers to accessibility in the organization and establish plans to comply with these new obligations by September 1st.
Watch for a webinar coming soon to assist you in this process.
In the meantime, for more information and assistance contact your Harris Lawyer.
