Accessibility Advisory Committee
In compliance with the Accessible British Columbia Act (June 2021), Vancouver Island University is required to develop and maintain an Accessibility Plan with the support of an Accessibility Advisory Committee.
The Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the University and assists with identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility that may exist in campus facilities, programs, services, employment, and policies.
The Committee also provides general support in evaluating and recommending the incorporation of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles where applicable.
Membership
The Accessibility Advisory Committee consists of 8 to 12 members.
At least half of the Committee members are persons with disabilities or individuals who represent disability-serving organizations or services. The Committee aims to reflect the diversity of persons with disabilities in British Columbia, including Indigenous representation.
Members may be recruited from VIU faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members.
Terms of appointment
Members serve two-year terms. During the first year (June 2025), appointments will be staggered to ensure continuity.
Members may serve up to three consecutive terms (5–6 years total).
The length of membership may be flexible in response to an individual’s ability to commit.
Leadership and support
One to two non-voting VIU staff liaison members provide administrative and facilitation support and are appointed by the AVP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The initial Chair is appointed by the AVP, Diversity, Equity and Human Rights and is responsible for calling meetings, setting agendas, conducting meetings, providing leadership, and ensuring accurate documentation.
Representation matters
At least 50% of members are persons with disabilities or representatives of disability-serving organizations.
Responsibilities
The Committee acts in an advisory capacity to Vancouver Island University. Responsibilities include:
- Providing feedback on the initial VIU Accessibility Plan
- Providing input on updates to the Plan on a three-year cycle
- Working collaboratively to identify barriers to accessibility (e.g., built environment, educational, policy, employment)
- Advising on strategies to reduce social, physical, sensory, and other barriers that prevent people with visible and invisible disabilities from accessing facilities, services, employment, education, and other opportunities
- Developing a feedback mechanism for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members to share accessibility experiences at VIU.
Meetings
The Committee meets a minimum of two times per calendar year. Additional meetings may be requested by a majority of Committee members.
Required meeting dates are established in advance of the academic year (September–August).
Meetings are held in person with virtual attendance options available.
Procedures
Agendas are prepared by the Chair and/or a staff liaison member.
Minutes are recorded and distributed by a staff liaison member.
The Committee operates on a majority vote decision-making model.
Reporting
The Accessibility Advisory Committee reports to the President and Executive.
The President disseminates Committee advice to appropriate departments and provides updates to the Committee regarding recommendations and implementation progress.
Provide feedback on the Accessibility Plan
We invite all VIU community members — including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the public — to share feedback about accessibility experiences at Vancouver Island University.
Your feedback helps identify barriers and informs updates to the VIU Accessibility Plan.
Get involved
Information about committee membership opportunities will be shared when vacancies arise.
Individuals interested in contributing to accessibility initiatives at VIU are encouraged to contact us to express interest.
Resources
For urgent physical accessibility concerns, contact Security at tel: 250 740 6600.
- VIU Accessibility Plan
- Students seeking support with the accommodation process can email accessibilityservices@viu.ca.
Staff and faculty seeking support with the accommodation process can contact Human Resources – Employee Health, Well-Being & Benefits at benefits@viu.ca.