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Summary of “Operationalizing the Accessible BC Act: Stories from accessibility leaders” webinar

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On October 29, 2024, Untapped Accessibility hosted a webinar focused on the practical implementation of the Accessible BC Act. The session was moderated by Yat Li (Accessible Employers). The discussion highlighted actionable insights and stories from accessible leaders across sectors, including Colin Reid (BC CAISE), Keely Kidner (District of Squamish),… Read More

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Planning an inclusive and accessible event

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The holiday season is just around the corner. We all look forward to gathering with colleagues, friends, and family to socialize, celebrate accomplishments, and enjoy each other’s company. However, if accessibility is not prioritized, it’s easy for a joyful event to turn into a disappointment when not everyone can participate…. Read More

Purple background with text "Untapped's 2024 Impact Report"

Our 2nd annual Impact Report

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Since our launch in October 2022, Untapped Accessibility has become the leading accessibility consulting firm in BC. We’re honoured that public and private sector clients have invited us to help them improve accessibility for their members, employees, and communities. In two years, we’ve brought our expertise in inclusive employment, accessible… Read More

Remembering Mike Prescott, accessibility champion

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Many of our you will recognize Mike Prescott’s name, as he was the Project Manager working on the Accessible Organizations Project, and connected with most, if not all of the 780 public sector organization grappling with how to comply with the Accessible BC Act. In his role there, he worked… Read More

Designing for all: The importance of Universal Design in the built environment

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Living in a world not designed for you Imagine a world designed exclusively for children. As an adult, you’d find yourself constantly adapting—banging your knees on tables, bumping your head on everything, and tripping down stairs too small for your feet. Handrails would be too low, and every action would… Read More

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The Meiorin decision and the duty to accommodate: 25 years of missed opportunities to remove barriers

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September 9th, 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision in British Columbia (Public Service Employee Relations Commission) v. BCGSEU commonly known as the Meiorin decision. The Meiorin decision is about a human rights complaint dealing with workplace discrimination and accommodation. This decision had important… Read More

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Accommodating employees with speech, language, and communication disabilities

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More than 440,000 Canadians have a speech, language, and communication disability that is not the result of significant hearing loss. These speech, language, and communication disabilities can result from many different medical conditions, disorders and disabilities such as apraxia of speech, autism, cerebral palsy, dysarthria, stroke, stuttering and traumatic brain… Read More

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5 ways public sector organizations can use the writ period to improve accessibility

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In BC, September will throw an interesting challenge to some public sector organizations in the form of the writ period.   September 21st is Writ Day, which begins the provincial election campaign period, also known as the writ period. For many public sector organizations and public servants, it also brings… Read More

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

Mental health and disability: Prioritizing inclusion and self-care

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As a person with ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety, I know firsthand how disability can affect mental health. It wasn’t until recently, however, that I discovered how deep the connection between my mental well-being and my neurodivergence went. I’m Hannah (she/her), a marketing coach and consultant. For most of my working… Read More

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Webinar Summary: What BC’s Draft Accessibility Standards Mean For You

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With BC’s first two draft Accessibility Standards now open for feedback, Untapped Accessibility hosted an expert panel on June 26th, 2024 to explore what this means for BC organizations in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. Moderated by Robbie McDonald, panelists Anu Pala, Leanna Manning, Nora Loyst, and Trish Kelly… Read More