Members of the Accessibility Committee fully endorse this plan and commit to deconstructing ableism to foster a learning, working, and interacting environment that is safe and barrier-free at TRU. The committee recognizes this may seem like a gargantuan task. However, to borrow and bring life to the words ‘brick by brick - we will see this plan through, action by action.
What we doEnsure compliance with the Accessible British
Columbia Act
- Accessibility Committee - monthly meeting
- Accessibility Plan - the committee is in the final stages of developing an accessibility plan intended to identify, remove, and prevent accessibility barriers. (see Accessibility Plan page)
- Collect feedback - Accessibility Feedback Form - an ongoing tool designed to provide feedback about accessibility issues throughout TRU, and provide feedback about the accessibility plan.
Recruitment
The TRU People & Culture advertised within the TRU Connect for an Expression of Interest on being a member of the Accessibility Committee. The Associate Vice-President of People & Culture and the Executive Director Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism then received and reviewed the application of interest. Successful members were then invited to join the Accessibility Committee.
Other activities
- Share resources throughout the TRU community
- Develop learning activities and events throughout the year
- Recognize and celebrate important dates and initiatives, e.g. December 3rd - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Our message
Message from Provost and Vice-President Academic
At Thompson Rivers University, accessibility is central to our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where people can learn, work and contribute. Guided by Kw’seltktnéws, we recognize our connections to one another and our shared responsibility to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in university life.
Our Accessibility Action Plan for 2025–2028 helps turn that responsibility into action. It guides our efforts to identify, remove and prevent barriers across our learning environments, services and campuses. Meaningful progress depends on the choices we make every day, from how we design a course to how we share information and to how we welcome people into our spaces.
As Provost and Vice-President Academic, I am committed to working with the Accessibility Committee and colleagues across TRU to advance this important work. The perspectives and lived experiences of people with disabilities are essential to shaping our approach and understanding where we need to do better. I encourage you to explore the plan and share your experiences and ideas through our Accessibility Feedback Form.
By listening, learning and taking action together, we can create a more accessible university that supports equitable access and a stronger sense of belonging throughout our university community.
Dr. Gordon James Binsted
Provost and Vice-President Academic
Our accessibility story
The importance of equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, is explicitly articulated in TRU’s vision statement and core values. With inclusive excellence and the elimination of achievement gaps included in our strategic priorities, there is a clear commitment at TRU to foster an environment where human rights are respected and all members of our community feel safe to be their authentic selves.
To lead the change necessary to reduce barriers and achieve meaningful inclusion, TRU is proud to have established our Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI & AR), which opened in 2023.
Monitoring and evaluation
Monitoring
An annual monitoring report will be produced and presented at the first Accessibility Committee meeting of each fiscal year.
Evaluating
The Thompson Rivers University Accessibility Inclusivity Plan is built around the six principles outlined in the Accessible British Columbia Act: inclusion, adaptability, diversity, collaboration, self-determination, and universal design. These principles guide the plan’s focus areas, which include built environment, education, transportation, information and communication, delivery of services and employment.
The organization will review and evaluate the accessibility plan every three years beginning from adoption in year 2025. During each review, TRU will consult with the Accessibility Committee, consider public feedback on the plan, address any identified barriers to accessibility and inclusion at the university. The revised plan, highlighting the progress and status of key priorities, will be made publicly available.
How to give us a feedback
Thompson Rivers University values your feedback regarding accessibility and inclusivity barriers at and within its campuses. “Barriers restrict access and participation in university areas, services, and activities.” Our Accessibility Feedback form is available in alternate formats if needed (email as@tru.ca), and a link can be found at the bottom of TRU’s website.
