The completion of the required deliverables (accessibility committee, accessibility plan, and feedback tool) is guided by relevant principles, guidelines, and laws.

This framework helps ensure that we create an environment where individuals of all abilities can fully engage, access resources, and benefit from the library's services, collections, and programs. Here are the key components that make up this framework.

BC Accessibility Act

The BC Accessibility Act became law in June 2021 and established a legal framework to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in British Columbia.

Five principles included in the act are:

• Dignity: Treating all individuals with respect and recognizing their rights to access services and facilities.
• Independence: Supporting individuals to exercise control over their own lives and make independent choices.
• Integration: Promoting inclusivity by removing barriers and ensuring equal participation and opportunities.
• Equality of Opportunity: Providing fair and equitable access to services, employment, and participation in society.
• Universal Design: Incorporating inclusive design principles from the outset to create environments, services, and systems accessible to all.

British Columbia Human Rights Code

Our plan acknowledges the importance of upholding the individual rights protected by the BC Human Rights Code and plans to ensure that library services, facilities, and practices are free from discrimination and barriers.

Library Act

The Okanagan Regional Library is guided by the Library Act of British Columbia, which directs the operation of public libraries in province. Our plan aligns with the act's mission to provide equitable access to library services, resources, and facilities for all residents. The library act outlines the library's responsibility to foster a welcoming environment and ensure that individuals can fully participate in library programs, borrow materials, access information, and engage with digital resources.

Accessible Canada Act

Accessible Canada Act is the federal law that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and promote accessibility across federal sectors.

ORL’s Statement of Diversity and Inclusion

This statement guides us in seeking to understand different communities and focuses our work to learn more about the appropriate ways to design, deliver, and evaluate services. 

ORL’s Strategic Plan 2016 - 2019

The ORL’s outgoing strategic plan includes statements on equity and being connected to our diverse communities.

Incoming strategic plan

While create this accessibility plan, we are actively working on our next strategic plan which is expected in 2024. This gives us a great opportunity to consider accessibility principles during this process.

Upcoming Accessibility Standards

We look forward to incorporating additional accessible standards that are expected to arrive in the coming years. Watch for these standards to be announced from the provincial government.  We expect standards relating to the following:

• employment
• delivery of services
• the built environment
• information and communications
• transportation
• health
• education
• procurement

This first accessibility plan serves as a roadmap to guide ongoing efforts and promote an inclusive and accessible experience for all library users.