Call for Volunteers: Join the Strathcona Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee
This volunteer committee plays a vital role in advancing accessibility and inclusion across the region.
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) and its partners are inviting applications from residents to serve on the Strathcona Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee (SAIAC). This volunteer committee plays a vital role in advancing accessibility and inclusion across the region.
Established in 2023, the SAIAC is a joint committee with regional partners including the City of Campbell River, the Villages of Gold River, Sayward, Tahsis, and Zeballos, Vancouver Island Regional Library, and Vancouver Island West School District 84. This regional approach was created to encourage collaboration, reduce duplication, and respect the valuable time of volunteer members.
The SAIAC committee provides advice on identifying and removing barriers to accessibility and inclusion throughout the region in areas such as the built environment, information and communications, or the delivery of public programs and services delivered by partnering organizations. Community input is an important part of this work. Residents can share barriers they have experienced or observed through the SRD’s online feedback tool, which has already informed a regional list of accessibility challenges. These identified barriers are prioritized by the partners and committee, with progress tracked and reported publicly.
“It is an honour to serve as Chair of the Strathcona Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee,” said Susan Sinnott, SRD Committee Member. “In just two years, we’ve developed the region’s first Accessibility Plan, launched an online barrier feedback tool, and supported the creation of an accessibility awareness training program to support inclusion across our communities and partner organizations. I am proud to work with such a committed group of people dedicated to making our communities more inclusive for everyone.”
The SRD and partners are seeking applications from people with disabilities, advocates, support workers, and individuals who reflect the diversity of the Strathcona region. The committee will include 7 to 12 voting members, representing residents, businesses, community groups, and partner organizations and will strive to include:
- At least one Indigenous member
- One SRD Director
- Representation from across the Strathcona region
- Diversity that reflects persons with disabilities in BC
Reimbursement for pre-approved reasonable expenses related to travel, meals, accommodation, and out-of-pocket costs while performing Committee responsibilities will be made in accordance with SRD Travel Expense Policy.
Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2025.
If you’d like to help improve accessibility and inclusion in the Strathcona region, please apply to join the Committee at srd.ca/accessibility, email accessibility@srd.ca, or call the SRD Communications Department at 250-830-6724.
More information, including the committee’s Terms of Reference, accessibility plan and the accessibility feedback tool, can also be found online at srd.ca/accessibility.
Media Contact:
Elaine Popove, SRD Interim Strategic Initiatives Manager 250-830-6724 | epopove@srd.ca