At the Catholic Independent Schools of the Nelson Diocese (CISND), we believe every member of our school community deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and supported. We are committed to creating learning and working environments that are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the diverse needs of our students, staff, families, and visitors.

Our Three-Year Accessibility Plan reflects this commitment. Developed with input from our school communities and guided by the work of our Accessibility Committee, the plan identifies priorities, sets measurable goals, and outlines actions to improve accessibility across our schools and facilities.

The Accessibility Committee is a diverse, multidisciplinary team that meets regularly to identify barriers, recommend solutions, and monitor progress. Guided by the principles of the Accessible British Columbia Act, the committee works to remove and prevent barriers while promoting equitable access to programs, services, and facilities for all.

Accessibility benefits everyone. By continually listening, learning, and improving, we are building school communities where every individual has the opportunity to participate fully, feel a sense of belonging, and thrive. Through our Three-Year Accessibility Plan, CISND reaffirms its commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive environments for today and for the future.

The CISND Accessibility Committee is made up of school representatives and members of our broader school community who are committed to creating more inclusive and accessible learning environments. Together, the committee brings a variety of perspectives and lived experiences to help identify barriers, recommend solutions, and support meaningful change across our schools.

Guided by the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us," the committee works to ensure that the voices and experiences of people with disabilities are reflected in the planning and decision-making process.

The Accessibility Committee:

• Provides input into the development and ongoing review of CISND's Three-Year Accessibility Plan, guided by the principles of Inclusion, Adaptability, Diversity, Collaboration, Self-Determination, and Universal Design.

• Identifies and helps address barriers to accessibility, including physical, sensory, attitudinal, communication, systemic, and technology-related barriers.

• Reviews feedback received through the CISND Accessibility Feedback Tool to help inform priorities and continuous improvement.

• Advises the Superintendent on accessibility initiatives and the implementation of the Accessible British Columbia Act.

• Supports ongoing efforts to create welcoming, equitable, and accessible school communities for all students, families, staff, and visitors.

Our Committees members are:

• Pamela Guilbault, Superintendent of Schools

• Kat Grootjes, CISND District Principal

• Heidi Kutschera, Holy Cross School, Penticton

• No confirmed Rep, St. Michael School, Trail

• Zav Huscroft, St. Joseph School, Nelson

• Freya Vos, Immaculata Regional High School

• Jessica Aitken, St. Joseph School, Kelowna

• Tasha Wilson, St. Mary School, Cranbrook

• Vicky Vitasek, Our Lady of Lourdes, West Kelowna