Case study: Creating an accessibility framework for library spaces
The client
The Public Library Accessibility Working Group (PLAWG) was established in 2022 to support public libraries across BC to comply with requirements in the Accessible BC Act. The PLAWG works with the Disability Alliance of BC to ensure libraries have the resources and information they need to make meaningful accessibility progress.
The challenge
Many BC libraries’ approach to their initial accessibility plans included commitments to assessing the current level of accessibility for their physical spaces. However, most libraries, especially those outside of urban centres, don’t have the staff resources or expertise to develop their own framework for this kind of assessment. PLAWG brought Untapped Accessibility in to develop a physical space assessment framework for all libraries to use. The framework can support libraries in the development of a first plan, if not already in place, or to develop their next more fulsome plan.
Our approach
In collaboration with PLAWG leaders, the team facilitated a co-design workshop with a group of local library leaders. The workshop included representation from across BC and from a variety of library sizes that serve diverse and representative communities.
The findings from this workshop were used, along with an in-depth literature review, to inform the scope of the assessment. The final framework defines multiple types of accessibility beyond the usual physical considerations, to include sensory and social-emotional considerations. The Library Accessibility Assessment Framework includes a set of guiding principles, and provides a thorough checklist to guide barrier identification and support development of solutions where barriers are present.
The framework has three supporting resources:
- Introductory Video: An overview of the framework and supporting resources, including perspectives from library users and workers with disabilities.
- Library Accessibility Assessment Tool: A practical tool for assessing the accessibility of your physical library spaces.
- Library Accessibility Assessment Activity Book: Includes outlines for guided group activities that focus on applying the framework.
Impact
While designed to support BC libraries, these free resources are now available to anyone looking to improve accessibility of their library or other community spaces. They’re designed to be equally effective in any type of library space and can be used by library staff who are new to accessibility.
The materials were launched in December 2025, with over 75 BC libraries participating in the launch events. Over the first half of 2026, BC libraries will also participate in a community of practice, which will be facilitated by Untapped Accessibility. We’re looking forward to hearing how the tools are helping libraries to further their understanding of accessibility!
This work was done as part of the Accessible Organizations Project, funded by the Government of British Columbia and led by Disability Alliance British Columbia (DABC).