LAMBTON-KENT DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
LKDSB Releases 'Every Door Open: A Plan for Accessible and Equitable Learning and Working Environments'

Reinforcing our commitment to inclusive, barrier free schools and workplaces, the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is proud to announce the completion and publication of our updated Multi Year Accessibility Plan, Every Door Open: A Plan for Accessible and Equitable Learning and Working Environments. This plan outlines LKDSB's ongoing commitment to ensuring that all students, staff, families, and visitors experience fully accessible, equitable, and inclusive environments across all school and administrative sites.

Grounded in the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity, Every Door Open reflects LKDSB's 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. The plan charts a clear path of improvements made over the past three years and identifies comprehensive strategies for 2026-2029.

Director of Education, Gary Girardi, emphasized that while LKDSB has made significant progress, the work of accessibility is continuous and evolving.

"We are deeply committed to moving forward with transparency, purpose, and accountability. 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."

Over the 2022-2025 period, LKDSB advanced numerous accessibility improvements across the system, including:

• Conducting accessibility audits and upgrading sidewalks, entryways, and washrooms.
• Expanding accessible design features such as elevators, ALLP room upgrades, and safer building access.
• Improving inclusive practices in student transitions, excursions, employment procedures, customer service, and communication standards.
• Updating transportation protocols to better support student safety and accessibility.
• Providing consistent AODA and human rights training for all employees.
• Looking ahead, the updated plan outlines strategic actions to strengthen accessibility across all areas of LKDSB operations, including:
• Maintaining WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for all digital platforms and communication tools.
• Enhancing inclusive employment practices, accommodations, and training for all staff.
• Ensuring renovations, new school builds, public spaces, and playgrounds meet or exceed accessibility standards.
• Expanding accessible transportation supports, individualized student plans, and communication tools for families.
• Strengthening policies, procedures, and professional learning to continue removing barriers and supporting equitable access for all.

Accessibility remains a shared responsibility across LKDSB. Staff, students, families, and community partners continue to shape this work through consultation, feedback, and lived experience. Every Door Open will continue to guide the Board's efforts and will be monitored and updated regularly to support meaningful, ongoing progress.

"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," said Girardi. "We want all members of our community to feel welcome, supported, and valued when they walk through our doors."

More information, including the full document, can be found at www.lkdsb.net/access