Statement of Work – A Redesigned Website for Disability Alliance BC
DABC is planning to redesign our website to become easier for people to use and built with accessibility in mind. It is our preference to work with a web developer who has lived experience with disability and previous demonstrated experience designing accessible websites. If this is you, please reach out to feedback@dabc.ca.
About DABC
Disability Alliance BC (DABC) is a provincial, cross-disability non-profit and registered charity.
Our mission is to support people, with all disabilities, to live with dignity, independence, and as equal and full participants in the community. DABC works to fulfill this mission through our services, programs, community partnerships, advocacy, research, and publications.
We envision a society where people with disabilities are not only fully included, but also recognized as valued contributors; fostering a culture that upholds diversity and equity.
Context
DABC is undertaking a redesign of our website. It has been around 8 years since our website was last updated, and since then, we have taken into account lessons learned on content and design to improve the website. Our current website is quite slow, and difficult to navigate: https://disabilityalliancebc.org/
In preparation for the website redesign, DABC staff and board have put in the work to prepare strategic documents, feedback, and a vision for what we want our new website to be. We are looking for a web developer who can make our vision a reality. The web developer we work with will have access to these documents and responsive collaboration from our website redesign working group.
We are looking for a web developer who:
- Has experience and knowledge in building accessible websites. We want to ensure that our website is as accessible as it can be, for as broad of types of disabilities as possible, by designing a site that does not rely on an accessibility overlay/widget.
- Is values driven, and is inspired by the values of DABC.
- Is able to find actionable solutions to the sheer volume of information we have on our website, and can make this more digestible and navigable for the user.
- Can develop a website which requires minimal back end website knowledge in order for DABC staff to regularly maintain and update the website after it is created.
Timeline:
DABC is seeking quotes from web developers on estimated costs to build DABC’s new website. We are hoping to carry out this work in the fall of 2024.
Playland/PNE Experience Survey
Equal Access Collective is focusing on making
PNE/Playland accessible and inclusive. Playland and the PNE are beloved and iconic tourist destinations in the City of Vancouver cherished by countless visitors each year. To ensure that this vibrant theme park continues to thrive and attract a diverse audience, it is essential that it remains accessible to everyone.
Playland Experience Survey: Equal Access Collective has created a survey to collect data that will reflect user experience and showcase the necessity for accessibility in Playland and the PNE.
Please submit your response and share with your network!
https://equalaccesscollective.weebly.com/
EAC identified numerous barriers to accessibility that underscore the need for an inclusive experience and the obligation to accessibility that is vital for the park’s ongoing success.
Playland and PNE Accessibility Webpage
Parking
Accessible parking spaces are very limited and are not conveniently located near the park entrance.
Entrance Fee
Full price admission is charged to persons with disabilities (PWDs) despite rides and attractions being inaccessible. The “Access 2 Program” offers a 2-for-1 discount, but this information is not prominently displayed, and the program is only available through Guest Services or phone.
Accessible Washroom Facilities
There is only one accessible restroom at Playland, located near Scoops Ice Cream, which is not easily found.
Accessible Rides and Attractions
There are no wheelchair-accessible rides or attractions, and no rides accommodate safe transfer from a wheelchair.
Boarding Rides
PWDs must independently seek assistance for boarding rides, and many rides are not accessible.
Shows and Concerts
Accessible seating in the Pacific Coliseum is limited and located far from the stage. PNE concerts and shows (e.g. Flying Fools High Dive Show) lack designated accessible viewing areas.
Lineups for Rides and Attractions
Long lineups can be problematic for individuals with disabilities who may have difficulty standing or waiting for extended periods or managing heat.
Food Booths
Inconsistent counter heights at food booths create accessibility challenges, with some counters too high for safe use.
Staff
Staff are not fully knowledgeable about accessible accommodations and services.
Introducing the Reducing Poverty Initiative
The National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR) proudly announces a fully funded initiative to reduce poverty through early intervention and occupational rehabilitation. Funded by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, this program supports individuals who are injured or become ill outside of work, as well as their employers, aiding in the return-to-work process with Certified Disability Management Professionals (CDMPs).
Program Highlights:
- Eligibility: Individuals off work due to injury/illness outside of work, and employers
needing accommodations. Please view eligibility section of website to learn more.
- Supports Available: Access to physical and mental health treatment, case
management, workplace accommodations, and more.
- Locations: Prince George, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Vancouver and surrounding area up
to 75km.
For more details and to apply, visit Reducing Poverty Initiative.
