Removing Barriers
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) is dedicated to providing a welcoming culture and equal access to our programs, services, and facilities.
Through our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility it is essential that we recognize and address systemic barriers that can keep learners from achieving their learning goals or prevent college employees from fully participating at NVIT.
We are pleased to announce NVIT’s first-ever Accessibility Work Plan. The new work plan, developed in consultation with the Accessibility Advisory Committee – stakeholders from across the College community, is the first step in the work to meet the expectations of our community and in compliance with the new Accessible British Columbia Act.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee are responsible for understanding and enhancing disability inclusion and justice issues and/or supporting persons with disabilities. Furthermore, all recommendations will guide the NVIT Board of Governors as they implement changes for the betterment of NVIT and over the coming years, we anticipate the development of several new standards to address the many barriers being faced by people living with disabilities and other marginalized groups, thus making NVIT more inclusive and accessible for all.
Equality Matters
The Accessible British Columbia Act requires that when developing or updating our work plan, the following principles must be upheld
- Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Diversity
- Collaboration
- Self-determination
- Universal design
Our Plan
NVIT’s Current Work Plan Targets:
- Facilities and built environment
- Education and Training
- Policies and procedures that are inclusive of Indigenous knowledge
- Information and communication
- Online feedback tool
The Foundation for Accessibility
The framework for our Accessibility Work Plan was created with the following legislation in mind:
This important piece of legislation promotes the rights of people with disabilities and other marginalized groups, so that they will have full and free participation in all aspects of life. It set the stage for further legislation to create more accessible and inclusive spaces.
In 2019, the Accessible Canada Act was introduced, with the aim of creating an accessible Canada by 2040. It follows the principle of “nothing about us without us”, which promotes including people with disabilities in all aspects of planning for change.
The Accessible British Columbia Act
British Columbia passed the Accessible British Columbia Act (the “Act”) and it came into effect in June 2021. The Act requires certain public sector organizations, including public universities such as NVIT, to create an accessibility plan. The plan must outline how the organization will identify, remove, and even prevent barriers to individuals in or interacting with the organization.
To date, the Act has set out three requirements. NVIT will:
- Establish an accessibility committee;
- Develop an accessibility plan; and
- Establish a process for receiving public feedback.
More Resources
To learn more about NVIT’s dedication to providing a welcoming culture and equal access to our programs, services, and facilities, you may explore the resources below:
STEPS-FORWARD
STEPS-Forward brings NVIT one step closer to our goal of Inclusive Education. STEPS Forward is a family-driven organization founded to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are included as students in the academic and social life of colleges and universities of British Columbia. NVIT believes STEPS-Forward is an inclusive community model that has seized a time when our Elders led inclusive communities. Students supported through Inclusive Post-Secondary Education enroll in programs of studies that they choose based on their passions and career interests.
SUCCESS CENTRE
The Success Centre at NVIT endeavours to provide a culturally appropriate learner-centred environment, fostering informed and respectful working relationships with every student. Our holistic approach to learning integrates a safe space to share concerns, wellness support and referrals, academic skill development through diverse workshops, and resume and interview skill-building sessions. In addition to these, in-person and online tutoring sessions are offered, which may include, but are not limited to, writing support, effective listening and note-taking strategies, presentation skill building, study skills, and time management strategies. Embedded within the Success Centre are our Accommodation and Accessibility supports. Through our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, we provide a variety of services that facilitate academic achievement for all students.