Accessibility
The Accessible Canada Act: Navigating Consultations with Disability Communities
“Nothing about us without us.” The common adage captures the need to include the voices of disabled folks in policies that directly affect them. When it comes to accessibility planning, there’s no better expert on the subject than those who experience disability barriers on a daily basis. This is why… Read More about “The Accessible Canada Act: Navigating Consultations with Disability Communities”
Accessibility in Action: Celebrating Untapped Accessibility’s First Year in Operation
In a world that’s increasingly recognizing the importance of accessibility, our first year in business has been marked by significant milestones and achievements. We’re bursting with pride to announce that we’re not just growing—we’re flourishing! Our team is expanding, our partnerships are multiplying, and our social impact is reaching new… Read More about “Accessibility in Action: Celebrating Untapped Accessibility’s First Year in Operation”
Inclusive Language and the Accessible BC Act: The Dangers of Euphemisms
Clients often ask me if it’s better to use terms like “differently abled” or “diverse-ability,” instead of the word disability itself. As an accessibility consulting agency, we’ve supported over 120 organizations to comply with the Accessible BC Act. As we dig into the work of developing accessibility plans and committees,… Read More about “Inclusive Language and the Accessible BC Act: The Dangers of Euphemisms”
The Power of Asking the Right Questions
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 about “The Power of Asking the Right Questions”
Disability Pride Month
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 about “Disability Pride Month”
5 Tips for Post-Secondary Institutions Starting an Accessibility Committee
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 about “5 Tips for Post-Secondary Institutions Starting an Accessibility Committee”
The Remote and Hybrid Work Model Through an Accessibility Lens
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 about “The Remote and Hybrid Work Model Through an Accessibility Lens”
What Libraries need to know about the Accessible BC Act from a Librarian
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 about “What Libraries need to know about the Accessible BC Act from a Librarian”
Accessibility in 2023: Trends and Legislation – Webinar Summary
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 about “Accessibility in 2023: Trends and Legislation – Webinar Summary”
Accessibility in 2023: Trends and Legislation You Need to Know
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 about “Accessibility in 2023: Trends and Legislation You Need to Know”