The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) has released its new, comprehensive accessibility plan called Every Door Open.
It's designed to make all school and workplace environments more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for students, staff, families, and visitors.
The board said its updated plan "reflects its dedication to meeting and exceeding Ontario’s accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, and related legislation."
Since 2022, the LKDSB has made a number of improvements including checking schools for barriers and fixing things like sidewalks, front entrances, and washrooms.
They have also added features like elevators, made sure building access is safer, and updated transportation rules.
Beyond the physical building, the board made practices more inclusive for student changes, school trips, hiring, and customer service, while giving staff consistent training on accessibility and human rights.
Director of Education Gary Girardi said while the board has made significant progress, the work of accessibility is continuous and evolving. “We are deeply committed to moving forward with transparency, purpose, and accountability," said Girardi. "Every Door Open is an important guide that helps us stay focused on creating safe, inclusive, and barrier free spaces for every individual who learns, works, and visits our schools. This responsibility is integral to who we are as a public school board.”
Girardi said ensuring accessibility is not a single initiative.
"It is a commitment embedded in every decision we make, every space we enhance, and every interaction within our system,” he said. “We want all members of our community to feel welcome, supported, and valued when they walk through our doors.”
Looking ahead, over the next three years, the LKDSB will be focusing on improving hiring and support for all staff to be more inclusive and making sure all new schools, building upgrades, and playgrounds are fully accessible.
They also want to improve digital tools, make sure online tools follow high accessibility standards, and add more support for accessible transportation, and individualized student plans.
More information, including the full document, can be found on the LKDSB's website.
