Blog

People having a meeting at the office.

The Power of Asking the Right Questions

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Accessibility checklists can get us to compliance, but in order to go beyond, we need to be asking more questions.  When I first started prioritizing accessibility in my work, I was obsessed with lists. I wanted to build myself and my colleagues one master checklist that would allow us to… Read More

Anu Pala (she/her), a South Asian woman with long straight dark hair. She is standing at a podium wearing a sleeveless chocolate brown dress smiling with her eyes slightly closed.

Accessibility Consultant Spotlight: Meet Anu Pala

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We have such an amazing pool of talented associates at Untapped Accessibility. Join us as we shine a spotlight on Anu Pala (she/her), whose unique contributions and unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion embody the ethos that drives our collective mission forward. At Untapped, when we put together a project… Read More

The Disability Pride Flag includes a series of rainbow stripes diagonally across a black background.

Disability Pride Month

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July is Disability Pride Month and if you’re not familiar with why this month is so important for the disability community, here’s an overview. History of Disability Pride Month On July 26, 1990, the American Disabilities Act was passed with a mandate to break down the barriers that prevent people… Read More

asian indian female with disability on wheelchair drawing on pad at city street

Accessibility Committees: Creating spaces of meaningful engagement

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As we approach the compliance deadline for the Accessible BC Act, and municipalities and other prescribed organizations move toward developing their accessibility committees, accessibility plan, and feedback mechanism, one thing to keep in mind is to focus on ensuring the meaningful engagement process and non-tokenistic approach to complying with the… Read More

https://untappedaccessibility.ca/four-ways-to-include-indigenous-people-in-your-accessibility-committee/

Four Ways to Include Indigenous People in your Accessibility Committee

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Under the Accessible BC Act, “prescribed” organizations need to establish accessibility committees including at least one Indigenous member. When you reflect on welcoming Indigenous people to your committee, there are some things to keep in mind. Be clear Outline what you need committee members to contribute and also what you… Read More

clock tower next to old grey brick building and modern buildings at UBC

5 Tips for Post-Secondary Institutions Starting an Accessibility Committee

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Under the new Accessible British Columbia Act (2021) post-secondary institutions in British Columbia are required to establish an accessibility plan, public feedback mechanism, and an accessibility committee by September 1, 2023. Given how institutions tend to slow down in the spring/summer months, your organization will need to make this a… Read More

Overhead view of female freelancer in wheelchair reviewing documents in front of a laptop working from a home office

The Remote and Hybrid Work Model Through an Accessibility Lens

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In early 2020, as a result of the pandemic, many of us were forced to transition to remote work to maintain social distancing and safety. While this was a challenge for many, it became a huge advantage for people with disabilities like myself as it created new employment opportunities and… Read More

Happy blind person reading Braille on park bench, with cane next to him

What Libraries need to know about the Accessible BC Act from a Librarian

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As a librarian with a disability, I’m excited to see how the Accessible BC Act opens the door for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our sector. After attending Untapped Accessibility’s recent webinar, Accessibility in 2023: Trends and Legislation You Need to Know, I reflected on the various types of libraries… Read More

webinar panelist promo graphic featuring moderator Anu Pala and panelists Panelists • Anita Huberman- CEO for Surrey Board of Trade and Co-chair of the newly formed National Business Disability Inclusion Council) • Christine Buchanan- Regional Director of Employment Services and Training for Open Door Group and Chair of BC’s Accessible Employment Standards Development Committee • Sheri Byrne-Haber - Linkedin Top Voice for Social Impact and Senior Staff Architect, Accessibility at VMware

Accessibility in 2023: Trends and Legislation – Webinar Summary

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 On January 26th, 2023, Untapped Accessibility and the Surrey Board of Trade co-presented a successful webinar on accessibility trends and legislation.   The 300 plus registrants gained timely and robust insights from a panel moderated by Anu Pala and featuring Anita Huberman, Christine Buchanan, and Sheri Byrne-Haber. Here are a few… Read More

Accessibility in 2023 webinar title

Accessibility in 2023: Trends and Legislation You Need to Know

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2023 is shaping up to be a big year for accessibility in Canada, and we’re doing a webinar on this topic in partnership with the Surrey Board of Trade. Upcoming compliance deadlines for BC public sector organizations in September 2023 and 2024 have over 750 organizations rushing to improve accessibility…. Read More